Iowa Senate Bill SF469

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Engrossed: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

A bill for an act creating an emeritus license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.(Formerly SSB 1121.)

Impact

The bill stipulates that the emeritus license will be valid for three years and can be renewed once. Importantly, it reduces the financial burden of maintaining a full medical license, as the application and renewal fees will be set at half the standard fees for active licenses. This change could encourage more experienced doctors to remain involved in medical education and supervision, while also reducing barriers for retired physicians who wish to contribute to the training of future doctors.

Summary

Senate File 469 (SF469) introduces a new provision for an emeritus license for physicians and surgeons as well as osteopathic physicians and surgeons who are at least sixty years old. This license is designed for those who will be primarily engaged in supervising and training resident physicians. The emeritus license allows these senior medical professionals to maintain the same scope of practice they had previously, ensuring that their experience can continue to benefit the medical community without needing to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SF469 may involve the decision to exempt emeritus license holders from continuing education requirements. This exemption is aimed at simplifying the licensing process for older physicians but may raise concerns about the ongoing quality of medical education and practice standards. Opponents might argue that even experienced doctors should keep up-to-date with current medical practices and technologies, while supporters contend that it recognizes the vast experience and knowledge that senior doctors possess and their role in mentoring younger physicians as they embark on their careers.