Healthcare

SF 220, the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," protects medical practitioners (including doctors and nurses), health care institutions (like hospitals), and health care payors (such as insurance companies) from discrimination when they refuse to provide specific health care services based on their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. The bill prohibits retaliation, including penalties or disciplinary actions, for such refusals and grants legal immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability. It also shields individuals who report violations of these protections to authorities like the attorney general or federal agencies. However, the law does not override the requirement for health care institutions to provide emergency medical services.

HF 972, now law after Governor's signature on May 28, 2025, establishes a new funding model for Iowa's rural healthcare systems while eliminating several existing health care programs. It removes specific award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs, and creates a new incentive program to attract healthcare professionals to underserved areas. The bill also modifies Medicaid funding for graduate medical education, updates the Health Facilities Council, and addresses the Iowa Health Information Network, with all changes including necessary funding appropriations. These changes directly affect rural health providers, medical training programs, and state health agencies managing these systems.