Boise State University Reminds Idaho Employees of Paid Leave Available for Bone Marrow and Organ Donation
Boise, Idaho — Boise State University is highlighting a lesser-known employee benefit available to Idaho state workers: paid leave for bone marrow and organ donation procedures. The benefit, available to all full-time, benefit-eligible employees at Boise State, allows qualifying staff to take approved time away from work without dipping into their accrued sick, vacation, or annual leave balances.
A Benefit Many Idaho State Employees May Not Know About
Among the array of leave options available through Boise State University and the State of Idaho, the organ and bone marrow donation leave stands out as one of the most underutilized. According to the university, eligible employees may not be fully aware the benefit exists — a gap the university is working to close by drawing attention to the policy.
The benefit applies to all full-time, benefit-eligible employees of Boise State. Employees who qualify and receive approval for this type of leave will not see their leave balances reduced, and they will continue to accrue credited state service and leave throughout their absence. The policy removes a significant financial barrier that might otherwise discourage employees from pursuing donation procedures.
“Though not frequently used, the State of Idaho also supports paid leave to support individuals engaged in bone marrow or organ donation procedures,” the university noted in its announcement.
How Much Leave Is Available and How to Access It
The specifics of the benefit are straightforward. With documentation from a health care provider, eligible Boise State employees may take:
Up to five days of paid leave for bone marrow donation procedures.
Up to 30 days of paid leave for organ donation procedures.
Each employee is permitted to use this benefit on a one-time basis. The leave is separate from any accrued sick, vacation, or annual leave, meaning employees are not required to exhaust existing leave balances before or during the approved absence. Employees retain their leave accrual and credited state service throughout the duration of their approved time away.
To access the benefit, employees need a written note from a health care provider confirming the medical necessity of the procedure. Full details are outlined in Boise State’s time away from work policy, specifically under section 4.12. Employees with additional questions are encouraged to contact the Boise State payroll team directly at payroll@boisestate.edu.
Impact on Ada County Residents and Idaho State Employees
For the thousands of Boise State employees who live and work across Ada County and the broader Treasure Valley, this benefit represents a meaningful form of support for one of the most significant medical decisions a person can make. Organ and bone marrow donation can be life-saving for recipients, and the recovery process for donors can be physically demanding. Having the ability to take paid time off — without sacrificing hard-earned leave — gives employees the freedom to act on their values without financial penalty.
The policy also reflects a broader commitment by the State of Idaho to support employees who contribute to public health through voluntary medical donation. For families weighing the decision to donate, knowing that employment and income remain protected during recovery can be a decisive factor.
Boise State is one of Ada County’s largest employers, and its employee benefit policies carry significant practical weight for workers throughout the region. The university has been active in recent months in communicating the full scope of available employee benefits, including updates related to campus facilities. Readers interested in other university developments may want to follow coverage of the Student Union Building renaming in a Westmark Credit Union sponsorship agreement, which also highlights Boise State’s evolving campus environment.
What Comes Next
Boise State employees who believe they may qualify for bone marrow or organ donation leave are encouraged to review section 4.12 of the university’s time away from work policy for complete eligibility requirements and procedures. Those with specific questions about how the leave interacts with their individual employment classification or benefits package should reach out to the payroll team at payroll@boisestate.edu before scheduling any procedures.
For Ada County residents interested in broader community health topics, including ongoing discussions around health policy in Idaho, Ada County News will continue to track relevant developments. Readers curious about other community health-related topics in the Treasure Valley may also find interest in ongoing local policy conversations, including supporters rallying for a medical cannabis initiative at Boise Hempfest.