A bill for an act relating to health care employment agencies, including the statewide maximum allowable charges schedule applicable to nursing services provided by health care employment agency workers, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 2199.)
One significant aspect of HF2391 is the mandate for the department to publish a maximum allowable charges schedule annually, ensuring that the rates charged by employment agencies for nursing services do not exceed a certain percentage of the average wages within the state. This aims to regulate the cost of hiring agency workers, thereby protecting health care entities from exorbitant charges that could affect their operational budgets. Additionally, the requirement for health care agencies to maintain compliance with licensing and professional standards is intended to enhance the quality of care provided at health care facilities.
House File 2391, known as HF2391, establishes regulations for health care employment agencies in Iowa. This legislation creates a framework for the registration and operation of such agencies, particularly those providing nursing services. Under HF2391, health care employment agencies must register annually with the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) and adhere to a statewide maximum allowable charges schedule for nursing services provided by agency workers. The bill delineates the penalties associated with non-compliance, including revocation of registration and monetary fines based on specific violations.
Notably, the bill includes strict penalties for violations committed by health care employment agencies, which has generated discussions around fairness and the operational impact on smaller agencies. For instance, the bill enforces severe penalties for agencies that provide workers with fraudulent credentials or fail to comply with registration requirements. Critics argue that these stringent measures might inadvertently create barriers for smaller agencies trying to compete in the labor market, while proponents believe they will elevate accountability and maintain industry standards.