The proposed bill seeks to significantly reform the regulatory framework governing hospitals and home health agencies in Idaho by repealing several sections of the Idaho Code related to hospital licenses and inspections, specifically Sections 39-1301 through 39-1314 and Chapter 24, Title 39. In their place, the bill introduces new sections that define key terms, establish a streamlined licensing process, and outline conditions for license denial or revocation, ensuring compliance with federal standards for Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities. Additionally, the bill imposes penalties for operating without a license, including misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential imprisonment, while granting the Department of Health and Welfare the authority to seek injunctions against unlicensed operations.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to update definitions and requirements related to residential care and assisted living facilities, including clarifying the type of care these facilities can provide. It emphasizes the need for individualized assessments and comprehensive care plans for residents, mandates sufficient trained personnel, and limits certified family homes to a maximum of two residents, with variances for up to four under certain conditions. The legislation also introduces definitions related to the protection of vulnerable adults, clarifies caregiver responsibilities, and amends existing legal language to exempt certain employees from specific regulations. Additionally, it broadens the definitions of healthcare facilities and nullifies specific rules from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare effective July 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 39-1301, 39-1301A, 39-1301B, 39-1302, 39-1303, 39-1304, 39-1305, 39-1306, 39-1307, 39-1307A, 39-1307B, 39-1308, 39-1312, 39-1313, 39-1314, 39-1309, 39-1310, 39-1301C, 39-1392, 39-3301, 39-3322, 39-3501, 39-3505, 39-5302, 54-3215, 56-101, 56-1402, 56-1602, 56-1703, 63-701