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JFAC directs Health & Welfare to draft report and potential legislation on moving licensing and certification to DOPL
Summary
The committee approved language requiring the Department of Health and Welfare to work with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses on a report and draft legislation by January on transferring the licensing and certification program; the motion drew recorded opposition in both chambers.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to require the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to work with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) to produce a report and draft legislation describing how transfer of the licensing and certification program might be done.
The approved language does not itself move the program; it directs the agencies to study the logistics, identify necessary statutory changes and return a report to JFAC by January. Several members raised concerns during debate about the strength of the word “shall” in the draft language; one member said they were comfortable with a study but not the provision that appeared to require drafting legislation. Despite objections the motion passed on a recorded roll call with 16 ayes, 2 nays and 2 absent/excused in the combined committee summary.
Why it matters: Licensing and certification oversees workforce-related approvals for long-term care and other health-related providers. Any transfer of administrative authority to DOPL would change which agency administers licensing, could affect staffing, and may require statutory changes to implement.
What the motion requires
- The Department of Health and Welfare must work with DOPL to prepare a report describing the logistics of a potential transfer of the licensing and certification program and to draft potential legislation for JFAC consideration. - The report and any draft legislation must be submitted by the date specified in the committee language (report due by January as read into the committee record).
Committee reaction
Senator Wintrow and other members voiced concern over language that would require drafting legislation if agencies concluded a transfer was not appropriate; Senator Wintrow stated she was comfortable encouraging study but objected to mandatory drafting language. Representative Tanner asked for a motion after objections were raised; the motion nonetheless passed following a second and roll call.
Vote: The committee’s recorded tallies were announced in the minutes as a combined total of 16 ayes, 2 nays and 2 absent/excused. The motion carried and will be included as intent/clear language tied to the relevant appropriation.
