The Idaho House has voted 66-1 in favor of the “Right to Try” bill proposed by Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, that would allow terminally ill patients to use investigational drugs that haven’t yet gained full FDA approval, at their own risk. They could do so only at the direction of their doctor. “Many times it’s very difficult for someone with a terminal diagnosis … to access investigational drugs,” Wintrow told the House. “The FDA does have a ‘compassionate use’ program, but only about 1,000 patients a year access that program.” She said it can take months to qualify and not all patients do.

The only “no” vote came from Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley. Both he and Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, both of whom are physicians, had opposed the bill earlier in committee, but Rusche supported it in the full House vote. There was no debate on the bill in the House today after Wintrow detailed it for the House. The bill now moves to the Senate side.

Twenty-four states have passed “Right to Try” laws in the past two years, including Utah, Montana, Nevada and Oregon. The bill, HB 481, has 12 legislative co-sponsors from both parties.