Iowa House Bill HF2591

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to Lyme disease, including notice and consent provisions required for Lyme disease testing, and continuing education requirements for health care providers.(Formerly HF 2289.)

Impact

The introduction of HF2591 is aimed at enhancing the informed consent process for patients undergoing Lyme disease testing. By requiring explicit communication about the limitations and uncertainties associated with laboratory testing, the bill seeks to improve patient understanding and potentially mitigate future malpractice claims related to misdiagnosis. Additionally, the bill's provisions will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to amend the notice content in line with current medical evidence as it evolves, ensuring that patients receive the most accurate and relevant information regarding Lyme disease.

Summary

House File 2591 addresses Lyme disease by implementing specific notice and consent provisions required during testing, as well as establishing continuing education requirements for healthcare providers. The bill mandates that health care providers and medical laboratories provide patients with written notice about the potential issues with Lyme disease testing, including the possibility of false positives and negatives. This notice must explain that a negative result does not necessarily rule out the disease and advise patients to consult with their healthcare provider regarding unexplained symptoms and possible retesting.

Contention

While the bill has the support of many healthcare advocates who see it as a crucial step towards protecting patients, there are concerns from various stakeholders regarding the implications for healthcare practice. Some worry that the new requirements may create administrative burdens on healthcare providers, especially smaller practices. Furthermore, there are debates over the adequacy of the education requirements being implemented for ongoing treatment strategies related to prolonged Lyme disease symptoms and the potential challenges faced in keeping educational content up to date as scientific understanding of Lyme disease evolves.