Megan Egbert — Representative Egbert moved to accept the minutes from Tuesday, February 10th.
Russ Barron — Russ Barron, administrator for Dopple, introduced himself and provided context for the discussion of fee increase and decrease rules for boards. He explained that fee changes are not new and noted that Dopple was created in 2020 by executive order.
Robert Beiswenger — The chair called on Representative Beiswenger for questions; his name appears in the transcript as 'Beisbinger/Byswinger,' which is corrected here as questionable.
Lori McCann — Representative McCann thanked Mr. Barron and said it was refreshing to see legislative comments being implemented.
Lori McCann — Representative Lori McCann is identified as the member who moved to adopt the docket, with the second mention explicitly capturing her motion to do so.
David Leavitt — Representative David Leavitt is addressed during a discussion explaining cash balances and appropriations, with the committee member being answered on that topic.
Cianna — Cianna was thanked for her time before the next agenda item.
Mr. Price — Mr. Price was invited to come forward to present the next docket.
John Price — John Price, Bureau Chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, repeatedly introduced himself while presenting related regulatory dockets, including a docket on behalf of the Idaho Board of Long-Term Care Administrators, a repeal docket, docket 24-1901-2501, and an acupuncture board docket in his role as both Bureau Chief and Executive Officer for the State Board of Acupuncture.
Idaho Health Care Association — The association supported the new rules through its executive director's participation.
Jordan Redman — Representative Jordan Redman was called on for a motion and moved to approve the docket; he was then called on again for another motion in the same procedural sequence.
Jordan Redman — Representative Redman asked whether there had been discussions about consolidating the board, and Mr. Price responded yes.
— Referenced as having previously explained the funding structure.
— Responded that consolidation had been discussed.
— Asked whether striking the certification language would require new acupuncturists to consult the code.
— Committee thanked him and ended questions before calling the next witness.
Ms. Bergstrom — Ms. Bergstrom was invited to testify after Mr. Price’s presentation and then responded to committee questions about acupuncture licensing. She explained that most states license acupuncturists, which allows them to participate in the market and bill insurance, while the few states without licensing put practitioners at a disadvantage. She further clarified that acupuncturists rely on a national licensing board for board exams but must still obtain licensure in each state where they practice. The exchange concluded with her thanking the committee and offering to stand for questions before the chair ended her testimony.
Heather Bergstrom — Heather Bergstrom introduced herself as a licensed acupuncturist and stated that she was speaking on behalf of the Idaho Acupuncture Association, including herself.
Josh Wheeler — Representative Wheeler was called on after Ms. Bergstrom's testimony and asked how Idaho's licensing and fee structure compares with surrounding states, in the context of a discussion about the free market.