Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB268

Introduced

2/27/25

Refer

2/27/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to specialty hospital designations for certain nonprofit organizations.(See HF 919.)

Impact

The legislation mandates the adoption of formal procedures by specialty hospitals for patient admission, discharge, and care continuation based on objective medical standards. This not only standardizes care approaches but also aims to enhance the quality of services these hospitals provide. Moreover, the bill requires the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to alert specialty hospitals about significant changes in federal Medicaid reimbursement that could adversely impact their operational viability, which is crucial for maintaining financial stability and care accessibility.

Summary

House Study Bill 268 (HSB268) introduces a framework for designating specialty hospitals specifically for nonprofit organizations that primarily serve younger patients. The bill stipulates that eligible hospitals must cater exclusively to individuals aged 30 and younger, have a patient demographic where over 60% receive medical assistance, and specialize in pediatric rehabilitation or treatment of complex medical conditions. With capacity limitations set at 100 inpatient beds, the bill aims to ensure focused care for this demographic by establishing clear operational parameters for these specialty facilities.

Contention

Concerns around the bill may arise from its potential implications for existing hospitals and healthcare facilities, particularly regarding operational flexibility and regulatory oversight. Some stakeholders may argue that the specific exemptions and waivers granted under this bill could lead to a disparity in healthcare quality across different hospital types, as it modifies certain state regulations to favor the establishment of these specialty hospitals. There may be discussions regarding how these changes affect the broader landscape of healthcare access in Iowa, especially for those outside the specified patient demographic.

Stakeholder_session

The introduction of HSB268 has likely prompted discussions among healthcare providers, legislative bodies, and advocacy groups regarding its implications. Supporters may highlight the need for specialized pediatric care within the state, especially for underserved populations, while opponents might raise issues related to resource allocation and broader health equity concerns based on how the bill fosters an environment focused predominantly on younger patients and specific medical needs.

Latest IA HSB268 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session HSB268

Companion Bills

IA HF919

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to children's specialty hospital designations for certain nonprofit organizations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 268.) Effective date: 05/01/2025.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB653

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2509, HF 2673.)

IA HF2509

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 HF13

IA HF2019

A bill for an act relating to minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals.

IA SSB3146

IA HSB623

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa health information network and a state-designated health data utility.(See HF 2623.)

IA HF2242

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, and making appropriations.(See HF 2671.)

IA HSB215

A bill for an act relating to visitation policies in hospitals and nursing facilities.(See HF 619.)

IA HF2673

A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2509, HSB 653.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.