Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF305

Introduced

2/10/25

Engrossed

2/20/25

Refer

2/24/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the qualifications of a county medical examiner.(Formerly HF 2.)

Impact

The passage of HF305 could have significant implications for state laws concerning the qualifications of medical personnel. By enabling advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to serve as medical examiners, the bill promotes a more diversified workforce in the medical examiner role. This is particularly important in regions struggling to attract or retain traditional physicians, thereby enhancing local access to vital medical examination services. With the growing recognition of the competencies of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, this bill acknowledges their critical roles in the healthcare system.

Summary

House File 305 aims to broaden the qualifications for a county medical examiner in Iowa. Previously, the law stipulated that only licensed physicians and osteopathic physicians could be appointed to this role. This bill amends the existing statute to include advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants among the pool of eligible candidates for appointment as county medical examiners. The intent behind this change is to strengthen the availability of qualified medical personnel in vital roles, especially in rural or underserved areas where the shortage of physicians is more pronounced.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support for expanding the healthcare workforce, some concerns may arise around the adequacy of training and experience of non-physicians in performing medical examiner duties. Though advanced registered nurses and physician assistants possess significant medical training, there may be debates over whether they have sufficient expertise to handle the complexities involved in determining cause of death or other responsibilities associated with the medical examiner’s office. This tension between expanding roles and maintaining quality standards is likely to be a point of discussion among stakeholders as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

IA HF2

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the qualifications of a county medical examiner.(See HF 305.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF424

A bill for an act providing for the collaborative practice of physician assistants by allowing for the practice of certain physician assistants without supervision by a physician. (Formerly HSB 115.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF265

A bill for an act relating to midwife licensure, providing for fees, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 80.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

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.

IA HF2395

A bill for an act creating the compassion and care for medically challenging pregnancies Act.(Formerly HF 2155.)

IA HSB80

A bill for an act relating to midwife licensure, providing for fees, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 265.)

IA HSB115

A bill for an act providing for the collaborative practice of physician assistants by allowing for the practice of physician assistants without supervision by a physician.(See HF 424.)

IA SSB1142

A bill for an act relating to the practice of physician assistants without supervision by a physician.

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HF2507

A bill for an act relating to the provision of emergency medical services by a physician and surgeon or osteopathic physician and surgeon and the definition of first responder. (Formerly HF 2258.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF161

A bill for an act relating to damage awards against health care providers, creating a medical error task force, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 102.) Effective date: 02/16/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 02/16/2023.