ID HCR038

98.7% of Idaho is designated as a primary care health professional shortage area by the federal government, with only Ada and Blaine counties excluded.

Idaho had 192.6 active physicians per 100,000 population as of 2018, ranking 49th among states compared to Massachusetts' first-place ranking of 449.5 physicians per 100,000 population.

Legislature encourages the State Board of Education to request funding for five additional WWAMI slots beginning in fiscal year 2025 and another five slots beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Goal is to fund a cohort of at least 50 Idaho students annually in the WWAMI program, increasing from the current 40 students per year, subject to available funding.

WWAMI Regional Medical Education Program serves five member states (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) and aims to increase practicing physicians, particularly in primary care.