HSB 327 allocates federal block grant funds for Iowa's health programs, primarily directing them to the Department of Health and Human Services for substance abuse treatment, community mental health services, maternal/child health, and preventive health. The bill specifies exact annual funding amounts (e.g., $14.1 million for substance abuse treatment annually) and mandates that at least 20% of substance abuse funds support prevention programs. It requires strict spending rules, including limits on administrative costs (5% for substance abuse, 5% for mental health, 10% for maternal health) and minimum funding levels for services for pregnant women and children. The bill also prohibits using maternal health funds for indirect costs at the University of Iowa and requires coordination between health agencies to improve care for low-income women and children.
HF 913 provides for the continuation of health insurance for the surviving spouse and children of Iowa state employees. This applies when an employee's death is determined to be the direct result of a traumatic personal injury incurred during work duties, with specific exclusions like intentional misconduct or intoxication. The state must permit survivors to continue or re-enroll in existing coverage, though the state is not required to pay the insurance costs. If the state does not cover the costs, the surviving family members can elect to continue coverage by paying the premiums themselves. The bill applies retroactively to January 1, 2024.
House File 977 expands the ground emergency medical transportation (GEMT) program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to employ dedicated staff to increase enrollment of eligible GEMT providers. These staff will offer technical assistance, actuary support, and help with Medicaid enrollment to providers seeking to participate. The department is also directed to develop the program to ensure access to emergency medical services statewide. Additionally, an annual report on the program's status, including enrollment numbers and barriers, must be submitted to the general assembly.
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Public Safety
Senate File 6 requires various educational institutions and childcare providers to disseminate information about immunization exemptions. It mandates that the state health department, elementary and secondary schools, and licensed child care centers include exemption details in public communications, on their websites, and in registration documents. Schools, child care facilities, community colleges, and institutions of higher learning must also provide this information to parents, guardians, or students in communications related to immunization requirements. The bill aims to ensure individuals are informed about their options for immunization exemptions.
House File 883 requires public school districts to provide free feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons, to female students in grades six through twelve. These products must be accessible in women's restrooms within school buildings and refilled regularly. The bill appropriates state funds to the Department of Education from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, to reimburse school districts for the full cost of compliance. After this period, school districts will cover these costs using state school foundation aid.
This bill regulates pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) by defining and prohibiting certain pricing practices, such as "spread pricing." It mandates that patient cost-sharing for prescription drugs be reduced at the point of sale by at least 100% of any rebates received by the PBM or health carrier. The legislation also prevents PBMs from discriminating against pharmacies, limiting a patient's choice of pharmacy, or requiring exclusive use of mail-order pharmacies. These provisions directly affect PBMs, health carriers, pharmacies, and individuals covered by health plans.
Senate File 649 is a legislative bill that appropriates state funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. It allocates money to the Department of Veterans Affairs for administration, the Iowa Veterans Home, and a home ownership assistance program for eligible service members. The bill also provides funding to the Department of Health and Human Services for aging and disability services, including programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it appropriates funds for behavioral health initiatives, such as prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts for substance use and problem gambling, impacting individuals and families across the state. These appropriations support various public health programs and services.
This bill establishes how Iowa's opioid settlement fund will be managed and used to address the opioid crisis, impacting state agencies, healthcare providers, and Iowans needing treatment. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General (AG) annually propose appropriations, with 75% of available funds going to HHS and 25% to the AG, and requires regular reports on disbursements. For fiscal year 2024-2025, the bill appropriates $12 million to HHS for grants to specific nonprofit organizations to expand a nature-based recovery campus, and an additional $30 million to HHS for general opioid crisis abatement efforts. These funds aim to support treatment, prevention, and recovery services for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
HF 14 would remove the pharmaceutical form of psilocybin (specifically crystalline polymorph psilocybin, also known as COMP 360) from Iowa's Schedule I controlled substances list once approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It directs Iowa to align with federal rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act, making it lawful to prescribe, distribute, and market this specific pharmaceutical product after FDA approval. The bill directly affects medical providers, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies seeking to legally offer this approved treatment. It does not change current penalties for non-pharmaceutical psilocybin possession, which remain classified as a serious misdemeanor or class B felony.
This bill addresses various matters under the purview of the Department of Health and Human Services. It introduces new definitions related to mental health and disability services, such as "disability access point," and modifies who can serve as an advocate for involuntarily hospitalized patients, excluding certain affiliated employees. For child foster care, the bill updates terminology to explicitly include "individual licensees" and "approved kinship caregivers." These caregivers are granted decision-making authority under the "reasonable and prudent parent standard" for children in their care, and eligibility for extended foster care is updated to reflect these roles.
