Megan Egbert — Representative Megan Egbert asked about the February 10th minutes and then moved to accept those minutes.
Russ Barron — Russ Barron was invited to come forward, then introduced himself as the administrator for Dopple and began providing context for the discussion of fee changes.
Russ Barron — Russ Barron explains the department’s move to a single automated licensing and investigations system, emphasizing paperless processing, cross-training, and efficiencies that support board mergers and consolidation. He then discusses the financial side of the boards’ operations, including current cash balances, how interest is returned to the general fund, and how fee adjustments are being implemented through rules and statutory language. He summarizes the overall fee plan—decreasing fees for some boards, increasing them for others, and granting fee holidays where appropriate—while noting that boards receive quarterly financial reports, have requested technology changes, and have generally been cooperative. He also describes ongoing performance improvements in licensing and investigations, including same-day licensing goals and a target of completing 90% of investigations within 120 days, and notes that AI would only be used if it improves service and reduces costs. The segment ends with a follow-up question about how much of the budget is carryover from prior years.
Lori McCann — Praises the universal system and cross-training improvements.
Lori McCann — Says she has a comment rather than a question and thanks the witness for implementing legislative feedback.
Lori McCann — Commends the witness for implementing legislative comments and supporting the plan.
Lori McCann — Thanks the witness and asks a budget question about carryover funds.
Lori McCann — Was recognized by the chair and later made a motion on the docket.
Lori McCann — Moved to adopt docket 24-4101-2501.
Lori McCann — Representative McCann asks about the rule language on certification requirements in the acupuncture section, noting that the reference to requirements prescribed in Idaho Code has been struck. She identifies the relevant page and section in the rulebook and continues probing whether, if the language is removed, a new acupuncturist would know to consult Idaho Code 54-4707 for any additional requirements. She concludes by asking why the line was struck and whether there are other obligations not listed in the rule.
Robert Beiswenger — Representative Beiswenger discusses concerns raised by outfitters about declining financial trends and asks how they can monitor spending and revenue, including whether they have access to accounting software or transaction information to stay updated on financial activity.
David Leavitt — Representative Leavitt asked about the cash balance and carryover funds, and Mr. Barron replied that $63.5 million remains in cash balance, explaining that any unused appropriation stays in the account rather than being treated as carryover.
Cianna — Was thanked for her time; likely the prior witness or staff member being addressed.
Mr. Price — Mr. Price is introduced to present the Long-Term Care Administrators rules docket, then the committee moves to questions after his presentation, and shortly afterward he is called back to present the next docket on the agenda.
John Price — John Price, Bureau Chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau and Executive Officer for the State Board of Acupuncture, introduced himself and presented multiple related rulemaking dockets, including requests to repeal two dockets and to approve the acupuncture board’s pending rule changes. He explained that certain certification language was removed because it duplicated statute, noting that new licensees must attest they have read the practice act and rules. He then answered committee questions about the changes before the committee concluded with no further questions.
Jordan Redman — Representative Redman was recognized twice in close succession to make a motion on the docket, forming one continuous procedural moment.
Jordan Redman — Asks whether there have been discussions about board consolidation.
Julie VanOrden — Administrator Barron is referenced in relation to prior remarks about the board's funding and fee structure; the transcript likely intended a different speaker name, but no correction is certain from context.
Ms. Bergstrom — The chair invites Ms. Bergstrom to testify on the docket.
Heather Bergstrom — Heather Bergstrom, a licensed acupuncturist representing the Idaho Acupuncture Association, testified in support of increasing acupuncture licensing fees under Docket 24-1701-2501. She explained that licensure is important because it allows acupuncturists to participate in the insurance marketplace and helps patients use acupuncture benefits, including public employees with coverage. In response to committee questions, she said most states license acupuncturists, which enables insurance billing, while the few states without licensure leave practitioners at a disadvantage. She also described that acupuncturists take board exams and are licensed state by state, with the national board serving as part of the credentialing process. Her testimony concluded with thanks and an invitation for further questions.
Josh Wheeler — Asked Ms. Bergstrom how Idaho's licensing and fee structure compares with surrounding states.
Brandon Shippy — The transcript says 'Representative Furman,' which appears to be a transcription error; likely a member is speaking to the motion, but the exact identity is unclear from the text provided.