Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF151

Introduced
1/30/23  
Introduced
1/30/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(Formerly HSB 9.)

Impact

The implementation of HF151 includes a substantial appropriation from the state’s general fund amounting to $1,500,000 for the fiscal year 2023-2024, intended for the establishment of the loan repayment trust fund. Eligible participants include individuals who graduate from accredited mental health programs and agree to practice in defined service commitment areas. The bill emphasizes support for individuals who have graduated from Iowa-based institutions, encouraging retention of practitioners within the state and minimizing out-of-state employment which exacerbates local shortages.

Summary

House File 151 introduces a new Mental Health Practitioner Loan Repayment Program aimed at increasing the number of mental health practitioners in underserved areas of Iowa. The bill effectively repeals the existing mental health professional loan repayment program established in 2022, and replaces it with new provisions that provide support to practitioners willing to commit to practice in designated service commitment areas for a minimum of five years. This initiative is particularly relevant for areas that face significant mental health professional shortages, which impacts access to care for residents in those regions.

Contention

While proponents of the bill assert that it will help address the pressing need for mental health services in Iowa, critics may raise concerns regarding the feasibility and sustainability of such programs in the long term. Questions regarding the management of the trust fund, prioritization of loan awards based on community needs, and the requirement of long-term commitment may be points of contention. The potential for inadequate funding or misalignment with the actual needs of communities also presents risks that could impede the program's objectives.

Companion Bills

IA HSB9

Related A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(See HF 151.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB9

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(See HF 151.)

IA HF244

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 47.)

IA HSB690

A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of psychiatrists in the mental health professional loan repayment program.

IA HF19

A bill for an act relating to eligibility for the mental health professional loan repayment program.

IA SF253

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1024.)

IA SSB1024

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(See SF 253.)

IA HSB47

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(See HF 244.)

IA HF754

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 191; See HF 972.)

IA HF972

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 754, HSB 191.) Contingent effective date, effective 05/28/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA HF427

A bill for an act relating to the health and well-being of children and families including provisions for regional centers of excellence, a state-funded family medicine obstetrical fellowship program, self-administered hormonal contraceptives, maternal support and fatherhood initiatives, adoption expenses under the adoption subsidy program, and accessibility to the all Iowa scholarship program; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 91.)

Similar Bills

IA HSB9

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(See HF 151.)

MI SB0222

Mental health: other; petition for access to assisted outpatient treatment; expand to additional health providers. Amends sec. 473 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1473).

MI SB0918

Mental health: other; petition for access to assisted outpatient treatment; expand to additional health providers. Amends sec. 473 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1473).

NJ S3212

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

NJ A4613

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

NJ S780

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

WV HB4289

Establishing the behavioral health workforce education initiative at the Higher Education Policy Commission

MS SB2864

Healthcare professionals; set certain advertising standards, require disclosure of collaboration agreements.