Friday, January 19, 2024

Week two of the legislative session has concluded, and several IMA priorities have surfaced. Below is a brief recap of legislation that has been introduced impacting IMA priorities.

In this issue...

Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC)
Extending Access to Contraception
Potential Change to Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS)

On July 1 of last year, Idaho became the only state in the nation without an MMRC as the committee was sunset during the 2023 Legislature. Since then, Idaho’s lack of MMRC has been in the public eye both locally and nationally. On Jan. 16, Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) introduced HB 399, beginning the process to restore the committee.

If HB 399, or similar legislation, is successful, there will be potential changes to the previous MMRC. The most noticeable change is the agency administering the program is shifting from the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to the Board of Medicine (BOM). It is also worth noting that compared to the initial creation of the MMRC, the language used to draft HB 399 varies in several other ways. This has led to a few questions regarding the investigating authority by the committee and protections for doing so. However, the lobby team is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the restoration of an MMRC that resembles the previous committee. We will continue to keep you updated along the journey. HB 399 has not yet been scheduled for a full House Health and Welfare Committee hearing.

Extending Access to Contraception

In the State of Idaho, patients can only access contraception for up to three months – a frustration that has been long shared by both providers and patients. Fortunately, on Jan. 17, the Senate began the process of extending access. Introduced by Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), SB 1234 would require insurance providers in Idaho to cover six months of prescription contraception.

During the introduction, Sen. Wintrow highlighted that Idaho insurance providers were not opposed to the legislation, helping clear one legislative hurdle. However, senators on the committee expressed potential concern regarding government overreach by mandating a requirement of insurance providers. IMA supports SB 1234 to increase access to contraception, and the lobby team will continue to monitor its progress. SB 1234 has not yet been scheduled for a full hearing in the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee.

Potential Change to Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS)

On Jan. 16, legislation was introduced that would significantly change Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS). Introduced by Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett), HB 397 would change Idaho from an opt-out state to an opt-in, a change that would substantially impact the way immunization data is obtained and utilized by physicians and public health servants throughout Idaho.

The public health benefits of the current opt-out system are far-ranging. IMA has long-standing policy adopted by the House of Delegates supporting both IRIS and the opt-out standard; therefore, we have strong concerns about HB 397. We expect the bill to receive a hearing soon in the House Health and Welfare Committee. The lobby team will continue conversations with stakeholders to monitor the progress and update you along the way.

Throughout the Legislative Session, IMA monitors legislation and provides status updates every Friday. Click here to view the IMA Bill Tracker.

If you ever have any questions or need any advice, don't hesitate to touch base with us.

Mike Cunnington, Director of Government Affairs

(208) 344-7888

cunnington@idmed.org