Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF506

Introduced
3/2/23  
Engrossed
3/22/23  
Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/30/23  
Engrossed
3/22/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to health facilities and health services including licensing and the certificate of need process, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1117.)

Impact

The implementation of SF506 is set to amend the Iowa Code sections relevant to the establishment and operation of health facilities, making significant changes to the certificate of need criteria. This will potentially reduce bureaucratic hurdles for health care entities looking to expand services or facilities. By allowing provisional licensing for new birth centers, the bill decreases the wait times for compliance, enhancing access to maternity care. The provisions could encourage the development of new medical infrastructure, especially in rural areas that might lack adequate health services due to regulatory delays.

Summary

Senate File 506 (SF506) focuses on health facilities and health services related to the licensing and certificate of need processes within the state of Iowa. The bill proposes amendments to existing regulations governing health care provider operations and aims to streamline the licensing process for new health services. Notably, it introduces provisions for the provisional licensure of birth centers, allowing for quicker compliance with health regulations while maintaining necessary safety and operational standards. Furthermore, SF506 responds to the growing need for accommodating new health care models and technological advancements in the healthcare sector, which may previously have been hampered by lengthy regulatory processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SF506 seems generally positive from proponents who argue that it reflects a modernized approach to healthcare management that addresses existing bottlenecks. Supporters see it as a necessary update to the regulatory framework that could facilitate better responsiveness to community health needs. However, there are concerns voiced by some community members and health advocacy groups regarding the potential for diminished oversight in health facility operations, which they fear could compromise patient care standards.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SF506 has also highlighted a notable contention regarding the balance between regulatory flexibility and ensuring comprehensive oversight of health facilities. Critics express apprehension over the expedited provisional licensing of birth centers, worrying that this could lead to inadequate regulation and oversight if not carefully monitored. This tension reflects broader debates in health policy about how to maintain safety and quality in health services while also promoting access and innovation.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1117

Related A bill for an act relating to the certificate of need process.(See SF 506.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2437

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3205.)

IA SF75

A bill for an act relating to certain health facilities including ambulatory surgical centers and rural emergency hospitals, including licensing requirements and fees, providing penalties and making penalties applicable, providing emergency rulemaking authority, and including applicability and effective date provisions. Effective date: 03/28/2023, 07/01/2023. Contingent applicability date.

IA HF144

A bill for an act relating to rural emergency hospitals, including licensing requirements and fees, making penalties applicable, providing emergency rulemaking authority, and including applicability and effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 13.)

IA SF567

A bill for an act relating to health care services and financing including nursing facility licensing and financing and the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums, and providing for licensee discipline.(Formerly SF 462, SSB 1167.)

IA SSB1213

A bill for an act relating to appropriations for veterans and health and human services and including other related provisions and appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive and other applicability date provisions.(See SF 561.)

IA SF538

A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1197.) Effective date: 03/22/2023. Contingent applicability date.

IA SSB3205

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 2437.)

IA HF685

A bill for an act relating to health care services and financing, including nursing facility licensing and financing and the Medicaid program including third-party recovery and taxation of Medicaid managed care organization premiums. (Formerly HF 525, HSB 177.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF1

A bill for an act relating to the elimination of the certificate of need process relating to the offering or development of a new or changed institutional health service.

IA SF477

A bill for an act relating to health care, including the licensure of internationally trained physicians and electronic protected health information, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 439.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 01/01/2025.

Similar Bills

IA HF2462

A bill for an act relating to statutory corrections which may adjust language to reflect current practices, insert earlier omissions, delete redundancies and inaccuracies, resolve inconsistencies and conflicts, remove ambiguities, and provide for Code editor directives. (Formerly HSB 645.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

CA SB1433

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA SB802

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB2423

Developmental services: rates.

IA SF2351

A bill for an act relating to statutory corrections which may adjust language to reflect current practices, insert earlier omissions, delete redundancies and inaccuracies, resolve inconsistencies and conflicts, remove ambiguities, and provide for Code editor directives.(Formerly SSB 3149.)

IA SSB3149

A bill for an act relating to statutory corrections which may adjust language to reflect current practices, insert earlier omissions, delete redundancies and inaccuracies, resolve inconsistencies and conflicts, remove ambiguities, and provide for Code editor directives.(See SF 2351.)

IA HSB645

A bill for an act relating to statutory corrections which may adjust language to reflect current practices, insert earlier omissions, delete redundancies and inaccuracies, resolve inconsistencies and conflicts, remove ambiguities, and provide for Code editor directives.(See HF 2462.)

CA AB909

Financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult: fraudulent transactions: liability.