ID HCR009

Nearly 7,000 rare diseases exist and affect almost 30 million Americans, with thousands of Idaho residents among those affected.

Idaho ranks last in the nation for pediatric physicians per capita, with only 250 total pediatric physicians statewide and just 8 pediatric neurologists.

Idaho patients diagnosed with rare diseases are frequently referred out of state for neurological evaluation and treatment, creating significant financial and emotional hardship for families.

Individuals with rare diseases experience isolation, delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options, and reimbursement difficulties.

The legislature supports efforts to educate pediatric physicians about rare diseases, coordinate communication among providers, increase access to pediatric neurologists, and recruit more pediatric neurologists to practice in Idaho.