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Bill would let Idaho designate in-state medical programs as alternatives to WWAMI; committee introduces RS
Summary
Rep. Dustin Manwaring introduced RS 32023C1 to enable the state to designate at least two medical-education programs, addressing WWAMI capacity limits; committee introduced the request by voice vote.
BOISE, Idaho — A legislative request aiming to expand Idaho’s options for medical education was introduced Feb. 7 to the House Committee on Education.
Representative Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, offered RS 32023C1 to give the State Board of Education authority to designate at least two medical-education programs — one inside Idaho and at least one in an adjacent mountain state — beginning in 2027. The request is framed as a response to capacity limits in the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) partnership with the University of Washington.
"Idaho has relied on a partnership with the WWAMI program administered through the University of Washington for medical education," Manwaring said. He told the committee the University of Washington declined to sign an amendment expanding seats after the Legislature previously passed a resolution to expand WWAMI seats. The draft language would allow new partnerships with other regional universities, including the University of Utah, and preserve status quo for students currently enrolled in WWAMI.
Committee members asked for detail about oversight of residencies and seat assurances. Representative Church asked who would oversee residencies outside Idaho; Manwaring said the University of Idaho currently works with the University of Washington and that future arrangements would likely be partnerships with other institutions. Representative Nelson asked whether there were assurances that receiving institutions would have seats available; Manwaring said he had not been part of detailed negotiations but understood seats existed and noted the measure contemplates a cap (he cited a cap of 60 seats in committee remarks).
A committee member asked for the meaning of "WICHE" in the draft; Manwaring identified it as the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education.
Representative Garner moved to introduce RS 32023C1; the committee approved by voice vote and the request will be introduced.
The request seeks to expand opportunities for Idaho students to receive medical training and to encourage partnerships that could increase in-state training capacity. If advanced, the proposal would require further statutory drafting and review of clinical-placement capacity with potential partner institutions.
