Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB596

Introduced
1/22/24  
Introduced
1/22/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2390.)

Impact

The enactment of HSB596 will specifically influence how information about dependent adult abuse is managed within DIAL and other related entities. By permitting DIAL to report regulatory offenses and streamline communication between agencies, the bill attempts to promote a cohesive approach to adult protection. Furthermore, modifications to the law regarding the notification of found allegations will potentially alter how investigations are conducted, ensuring that facilities are informed of any allegations against employees more promptly, even before investigations conclude, thereby facilitating faster remedial actions.

Summary

House Study Bill 596 (HSB596) is a legislative proposal relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). The bill updates provisions concerning the handling of information and records related to dependent adult abuse cases. It amends sections of the Iowa Code to clarify DIAL's authority in reporting both criminal and regulatory offenses and to enhance the confidentiality of reports while establishing procedures for notifying facilities about allegations of abuse. HSB596 aims to streamline DIAL's operations in safeguarding dependent adults by refining reporting mechanisms and response protocols.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HSB596 include debates on the balance between confidentiality for accused individuals and the need for transparency in abuse investigations. Some proponents argue that quicker notification to facilities is crucial for protecting vulnerable adults, asserting that it could prevent further abuse. However, opponents may raise concerns about due process for employees who are accused of abuse, fearing that the presumption of guilt may arise before investigations are concluded. This tension between protecting vulnerable adults and ensuring fair treatment for employees remains a focal point in discussions on the bill.

Companion Bills

IA SSB3095

Related A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2295.)

IA HF2390

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 596.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2295

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3095.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB3095

A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2295.)

IA SF2295

A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3095.)

IA HF2390

A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 596.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HSB215

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of health and human services, including administrative services organizations, child foster care, child and dependent adult abuse, internal audit and examination information, and the region incentive fund in the mental health and disability services regional service fund, and making an appropriation and including effective date provisions.(See HF 757, HF 1014, HF 1042.)

IA SSB1171

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of health and human services, including administrative services organizations, child foster care, child and dependent adult abuse, internal audit and examination information, and the region incentive fund in the mental health and disability services regional service fund, and making an appropriation and including effective date provisions.(See SF 582, SF 620, SF 641.)

IA HSB625

A bill for an act relating to processes overseen by the department of health and human services, including internal adoption information sharing, dependent adult abuse matters, juvenile justice court filings, and mandatory reporter training.(See HF 2404.)

IA SSB3124

A bill for an act relating to processes overseen by the department of health and human services, including internal adoption information sharing, dependent adult abuse matters, juvenile justice court filings, and mandatory reporter training.(See SF 2355.)

IA HB2741

Mental health; creating Neil's Law; enacting the Elder Exploitation and Abuse Act; purpose; intent; terms; civil actions; venue; relief; claim; court; records; vulnerable adult; evidence; codification; effective date.

IA HB2741

Mental health; creating Neil's Law; enacting the Elder Exploitation and Abuse Act; purpose; intent; terms; civil actions; venue; relief; claim; court; records; vulnerable adult; evidence; codification; effective date.

IA HB1835

Abuse of elderly and disabled adults; Protective Services for the Vulnerable Adults Act; definition; persons required to report; investigation and reporting; Oklahoma's Protection and Advocacy System; Nursing Home Care Act; liability; waivers; reports; effective date.

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CA SB354

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UT HB0153

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CA AB1179

Child custody: allegations of abuse: report.

CA SB494

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CA AB1221

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CA AB395

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