Committee advances RS31878, proposed 'Idaho Bill of Patient Medical Rights'

Sen. Dan Foreman, R‑District 6, presented RS31878, described in his remarks as the “Idaho Bill of Patient Medical Rights.” Foreman said the measure would codify patient rights including a right to informed consent, a prohibition on administering experimental drugs without informed written consent, and that a patient cannot be denied treatment for refusing a vaccine. He described the proposal as supporting Idaho Code 39‑9003 (the Idaho Health Freedom Act) and said the attorney general reviewed the bill and determined it does not conflict with state or U.S. constitutional provisions as presented.

During committee discussion Sen. Wintrow asked whether nondiscrimination language from a prior bill — specifically language referencing age, sexual orientation and gender identity — could be restored; Foreman declined to add those categories. No other substantive amendments were proposed in committee. Sen. Lenny moved and Sen. Ziederfeld seconded a motion to send RS31878 to print; the committee approved the motion on a voice vote. The sponsor indicated the bill would place restrictions on state and local governments regarding advertising certain medicines and would install safeguards for informed consent in use of experimental drugs, but no fiscal impact or implementation details were presented in committee.

The committee recorded the motion and the sponsor’s presentation; one senator asked that their vote be recorded later, but committee action in the transcript is a voice approval to send the RS to print.