This bill updates laws concerning services and support for youth under 21, especially those involved in involuntary commitment, juvenile delinquency, or child and family in need of assistance proceedings. It revises regulations for psychiatric medical institutions for children (PMICs), updating definitions and requiring them to provide comprehensive care that includes physical assessments and behavioral health evaluations. The bill also addresses the licensing and certification of other residential facilities, the provision of home and community-based services to youth, and the administration of juvenile court services. Finally, it modifies Hawki eligibility for inmates of public institutions.
This bill expands Iowa's "Right to Try" Act by broadening the definition of an "eligible patient." Previously limited to individuals with terminal illnesses, the bill now includes patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses. These patients can access "individualized investigational treatments," which are drugs or products unique to their genetic profile and have successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials. The bill also defines "eligible facilities" and updates the specific requirements for written informed consent for patients with terminal illnesses.
This bill updates state law by expanding the definition of a "peer review committee." It specifically includes statewide nonprofit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) within this definition. This change grants OPOs the same legal status and protections typically afforded to other peer review committees, such as those in hospitals or medical societies. The bill directly affects organ procurement organizations operating in the state by formally recognizing their internal review processes under this designation.
This bill makes several changes related to emergency services provided by cities. It clarifies that cities can provide compensation, stipends, or benefits to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical care providers even if they hold other city offices. The bill also allows a currently serving city council member to be appointed as a volunteer fire chief, provided they abstain from voting on their own appointment. Furthermore, it permits cities to establish dedicated funds or reserve accounts for acquiring and maintaining major equipment for police, fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. These funds will receive insurance settlements or other payments for damaged emergency equipment, with a provision for reimbursing the city's general fund if it covered initial repair or replacement costs.
SF 315, known as the "Iowa Competitive Pharmacy Benefits Managers Marketplace Act," aims to reduce prescription drug costs for public employees in self-funded state health plans. The bill mandates that the state department procure pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) services through a "reverse auction" process. This online, competitive bidding system allows PBMs to offer progressively lower prices for their services. Additionally, the department must acquire a technology platform to conduct these auctions and perform detailed, line-by-line audits of PBM claims to ensure contract compliance. The first PBM contract awarded through this new system is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
SF 180 establishes an individual's right to refuse certain medical services for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions. This right applies to medical services declared a federal countermeasure or given emergency use authorization by the FDA. The bill prohibits businesses, employers, healthcare providers, and government entities from denying employment or services, segregating, penalizing, or discriminating against individuals who refuse such services. Individuals negatively affected by a violation can bring a civil action for injunctive relief, declaratory judgment, and damages, including attorney fees.
This bill enacts the Dietitian Licensure Compact, an agreement among states to facilitate the interstate practice of dietetics. It directly affects licensed dietitians by allowing those licensed in a participating state to practice in other member states without needing a separate license in each. The key mechanism is a "compact privilege," a legal authorization equivalent to a license, granted to qualifying professionals. This aims to increase public access to dietetics services, reduce administrative burdens for licensees and states, and support relocating military families, while preserving each state's regulatory authority. A Compact Commission will be established to oversee the agreement and ensure uniform requirements.
This bill modifies Iowa's existing law concerning school concussion and brain injury policies. It specifically expands the definition of "licensed health care provider" for the purpose of clearing students to return to extracurricular interscholastic activities after experiencing a concussion or brain injury. Under this bill, a person who holds a doctorate in psychology with specialty training in neuropsychology or concussion management would be added to the list of professionals who can provide such clearance. This change directly affects students participating in school activities and the range of medical professionals involved in their return-to-play protocols.
House File 875 modifies the credentialing process for health insurers and certain healthcare providers. The bill requires health insurers to respond to credentialing requests from physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and physician assistants within 56 calendar days. If a health insurer denies a credentialing request, it must provide the applicant with a written reason for the denial. These changes aim to improve the transparency and efficiency of the process by which these medical professionals become authorized to provide services and receive payment through health insurance plans.
House File 919 creates a new "specialty hospital" designation for certain nonprofit organizations in Iowa that were previously licensed nursing facilities. These hospitals must primarily serve individuals aged 30 and younger, with a high percentage of patients receiving Medicaid, and specialize in pediatric rehabilitation or complex medical/behavioral health needs.
The bill directs state departments to grant qualifying entities a provisional general hospital license by July 1, 2025, enabling them to receive enhanced hospital-based reimbursement set at their average allowable per diem costs. It also allows for waivers from certain hospital facility requirements, construction standards, and exemptions from providing specific emergency, laboratory, or pathology services beyond what they currently offer. Furthermore, the bill permits the redesignation of nursing facility beds to specialty hospital beds and expansion up to 100 beds.
