Healthcare students’ perspectives on practicing in a state with restrictive healthcare laws: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives: Reports of healthcare provider departures and rural hospital service closures in Idaho, United States have raised concerns about the state’s ability to attract and retain future healthcare professionals. Recent legislation, including restrictions on abortion (Idaho Panel Code Section 18-622), parental consent requirements for minors (SB 1329), and limitations on gender-affirming care (HB0071, H0668), may affect healthcare practice and access to comprehensive patient care. Present study primarily examined whether these laws influence healthcare students’ confidence in providing comprehensive care and their intentions to remain and practice in Idaho after graduation. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Idaho, United States. Healthcare students enrolled at Idaho State University (ISU) and the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) were invited to participate if they were currently enrolled in a healthcare-related professional program. The 12-item survey included three sections covering participant demographics, perceived knowledge of four recent healthcare laws and their impact on education, and the perceived influence of these laws on future clinical practice. Results: A total of 118 students representing 13 healthcare disciplines participated in the study. Nearly one-third (30.5%, n = 36) reported lacking confidence in their ability to provide comprehensive care in Idaho, while over one-third (36.4%, n = 43) indicated they were less likely to remain and practice in the state under the current legislative environment. A strong and statistically significant association was observed between students’ confidence in providing comprehensive care and their intention to continue practicing in Idaho (χ 2 (9) = 89.4, p < 0.001; Cramér’s V = 0.503). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Idaho’s current legislative environment may influence healthcare students’ intentions to practice in the state after graduation, potentially affecting future healthcare workforce retention and contributing to existing provider shortages.