HF 2782 is a budget bill that allocates state funds to the departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation provides specific funding for veterans' services, including the Iowa Veterans Home and a home ownership assistance program for military members. It also directs money toward aging and disability support, behavioral health treatment, and maternal care initiatives, while establishing reporting requirements for financial expenditures. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for graduate medical education and updates to various health-related programs.
HF 2498 creates an interstate agreement (compact) allowing podiatrists to obtain licenses more easily in multiple participating states. It establishes a "state of principal license" (where the podiatrist lives, practices most, or is employed) and requires them to follow that state's licensing rules while treating patients in other member states. The compact does not change existing state laws but adds a streamlined pathway for licensure, requiring podiatrists to have an unrestricted license, pass background checks, and meet eligibility standards like passing national exams. This directly affects podiatrists seeking to practice across state lines and ensures patient safety by maintaining state jurisdiction where care occurs.
HF 2254 prohibits the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) from including noncompete clauses in employment contracts with physicians. It requires the University of Iowa Board of Regents to create a policy banning these restrictions, which prevent doctors from practicing in specific areas or for set times after leaving UIHC. The rule applies to all new, extended, or renewed contracts starting when the bill takes effect. This directly affects physicians employed by UIHC, removing geographic and time-based practice restrictions upon contract termination. The bill defines "physician" as someone licensed under Iowa law and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HF 990 establishes a licensing process for medical cannabidiol (CBD) dispensaries in Iowa. The bill requires the state department to issue requests for proposals and license up to five dispensaries (with potential for up to ten) by April 1, 2018, and renew licenses by December 1 each year. It directly affects businesses seeking to operate medical CBD dispensaries by setting caps on the number of licenses and defining the application timeline. The key provision is the structured annual licensing system to regulate the distribution of medical CBD products within the state.
HF 2676 requires physicians in specific specialties (like family medicine, pediatrics, and surgery) to complete one hour of nutrition and metabolic health continuing education every four years to renew their licenses. It also mandates that Iowa medical schools require 40 hours of nutrition coursework for graduation starting in 2028. The bill prohibits schools from serving meals containing eight specific dyes (including blue dye 1 and red dye 40) during the school day and bans their sale on campus. Additionally, it allows pharmacists to distribute ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication without professional penalties. These provisions directly affect healthcare professionals, medical students, schools, and pharmacies.
This bill establishes a grant program and trust fund to support sexual assault forensic examination centers in Iowa, primarily affecting nonprofit organizations and survivors of sexual violence. It requires the Attorney General to contract with eligible nonprofits that are independent of hospitals and focus on serving diverse populations, including rural residents and people with disabilities. The funded centers must provide medical forensic services, offer training to professionals and the public, and submit annual reports on their activities and service gaps. Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated trust fund to accept private contributions and state or federal money specifically for operating these centers.
HF 2585 requires Iowa pharmacies to provide accessible prescription information - including drug labels, bag tags, and medical guides - in formats like audio or large print at no extra cost to people who are blind, visually impaired, or have print disabilities. Pharmacies must offer this by January 1, 2027, or refer customers to pharmacies that do, ensuring information is accessible in a timely manner comparable to sighted customers. Each year by April 1, the state pharmacy board must publish an online list of participating pharmacies. The law excludes institutional pharmacies (e.g., in hospitals), donation program pharmacies, and correctional facility pharmacies from these requirements.
HF 2633 prohibits Iowa insurers from discriminating against living organ donors in life, disability, or long-term care insurance. The bill specifically bans insurers from denying coverage, limiting benefits, charging higher premiums, or canceling policies solely because someone is a living organ donor. It also prevents insurers from requiring donors to stop donating to maintain coverage. The Iowa Insurance Commissioner may create rules to enforce these protections. This directly affects individuals who have donated organs while alive and seek or maintain these insurance policies.
HF 2185 ensures that people enrolled in qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with health savings accounts (HSAs) can maintain their HSA eligibility. It requires that copays, coinsurance, or deductibles paid by the enrollee only count toward their deductible *after* they’ve met their minimum deductible, unless the service is preventive care. This prevents cost-sharing payments from accidentally making someone ineligible for an HSA. The bill applies to group health insurance and accident/health insurance plans in Iowa.
HF 2635 sets new rules for health insurance companies and claim review organizations (utilization review organizations) in Iowa, directly affecting health care providers and patients. It prohibits using artificial intelligence as the sole method to deny, delay, or downgrade prior authorizations for medically necessary services, requiring instead a qualified physician review. The bill also establishes strict timelines for audits (45 days to complete after receiving documents) and appeals (30 days for a final decision), with penalties including 10% interest for violations. These changes apply to most health insurance plans in Iowa starting January 1, 2027, but exclude certain coverages like dental, Medicare supplements, and short-term policies.
