POCATELLO (Idaho Statesman) – Idaho State University appears to be getting more serious about buying the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian — at least, serious enough to spend $100,000 on a study that could help make the case for a purchase.

The state university has solicited an evaluation of the private medical college to determine both the feasibility of and “the benefits and impacts associated with … possible acquisition,” according to records obtained by the Idaho Statesman through a public-records request.

In June, ISU hired private consulting firm Tripp Umbach to head the $100,000 study, which will include a cost assessment conducted by another firm, according to an ISU spokesperson.

The move comes as state lawmakers have homed in on developing a plan for medical ed

See Full Page