HF 4 – Health Benefit Plan Claims and Explanation of Benefits Act
House File 4 outlines the process for health care professionals to submit claims for reimbursement to a covered person’s primary health benefit plan before approaching any secondary plans. It also stipulates that if a covered person or their representative requests an explanation of benefits from the primary plan, it must be provided within thirty calendar days. The bill aims to streamline the claims process and ensure transparency in health care costs covered by insurance plans.
Registration: Undecided
Action: subcommittee: wills, j., barker and wilson. h.j. 01/22. subcommittee recommends passage.
HF 13 – Annual Automatic Increases in Medicaid Provider Reimbursement Rates
House File 13 establishes a system for annual automatic increases in the reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers in Iowa. The Department of Health and Human Services is required to adjust the reimbursement rates every July 1, applying either the percentage increase in the consumer price index for the Midwest region or a 2.5% increase, whichever is lower. This measure aims to ensure that Medicaid providers receive fair compensation that reflects inflation and cost of living adjustments. The bill overrides any existing laws regarding inflation factors or indexing of these rates, thereby streamlining the process for annual adjustments. This initiative is intended to support the sustainability of Medicaid services and providers in the state.
Registration: For
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. h.j. 40
HF 61 – Health Services Price Transparency Act
House File 61 requires health care providers to disclose the prices for the twenty-five most common health services they offer, while hospitals must disclose prices for the seventy-five most common inpatient and outpatient services. This information must be made available in a single document on their websites and updated regularly. The price disclosures are to be provided prior to any discounts and assume no medical complications. Additionally, a disclaimer must accompany the price information, clarifying that the prices are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances. The legislation aims to improve consumer awareness and facilitate informed decision-making regarding health care services.
Registration: Undecided
Action: introduced, referred to health and human services. h.j. 62.
HF 80 – Prohibition of Disciplinary Actions for Name and Pronoun Usage in Schools
House File 80 aims to protect the rights of employees, contractors, and students in Iowa’s school districts and charter schools by prohibiting disciplinary actions related to the use of legal names and the failure to use personal pronouns. The bill ensures that individuals can address others using their legal names as listed in school records without fear of punishment. Additionally, it allows individuals to refrain from disclosing or using personal pronouns in official communications without facing disciplinary measures. Violations of this legislation can lead to civil actions, including reinstatement and damages for affected employees. The bill defines ‘disciplinary action’ broadly, encompassing various forms of punishment, including termination and suspension.
Registration: Against
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
HF 90 – Iowa Continuing Education Requirements Reform
House File 90 aims to reform the continuing education requirements for licensed professionals in Iowa. It mandates that any continuing education credits must be directly related to the practice of the licensed profession. Additionally, it exempts practitioners with at least ten years of experience and a master’s or doctoral degree from renewal requirements, unless they hold an evaluator approval endorsement, which must be renewed every ten years. The bill also requires the Iowa Supreme Court to adopt rules for attorneys that align with these principles. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline and focus continuing education on relevant professional practices.
Registered: Undecided
Action: introduced, referred to state government. h.j. 100. subcommittee: lundgren, harris and srinivas. h.j. 170. subcommittee meeting: 02/06/2025 8:00am house lounge (cancelled).
HF 139 – Involuntary Commitment and Treatment Procedures Act
House File 139 allows any interested person to initiate involuntary commitment proceedings for individuals with substance use disorders by filing a verified application in a district court. If the application is filed in a county where the respondent does not reside, the court must transfer the case to the appropriate jurisdiction. The bill also grants law enforcement the authority to take individuals into custody for treatment in any county where they are found. Additionally, it mandates that facilities report to the court on the treatment of respondents within a specified timeframe. The Supreme Court is directed to adopt rules to implement these changes.
Registration: undecided
Action: subcommittee: lawler, thomson, c. and wilburn. h.j. 240. Subcommittee recommends passage.
