Iowa House Bill HF319

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/8/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to physical examinations of personnel working in licensed or registered child care facilities.(Formerly HSB 129.)

Impact

The proposed changes brought forth by HF319 would significantly alter the existing health examination protocols for child care workers. By removing the preemployment health check prerequisite, the bill aims to streamline the hiring process within child care facilities. Proponents argue that this could enhance the hiring process for employers facing difficulties in filling positions due to regulatory hurdles, thereby helping to address workforce shortages in the child care sector.

Summary

House File 319 addresses the requirements for physical examinations of personnel working in licensed or registered child care facilities in Iowa. The bill seeks to eliminate the existing mandate that requires these employees to complete a preemployment physical examination to demonstrate good health before starting their positions. Under current law, personnel must receive such an examination within the six months leading up to their employment, along with additional requirements for ongoing health evaluations every three years thereafter.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, HF319 has faced criticism from various stakeholders concerned about child safety and health. Opponents of the bill argue that preemployment health checks serve as an essential safeguard for ensuring that individuals working with children are physically fit and free from communicable diseases, thus protecting the health of the children being cared for. The debate around this bill highlights the tension between easing regulatory burdens on child care facilities and the imperative to maintain high health standards in environments where children's well-being is at stake.