The House has passed the death bill, SB 1348a, which would ensure that treatment, food and fluids aren't denied to a dying patient if the patient wants them and if they “in reasonable medical judgement will preserve the life of the patient,” on a 57-12 vote; it now goes to Gov. Butch Otter. Rep. Erik Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, called the measure "a good bill for Idaho citizens that helps balance the end of life equation."

"I'm kind of torn by this bill," said Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, a retired physician. "I was originally somewhat offended by the implication that physicians in the state of Idaho would not listen to the authentic desires of the patient, either verbally given or through their ... end of life document." But he said he felt the bill was "appropriately amended." Rusche said, "I think that I probably will come down on the side of voting in favor, because it does clearly state that the personal wishes of the patient take precedence, and I think it's well for us to remember that in other situations as well."

The bill was amended in the Senate to address concerns from the Idaho Medical Association and advocates for the developmentally disabled, changing the language to more closely match existing law and standards of care, and causing those groups to drop their opposition.

The House is now recessing until 2 p.m.; the Senate hasn't yet returned from its majority party caucus.