HF 163 – Iowa School Safety Enhancement Act
The Iowa School Safety Enhancement Act aims to improve school safety by requiring the creation of multidisciplinary threat assessment teams within school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. These teams are tasked with assessing and intervening when students exhibit behaviors that may pose a threat to safety. The bill also allows for the sharing of relevant information among covered entities, including schools and governmental agencies, to ensure that students at risk receive appropriate services. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report potential threats in good faith. Overall, the act seeks to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to better protect students and staff in educational environments.
Registration: Undecided
Action: introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 01/30.
HF 303 – Prior Authorization Reform and Exemption Program in Health Benefit Plans
House File 303 amends existing laws regarding prior authorizations by requiring utilization review organizations to respond to urgent and nonurgent requests within specified timeframes. It mandates annual reviews of prior authorization requirements to eliminate those that do not justify their administrative costs. Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program for health carriers to exempt a subset of health care providers from prior authorization requirements, aiming to streamline processes and improve health care access. Health carriers must provide detailed information about the exemption program on their websites and report on its outcomes by January 15, 2027.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 19. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 02/10.
HF 312 – Legislation on Psychiatric Deterioration Treatment Orders
House File 312 amends existing laws to allow courts to order treatment for individuals experiencing psychiatric deterioration, defined as an inability to recognize the need for mental health treatment and a likelihood of worsening conditions without intervention. The bill outlines specific criteria for psychiatric deterioration, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment to prevent serious mental impairment. It also makes conforming changes to various sections of the Iowa Code related to mental health treatment and hospitalization procedures. The intent is to enhance the legal framework for addressing mental health crises and ensuring appropriate care for affected individuals.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HF 123. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 278.
HF 313 – Amendments to Involuntary Commitment Hearing Procedures
House File 313 introduces significant changes to the procedures surrounding involuntary commitment hearings in Iowa. It allows physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to provide testimony on behalf of licensed physicians and mental health professionals, provided certain conditions are met. The bill outlines the necessary sworn statements required for such testimony and clarifies the circumstances under which the presence of the examining physician or mental health professional may be waived. Additionally, it ensures that the respondent’s attorney must assess the respondent’s capacity to waive their right to be present at the hearing. These changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that qualified professionals can contribute to the hearings even if the primary examiner is unavailable.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HSB 85. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 278.
HF 330 – Expansion of Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
House File 330 aims to align Iowa’s insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder with the latest diagnostic standards set by the American Psychiatric Association. The bill removes the previous age limit of 21 years and eliminates the maximum benefit cap of $36,000 per year for treatment. Additionally, it ensures that coverage for applied behavior analysis is available without restrictions on the number of visits. The changes are intended to improve access to necessary treatments for individuals with autism, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive mental health care. The new provisions will take effect for policies renewed or issued after January 1, 2026.
Registration: for
Action: bill renumbered from HF 5. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 286.
HF 383 – Legislation to Reschedule Crystalline Polymorph Psilocybin
House File 383 aims to amend the current classification of crystalline polymorph psilocybin, also known as COMP 360, by removing it from Schedule I of controlled substances once it receives approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill stipulates that the drug will be rescheduled based on FDA recommendations and its listing in the federal Controlled Substances Act. Following this rescheduling, it will become lawful to prescribe, distribute, and market the drug. This change reflects a shift in the legal status of psilocybin, which is currently categorized as a hallucinogenic substance with significant penalties for possession. The bill highlights the evolving perspective on certain controlled substances and their potential therapeutic uses.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HF 14. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 317.
HF 385 – Legislation on Discharge Procedures for Involuntarily Committed Persons
House File 385 amends existing laws regarding the discharge of involuntarily committed individuals from treatment facilities. It mandates that prior to discharge, facilities must refer patients to an administrative services organization for evaluation and case management, assess suicide risk, and provide a 30-day supply of prescribed medications. Additionally, a comprehensive discharge report must be provided, detailing follow-up appointments and aftercare plans. The bill also requires administrative services organizations to coordinate postdischarge care and report quarterly on outcomes. These changes aim to enhance continuity of care and support for individuals transitioning out of treatment.
