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Committee introduces RS 32‑023 C1 to expand state medical‑education options beyond WWAMI
Summary
Representative Dustin Manwaring presented RS 32‑023 C1 to allow the State Board to designate additional medical‑education programs (one in Idaho and at least one outside Idaho) beginning in 2027 after University of Washington's WWAMI program declined an amendment to expand Idaho's seats.
Representative Dustin Manwaring, R‑District 29, told the House Education Committee that Idaho has relied on the WWAMI (University of Washington) partnership to educate medical students, but recent discussions with the University of Washington left the state without needed seat expansions. Manwaring said RS 32‑023 C1 would enable the State Board of Education to designate at least two medical‑education programs, including one within Idaho and one outside the state or in adjacent mountain states, beginning in 2027.
Manwaring said the proposal would preserve current students' pathways through WWAMI while enabling the state to form new partnerships, citing the University of Idaho and potential partnerships with schools such as the University of Utah. Committee members asked about oversight of residencies and seat availability; Manwaring said discussions are ongoing and caps on seats (he referenced not more than 60 in one remark) are part of the consideration.
"This RS enables the state board to designate at least 2 programs...starting in the year 2027," Manwaring said. He said the aim is to expand opportunities so Idaho students can train and remain in Idaho, particularly to serve rural areas.
Representative Church and others asked whether qualifying institutions and residency oversight would be clear under the RS; Manwaring said the University of Idaho currently partners with the University of Washington and future arrangements could include out‑of‑state partnerships or an Idaho medical school. Representative Nelson asked about assurances on where seats would be available; Manwaring said he had not been party to some of those discussions but understood seats were available and that the state intends to manage caps.
The committee voted to introduce RS 32‑023 C1 by voice vote. The RS will move forward for further committee or floor consideration.
