Idaho House passes residency programs bill to address physician shortages

In a significant move to address Idaho's ongoing physician shortage, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 333 during the House Legislative Session on March 6, 2025. This bill aims to expand residency programs across the state, a strategy that has proven effective in retaining medical professionals. With Idaho consistently ranking low in the number of physicians per capita, the introduction of additional residency slots is seen as a crucial step toward improving healthcare access for residents.

The bill includes new residency programs in various specialties, including internal medicine in Boise, psychiatry in Eastern Idaho, family medicine in Nampa, and dental education. These initiatives are expected to encourage more medical graduates to remain in Idaho after completing their training, as over half of those who complete their residency in the state choose to stay and practice.

Supporters of the bill highlighted its cost-effectiveness, noting that the state will cover less than a third of the total expenses associated with these residency programs, with the healthcare industry contributing the remainder. This financial structure is viewed as a beneficial arrangement for Idaho, addressing one of the state's most pressing healthcare challenges.

In addition to the residency expansion, the session also addressed House Bill 329, which proposes a shift in how property taxes are assessed for utilities. This bill aims to replace the current property tax system with a kilowatt-per-hour tax for electric utilities and a therms tax for gas companies. The change is designed to maintain revenue neutrality for local taxing districts while simplifying the tax collection process for utilities. This measure has garnered support from various stakeholders, including utility companies and county associations, and is expected to mitigate future legal disputes related to property tax assessments.

As Idaho continues to grapple with healthcare and taxation issues, these legislative actions reflect a commitment to improving community health services and ensuring fair tax practices. The passage of these bills marks a proactive approach to addressing the needs of Idaho residents and enhancing the state's overall quality of life.