An Idaho House panel has introduced a bill that would allow terminally-ill patients to access drugs that are still being researched.
Democratic Rep. Melissa Wintrow of Boise says the legislation permits patients to use pharmaceuticals that have already passed safety tests by the Federal Drug Administration.
The House Health and Welfare Committee introduced the proposal Thursday. The bill must now clear a legislative hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Wintrow argues that the measure would dramatically alleviate the wait time and paperwork for patients suffering from diseases like Lou Gehrig's Disease. Patients would assume all liability and responsibility for using the drug, but they would be required to be under the care and supervision of a doctor.
Twenty-four other states have enacted similar legislation.