Adds to existing law to provide for nurses to delegate tasks to non-nurses under certain conditions.
Summary
House Bill 288 amends Idaho nursing law to expressly allow a licensed nurse, if appropriately educated, trained, and experienced, to delegate certain tasks to a non-nurse. The delegation is limited to tasks that do not require independent medical judgment, and the nurse must maintain proper supervision and be satisfied that the person is qualified and adequately trained.
The bill further defines these delegable tasks as duties for which the individual has received formal training and is certified by a national organization acceptable to the Board of Nursing. It also includes an emergency clause, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to Chapter 14, Title 54 of the Idaho Code and clarifies the scope of lawful delegation in nursing practice. It affects licensed nurses, non-nurse healthcare workers, and the Idaho Board of Nursing by setting a statutory standard for what tasks may be delegated and under what supervision, while leaving the board authority to determine acceptable national certifications.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be a straightforward professional-practice clarification rather than a controversial policy change. The emergency clause suggests an intent to implement the delegation authority quickly, which may indicate practical support for addressing workforce or workflow needs in healthcare settings.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the boundary between routine delegated tasks and tasks involving independent medical judgment, since that distinction can affect patient safety, staffing flexibility, and liability. Another possible issue is the requirement that certification come from a national organization acceptable to the board, which could raise questions about which credentials qualify and how much discretion the board should have in approving them.