Idaho Bill Proposes Ending 53-Year Partnership with University of Washington Medical School
TL/DR –
A new bill could end Idaho’s 53-year partnership with the University of Washington’s medical school by 2027-28, and instead require the State Board of Education to partner with two other regional medical schools. The proposal comes amid Idaho’s ongoing physician shortage and the state’s lack of a public medical school. The bill also outlines an exit strategy from the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) medical program, which has been under scrutiny for various reasons, including a 2022 law that requires WWAMI graduates to practice medicine in Idaho for at least four years.
Idaho Bill Proposes to Cut Ties with University of Washington’s Medical School
An introduced bill might end Idaho’s 53-year affiliation with the University of Washington’s medical school. According to the bill, the State Board of Education should collaborate with two other regional medical schools by 2027-28. The bill outlines a strategy to exit the “WWAMI” medical program, ceasing Idaho’s subsidies for new medical school seats at the University of Washington after 2026-27.
Amid a chronic physician shortage in Idaho, the legislation proposes changes to the state’s approach to medical education. Since 1972, Idaho has been collaborating with WWAMI—an alliance of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—to train med students. However, the partnership has faced criticism, leading to this proposed restructuring.
The new bill arises mainly from issues with capacity. According to the bill’s proponents, Idaho’s requests for additional seats through WWAMI have been denied.
The bill will phase out WWAMI, while current students will continue in the program. It doesn’t specify potential partners but stipulates that the State Board should collaborate with “at least two medical education programs within Idaho, or adjacent states located wholly within the Mountain Time Zone.”
Despite widespread support, the bill’s introduction raised several questions about the transition from WWAMI, including concerns about potential partners and the risk of losing capacity.
Sex Education Reform and Transgender Students’ Access to Dorms
A revised version of a sex education “opt-in” bill also made its debut, proposing written parental consent for sex ed classes. Another resurfaced bill requires single-sex college dorms and restrooms, indirectly affecting transgender students’ rights.
Title IX and Advanced Opportunities Update
In addition, a bill assigning college and university presidents responsibility for campus Title IX programs progressed to the House floor. House Bill 141 aims to ensure presidents’ direct involvement and accountability in Title IX.
Lastly, the House Education Committee introduced a bill amending the Advanced Opportunities program, which offers students a budget for dual-credit classes, career-technical classes, and college entrance exams. The proposed changes aim to provide more flexibility and access to home-schooled students and those retaking college entrance exams.
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