The bill proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework for hospitals and home health agencies in Idaho by repealing existing sections of the Idaho Code related to hospital licenses and inspections and replacing them with a new chapter titled "Streamlined Facilities Licensing and Inspection Act." This new framework introduces several key provisions, including the establishment of licensure requirements for Medicare-certified and Medicaid-certified facilities, while exempting home health agencies and Medicare-certified hospice agencies from licensing under this chapter. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for operating without a license, allowing for misdemeanor charges and fines, and grants the department authority to seek injunctions against unlicensed operations.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to clarify definitions and requirements for residential care, assisted living facilities, and certified family homes. It emphasizes the need for individualized assessments and comprehensive care plans for residents, while also setting qualifications for facility staff. The legislation further updates definitions related to the care of vulnerable adults, including terms such as "neglect" and "abuse," and outlines the responsibilities of caregivers. Notably, it revises the term "intermediate care facility for people with intellectual disabilities" to "intermediate care facility," and nullifies specific rules from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare concerning skilled nursing facilities, effective July 1, 2025. The bill declares an emergency, allowing for immediate implementation of these changes.

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