Amends existing law to revise a definition.
House Bill 27 is a narrow technical amendment to Idaho’s nursing statutes. It revises the definition of “licensed practical nurse” in Section 54-1402, Idaho Code, to clarify the duties and functions associated with that license. The bill keeps the overall structure of the nursing definitions intact and does not create a new licensing category or substantially change the scope of practice for nurses.
The amended definition describes a licensed practical nurse as practicing under the direction of a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, physician, or dentist, and lists core functions such as contributing to assessments, participating in care planning, implementing care, administering medications and treatments as prescribed, maintaining safe nursing care, evaluating responses to interventions, and delegating certain nursing interventions. The bill also retains the existing definitions for advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, nursing education programs, and the broader “practice of nursing” definition.
The bill amends Idaho Code Section 54-1402, which governs definitions in the state’s nursing licensure chapter. Its practical effect is to update and clarify the statutory description of licensed practical nurse duties, which may affect how the Board of Nursing interprets scope-of-practice questions, licensure standards, and disciplinary or regulatory matters involving LPN practice. Because the bill is limited to a definitional revision, it does not appear to materially alter other health professions statutes or expand prescribing authority.
Available context suggests the bill is routine and noncontroversial. It was introduced by the House Health and Welfare Committee, and there are no recorded committee transcripts, floor debate excerpts, or votes indicating opposition or significant public controversy. The bill’s emergency clause and July 1, 2025 effective date suggest an intent to make the clarification operative promptly, but the overall tone appears administrative rather than policy-driven.
No specific points of contention are reflected in the available record. If any concerns were raised, they are not captured in the provided materials. In bills of this type, possible issues would typically involve whether the revised definition could indirectly affect scope of practice, delegation, or supervision requirements for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, physicians, dentists, or the Board of Nursing, but no such dispute is documented here.