Registration: undecided
Action: bill renumbered from HF 124. introduced, placed on calendar. h.j. 318.
HSB 35 – Iowa Constitutional Amendment on Witness Confrontation Rights
The proposed amendment to the Constitution of Iowa aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable witnesses, including children under 18 and those with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. It allows for the right of an accused to confront these witnesses to be limited by law, thereby prioritizing the safety and well-being of these individuals during legal proceedings. If adopted, the amendment will be published and referred to the next general assembly for further consideration before being submitted to voters for ratification. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance the rights of the accused with the protection of vulnerable populations in the judicial system.
Registered: For
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
HSB 84 – Prohibits inclusion of LGBTQ material through high school
House Study Bill 84 amends existing educational regulations in Iowa by extending the prohibition of programs, curricula, tests, surveys, and instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve. Previously, this prohibition applied only to students in kindergarten through grade six. The bill aims to restrict discussions and teachings on these topics within the specified grade levels, impacting how schools approach education on human growth and development. The legislation reflects ongoing debates about educational content and parental rights in the context of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Registration: Against
Action: subcommittee: wheeler, levin and stone. h.j. 225.
HSB 122 – Hawki Coverage Expansion for Autism Treatment
House Study Bill 122 seeks to enhance the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) program by including applied behavior analysis services for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from accepting new applications for the autism support program after June 30, 2025, and sets a repeal date for the program on July 2, 2027. Additionally, it appropriates $750,000 from the autism support fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to maintain the Hawki program. The legislation aims to ensure that children with autism have access to necessary treatment while also managing the funding and administrative aspects of the support program.
Registration: For
Action: by committee on health and human services. subcommittee meeting: 02/20/2025 22:30pm house lounge.
HSB 191 – Iowa Health Care System Reform Bill
The proposed legislation introduces a health care hub-and-spoke partnership funding model to enhance Iowa’s rural health system. It eliminates several existing health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs, including the primary care provider loan repayment program. In place of these programs, a new health care workforce and community support grant program is established to promote local recruitment and retention of health care professionals. Additionally, a health care professional incentive program is created to provide financial awards to eligible health care professionals working in underserved areas. The bill emphasizes immediate implementation and aims to ensure sustainable health care delivery in rural regions.
Registration: undecided
Action: by committee on health and human services. subcommittee: nordman, brown-powers and meyer, a. h.j. 342.
SF 156 – Bathroom bill for all state facilities
Iowa Senate File 156 introduces regulations concerning the designation and use of private spaces within public entity facilities. It defines ‘biological sex’ and ‘private space,’ requiring that such spaces be used exclusively by individuals of the same biological sex. The bill outlines exceptions for custodial, maintenance, medical, and assistance purposes, as well as provisions for children under ten. Violations of this law can result in misdemeanor charges, with increased penalties for offenses committed for sexual gratification. Additionally, state entities that fail to comply may face civil penalties, and residents can file complaints with the attorney general for enforcement.
Registration: Against
Action: introduced, referred to state government. s.j. 259. subcommittee: rozenboom, schultz, and staed
SSB 1120 – Enhancements to Youth Mental Health Services and Support
Senate Study Bill 1120 introduces significant changes to the regulation and provision of mental health services for youth in Iowa. It amends definitions related to psychiatric medical institutions for children, streamlining licensing requirements and allowing for the use of protective locked environments. The bill also clarifies the roles of various health organizations and establishes new standards for behavioral health evaluations and physical assessments. Additionally, it addresses the eligibility of youth in public institutions for the Hawki program, ensuring that their benefits are suspended but not terminated during their commitment. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health services for youth.
Registration: watching
Action: by committee on health and human services. subcommittee meeting: 02/18/2025 11:00am senate lounge.