This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code related to medical education, specifically focusing on residency requirements for students, state-supported medical students, and the transition of the WWAMI program. Key changes include the removal of references to the WWAMI program in the definitions of residency and state-supported medical students, while introducing new provisions that establish criteria for medical education programs that will receive state funding. The bill specifies that no new slots for Idaho students in the WWAMI program will be reserved after the 2026-2027 academic year, and it mandates that at least two new medical education programs be designated within Idaho or adjacent states, with a focus on ensuring that clinical placements are primarily located in Idaho.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for students who qualify as Idaho residents and are accepted into state-supported medical education programs, including the necessity of entering into a contract to practice in Idaho for a specified period after graduation. It establishes a medical education reimbursement fund to manage financial obligations related to these contracts and provides guidelines for the administration of this fund. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-3717B, 33-3731