Iowa House Bill HF2210

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Engrossed: 2/27/24
• Refer: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/28/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the licensing of, and granting of clinical privileges to, certain health care professionals.

Impact

The implementation of HF2210 will significantly affect how healthcare professionals are evaluated during the licensing process. By removing questions that probe into an applicant's past mental health or substance use, the bill seeks to uphold the principle that recovery from such issues should not hinder one's professional opportunities. Licensing boards will still be permitted to inquire whether a candidate currently faces any unaddressed conditions that could impact their ability to practice safely and competently, which ensures that patient safety remains a priority.

Summary

House File 2210 is a bill focused on the licensing of healthcare professionals, primarily relating to the conditions under which they can obtain clinical privileges in hospitals and emergency facilities. It amends existing laws to prohibit hospitals from asking about an applicant's past mental health history or substance use disorders on applications for clinical privileges. This aims to mitigate discrimination against healthcare providers who have previously faced mental health issues, promoting a more inclusive environment for applicants in the healthcare workforce.

Contention

While support for HF2210 has focused on the potential for improved employment accessibility for individuals with mental health histories, there are concerns about the implications for patient safety. Critics might argue that the current health status assessments should remain a core part of the licensing process to ensure that no current impairments compromise the quality of care provided by health professionals. Balancing the rights of healthcare providers with the overarching need for patient safety will likely be a point of contention as discussions around the bill proceed.