JFAC reviews public health services budget; agency seeks restorations, data modernization and rural physician incentives

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Monday reviewed the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health Services budget request for fiscal 2026, hearing officials outline a plan to restore programs moved to one‑time funding, fund data modernization projects and continue incentives to attract physicians to underserved parts of Idaho.

Division budget staff told the committee the governor’s recommendation for fiscal 2026 is about $154 million, down roughly 6% from the 2025 appropriation largely because of prior one‑time federal funds and structural changes that shifted ongoing programs into one‑time appropriations. "I would characterize it as a healthy exercise," Director Alex Adams told the committee, referring to a zero‑based review of the division’s programs.

The Division of Public Health Services is organized around five program areas: physical health services (contracts with local public health districts and providers for immunizations, maternal and child health, food safety and other services); emergency medical services and preparedness; laboratory services; suicide prevention and awareness; and health care policy initiatives, including administration of the State Health Care Innovation Plan (SHIP). Analysts said most of the division’s spending flows out in trustee and benefit payments for services, with personnel…