HF 2637 protects confidential conversations between public safety workers (including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical staff, and civilian employees in these agencies) and their peer support counselors. It prohibits counselors from disclosing these communications in investigations, disciplinary actions, or legal proceedings, except when the conversation involves a plan to commit a crime, an explicit threat of harm, or mandatory reporting requirements like child abuse. The bill defines "confidential communication" as any discussion during peer support sessions and ensures these protections do not limit employers' ability to direct staff to employee assistance programs. This law aims to encourage open mental health support by preventing fear of professional consequences for sharing sensitive information.
This bill prohibits Iowa public agencies from purchasing or collecting health information from entities not covered by federal HIPAA privacy rules, regardless of whether individuals consented to share their data. It directly affects public agencies (like state or local government offices) by restricting their ability to obtain health data from non-HIPAA sources, such as private health apps or unregulated businesses. The key provision explicitly bans such data collection or purchase, defining "health information" using federal standards and "public agency" per Iowa law. The bill aims to limit government access to sensitive health data outside established federal privacy protections. It does not change individual privacy rights but restricts how public entities may gather health information from certain third parties.
HF 2649, the "REACH Act," creates a pilot program allowing eligible Iowa community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in specific high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and education. To qualify, colleges must be at least 50 miles from existing bachelor's programs and limit offerings to three degrees per institution, with upper-level courses taught on campus (not online). The bill requires annual reporting on enrollment, student outcomes, and workforce alignment to the state education department and legislature. It directly affects community colleges in rural or underserved areas seeking to expand local higher education options without replacing university programs.
SF 2312 clarifies Iowa's rules for manufacturers and distributors of 340B drugs, which are medications sold at discounted prices under a federal program. The bill defines key terms like "340B drug" (a federally discounted drug purchased by safety-net health facilities) and prohibits manufacturers or distributors from interfering with a covered entity’s acquisition of these drugs or their delivery to contract pharmacies. This directly affects drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors operating in Iowa, requiring them to allow normal access to 340B drugs unless federal health officials prohibit it. The law aims to ensure consistent access to discounted medications for clinics and hospitals serving low-income patients.
HF 2680 simplifies certification for medication aides working in Iowa nursing homes, residential care facilities, and specialized care centers. The bill requires Iowa's Department of Inspections to create a free online registry where medication aides can submit proof of passing exams, eliminating fees for accessing or submitting certification records. It also allows aides certified in other states to become certified in Iowa without retaking nurse aide exams or meeting additional employment requirements. The bill rescinds outdated administrative rules about medication aide training and mandates new rules to standardize certification across all relevant facilities.
This bill enacts the athletic trainer compact for Iowa, allowing licensed athletic trainers from Iowa to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. It creates mutual recognition of licenses among member states to increase public access to athletic training services, reduce administrative burdens for professionals, and support military families by facilitating easier interstate practice. The compact includes provisions for sharing disciplinary information, using telehealth, and preserving each state’s authority to regulate practice and protect public health and safety.
HF 2258 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates coverage for up to three completed egg retrieval cycles with unlimited embryo transfers (using single embryo transfer when medically appropriate), plus fertility medications on par with other prescription drug coverage. Religious employers may request an exclusion from this coverage if it conflicts with their beliefs, but must notify employees about the exclusion. The law applies to new or renewed health insurance plans issued on or after July 1, 2026, and excludes accident-only, dental, vision, and other specific coverage types.
HF 2553 establishes a two-year pilot program in Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services to refurbish durable medical equipment (DME) purchased through the state's medical assistance program (Medicaid). The program requires tracking DME provided to recipients and informing them that equipment should be returned to a designated nonprofit organization upon death or health status changes. The nonprofit then refurbishes the equipment and makes it available free to new recipients in need, while the department must report annual program details to the legislature. This affects Medicaid recipients, the nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities and veterans, and the state's medical assistance program. The pilot expires July 1, 2030.
HF 2523 allows parents or legal guardians to seek substance use or mental health treatment for minors (under 18) without court involvement. It protects confidentiality by prohibiting disclosure of a minor’s treatment to law enforcement or others without consent, and ensures minors can consent to treatment themselves in some cases. The bill amends Iowa law to clarify that facilities must admit minors for treatment when parents/guardians apply, with referral options if denied. This directly affects minors needing treatment and their families, streamlining access while safeguarding privacy. The bill is currently under review by the Health and Human Services Subcommittee.
SF 2344 creates a $3 million Parkinson’s disease prevention, research, and care fund in Iowa’s state treasury, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The fund allocates $1 million each for research grants (prioritizing cure development), caregiver support programs (including respite care and mental health resources), and developing a statewide plan addressing Parkinson’s disease. It requires an advisory council with diverse stakeholders (researchers, patient advocates, caregivers, medical professionals) and annual reports from grantees and the department. The bill mandates a comprehensive state plan covering prevention, diagnosis, care coordination, workforce development, and research priorities, with updates every five years. This legislation directly supports Iowans living with Parkinson’s disease, their caregivers, and research institutions conducting Parkinson’s-related work.
