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 5 – Autism Spectrum Disorder Insurance Coverage Expansion Act
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Insurance Coverage Expansion Act amends existing laws to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. It removes the previous age limit of 21 years and the maximum annual benefit of $36,000, ensuring that individuals of all ages can access necessary services without financial constraints. The bill mandates that group policies must cover applied behavior analysis and other treatments without imposing limits on the number of visits. It also requires that these provisions be applicable to policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to improve access to essential health services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Registration: For
Action: subcommittee: young, vondran and zabner. h.j. 115. Subcommittee recommends passage. committee vote: yeas, 23. nays, 0. h.j. 02/06.
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 14 – Rescheduling of Crystalline Polymorph Psilocybin in Iowa
House File 14 aims to amend Iowa’s controlled substance regulations by removing crystalline polymorph psilocybin, also known as COMP 360, from Schedule I upon its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill stipulates that once the FDA approves the drug, it will be rescheduled based on federal recommendations, making it lawful to prescribe, distribute, and market the substance. Currently, psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogenic substance with severe penalties for possession. This legislation reflects a shift towards recognizing the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, aligning state law with federal regulations.
Registration: Undecided
Action: subcommittee meeting: 02/04/2025 12:00pm rm 304. subcommittee recommends passage.
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 123 – Legislation on Psychiatric Deterioration Treatment Orders
House File 123 amends existing laws regarding the treatment of individuals with mental health issues in Iowa. It introduces the definition of ‘psychiatric deterioration,’ which describes a state where a person is unable to recognize the need for treatment and is unlikely to seek help on their own. The bill enables courts to order treatment for individuals who meet this definition, provided there is clear and convincing evidence of their condition. Additionally, it outlines procedures for involuntary hospitalization and the responsibilities of medical professionals in these cases. The legislation aims to ensure that individuals who are deteriorating mentally receive the necessary care before reaching a more serious state of impairment.
Registration: undecided
Action: subcommittee meeting: 02/03/2025 12:00pm house lounge 2. subcommittee recommends passage.
HF 124 – Post-Discharge Care Coordination for Involuntarily Committed Persons
House File 124 mandates that facilities treating involuntarily committed individuals must refer them to an administrative services organization (ASO) for evaluation and case management prior to discharge. The legislation requires an assessment of suicide risk, provision of a 30-day supply of prescribed medications, and the creation of a comprehensive discharge report. This report must include details about post-discharge appointments, medication lists, and aftercare plans. The ASO is responsible for coordinating post-discharge care and following up with the individual to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, the ASO must submit quarterly reports to the Department of Health and Human Services, detailing discharge outcomes and any issues encountered.
Registration: watching
Action: subcommittee: andrews, brown-powers and meyer, a. h.j. 235. subcommittee recommends passage.
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.
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.
HSB 19 – Prior Authorization Reform and Exemption Program
House Study Bill 19 mandates that utilization review organizations respond to prior authorization requests within specified timeframes, ensuring timely access to care for patients. It requires annual reviews of prior authorization requirements to eliminate those that do not significantly impact healthcare quality or costs. Additionally, by January 15, 2026, health carriers must implement a pilot program exempting certain healthcare providers from prior authorization requirements. The bill also stipulates that health carriers provide detailed information about the exemption program on their websites and submit a report on the program’s outcomes by January 15, 2027.
Registered: For
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
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 85 – Involuntary Commitment Hearing Testimony Enhancement Act
House Study Bill 85 amends existing laws to permit physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to provide testimony at involuntary commitment hearings. This change aims to ensure that hearings can proceed even if the examining physician or mental health professional is unavailable. The bill outlines the requirements for these practitioners to testify, including the need for sworn statements confirming their involvement in the examination process. Additionally, it allows for the possibility of waiving the presence of the examining professional if all parties agree. The legislation seeks to improve the efficiency and accessibility of mental health commitment proceedings.
Registration: watching
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.
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.
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 1016 – Prior Authorization Reform and Exemption Pilot Program
Senate Study Bill 1016 mandates that utilization review organizations respond to prior authorization requests within specified timeframes, ensuring timely access to care. It requires annual reviews of prior authorization requirements to eliminate those that do not significantly improve healthcare quality or reduce costs. Additionally, by January 15, 2026, health carriers must implement a pilot program exempting a subset of healthcare providers from prior authorization requirements. The bill also stipulates that health carriers provide detailed information about the exemption program on their websites and submit a report on the program’s outcomes by January 15, 2027.
Registered: For
Action: subcommittee recommends passage.