Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB690

Introduced
2/8/24  
Introduced
2/8/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of psychiatrists in the mental health professional loan repayment program.

Impact

The implications of HSB690 include increased access to financial assistance for psychiatrists who commit to working within Iowa. This move is expected to not only provide a financial boost for those entering the field but also attract more psychiatry graduates to work in underserved areas. By raising the loan repayment threshold for psychiatrists to $50,000 annually, and up to $200,000 total, the bill significantly enhances the financial feasibility for practitioners who might otherwise choose to practice elsewhere. This financial incentive is positioned to positively influence the overall mental health landscape in Iowa.

Summary

House Study Bill 690 aims to include psychiatrists in the mental health professional loan repayment program in Iowa. By amending the current definition of a mental health professional to encompass licensed psychiatrists, the bill seeks to enhance the state's capacity to address mental health challenges by incentivizing psychiatrists to practice in Iowa. The bill grants specific prioritization to Iowa-bred psychiatrists, which reflects a commitment to retaining local talent in the mental health field. The proposed changes underscore the importance of addressing the shortage of mental health professionals, which has been a pressing issue in many states including Iowa.

Contention

Some points of contention revolve around the prioritization criteria established in the bill. While the bill gives preference to those who earned their degrees from Iowa institutions, this could be seen as favoring local residents over qualified out-of-state professionals who could also contribute to the state's mental health services. Critics may argue that this could potentially limit the pool of available talent in a field already facing shortages. Additionally, stakeholders may raise questions about the total budget implications of expanding the loan repayment program and its sustainability in the long term.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF151

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(Formerly HSB 9.)

IA HSB9

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(See HF 151.)

IA HF19

A bill for an act relating to eligibility for the mental health professional loan repayment program.

IA HF244

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 47.)

IA SSB1024

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(See SF 253.)

IA HSB47

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(See HF 244.)

IA SF253

A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1024.)

IA HF972

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 754, HSB 191.) Contingent effective date, effective 05/28/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA HF754

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 191; See HF 972.)

IA HSB191

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 754, HF 972.)

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