This bill seeks to significantly reform the regulatory framework governing hospitals and home health agencies in Idaho by repealing several sections of the Idaho Code, specifically Sections 39-1301 through 39-1314 and Chapter 24, Title 39, which relate to home health agencies. It introduces new provisions that define essential terms, create a more efficient licensing and inspection process, and establish licensure criteria, including the necessity for Medicare and Medicaid certification for hospitals and nursing facilities. The bill also includes measures for the denial or revocation of licenses due to health and safety issues and imposes penalties for operating without a license. Additionally, it clarifies that Medicare-certified hospice agencies are exempt from state licensing requirements.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to update definitions and requirements concerning residential care, assisted living facilities, and certified family homes. It replaces specific phrases to clarify the type of care these facilities can provide and mandates that they conduct individualized assessments and develop comprehensive care plans for residents. The legislation also outlines staff qualifications, limits certified family homes to two residents, and introduces definitions related to the protection of vulnerable adults, emphasizing the roles of caregivers and the importance of prevention services. Notably, it nullifies existing rules for certain facilities effective July 1, 2025, marking a substantial change in regulatory oversight, and declares an emergency for immediate implementation.

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