Committee votes to print 'Idaho Bill of Patient Medical Rights'; sponsor says it codifies informed-consent protections

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send RS 31878 to print after a presentation from Senator Dan Foreman. Foreman described the proposal as creating a statutory “Idaho Bill of Patient Medical Rights” that would codify patient safeguards and informed-consent requirements.

“For 71 years” Foreman said, “I have the highest respect for our healthcare system and its providers,” and added the bill would “ensure fairness of treatment, enhance patient awareness of medical treatment options, and install patient safeguards with respect to requirements for informed consent in the use of experimental drugs.” The sponsor told the committee the proposal would establish that a patient “cannot be denied treatment for refusing a vaccine,” that no patient “shall be administered any experimental drug without informed written consent,” and that it would support Idaho code 39-9003, the Idaho Health Freedom Act.

Foreman also said the attorney general’s office reviewed the draft and determined it did not conflict with state or U.S. constitutional provisions; he noted Idaho Code 67-1405(15) would permit the attorney general to seek injunctive relief against violators.

During questions, Senator Wintrow asked whether the nondiscrimination language in the companion bill (RS 31876) previously included protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and whether such language would be reinserted; Foreman replied he would not add those categories.

Motion and vote: Senator Lenny moved to send RS 31878 to print; the motion was seconded by Senator Ziederfeld. The committee approved the motion on a voice vote, with one senator requesting to be recorded.

Sending RS 31878 to print schedules a formal hearing for the bill and does not represent approval of the proposed statute on its merits.