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Committee advances bill to enshrine patient rights, including informed‑consent protections, to print
Summary
Sen. Dan Foreman presented RS31878 — the proposed "Idaho Bill of Patient Medical Rights" — which would codify informed‑consent protections, prohibit mandatory administration of experimental drugs without written consent, and bar denial of treatment for refusing a vaccine; the committee approved sending it to print.
Sen. Dan Foreman, senator from District 6, presented RS31878, described in committee as the "Idaho Bill of Patient Medical Rights." Foreman said the proposed section (to appear as Idaho Code 39‑9004) would codify patient protections including a right not to be denied treatment for refusing a vaccine, a right to informed consent for medications and medical treatments, and a prohibition on administering experimental drugs without written informed consent.
Foreman said the RS supports Idaho Code 39‑9003 (the Idaho Health Freedom Act) and that the attorney general's office had reviewed the measure and determined it did not conflict with state or U.S. constitutional provisions. He said the Idaho attorney general may seek injunctive action against violators under Idaho Code 67‑1405(15).
Sen. Wintrow asked whether nondiscrimination language from a prior bill that included age, sexual orientation and gender identity could be restored; Foreman declined to add sexual orientation and gender identity to this RS. The committee moved to send the RS to print; Senator Lenny moved and Senator Zieterfeld seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Committee members encouraged that the bill would be subject to detailed examination at the full hearing on questions such as the scope of nondiscrimination protections, definitions of "experimental drug," and intersections with existing professional and licensing standards.
