ID S1181

Amends Idaho Code Section 16-1627 to require courts consider religious and alternative health care treatment methods when authorizing medical or surgical care for a child.

Courts must take into consideration any treatment given through prayer by spiritual means alone if the child or parent are adherents of a bona fide religious denomination that relies exclusively on this form of treatment instead of medical treatment.

Courts must also consider alternative health care methods if the child or parent rely on such treatment in lieu of medical treatment.

Maintains existing court authority to authorize emergency medical or surgical care when a parent/guardian is unavailable or when a physician indicates the child's life is endangered without treatment and the parent refuses consent.

Preserves existing protections for physicians and hospitals performing care or treatment under court authorization, shielding them from criminal or civil liability.