Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF527

Introduced
3/5/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to nursing facility staffing requirements.

Impact

SF527 will significantly impact state laws concerning the operation of nursing facilities, particularly concerning the adequacy of staffing levels. By enforcing minimum staffing hours and ensuring that qualified personnel are consistently present, the bill aims to improve the standard of care in these facilities. However, it also provides mechanisms for nursing facilities to apply for waivers under certain conditions, which could affect enforcement and compliance if facilities are unable to meet staffing ratios due to local labor shortages.

Summary

Senate File 527 establishes new staffing requirements for nursing facilities in Iowa. This bill mandates that nursing facilities must provide nursing care on a 24-hour basis in accordance with residents' individual care plans. Additionally, the bill outlines specific staffing ratios, requiring a minimum of 3.48 hours of total nurse staffing per resident per day, which includes at least 0.55 hours of care from registered nurses and 2.45 hours from nurse aides. This legislation aims to enhance the quality of care provided to residents and ensure their safety and well-being.

Contention

An area of notable contention surrounding SF527 includes the waiver provisions allowing nursing facilities to bypass the staffing requirements under certain conditions. Critics may argue that such waivers could potentially compromise resident care, especially if facilities regularly resort to them due to non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill's implications for facilities in rural areas, where staffing can be more challenging, raise concerns about maintaining standards while addressing the realities of workforce shortages.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2317

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for authorized electronic monitoring in nursing facilities, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 537.)

IA HF2470

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for authorized electronic monitoring in nursing facilities, and providing penalties.

IA SF2354

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.(Formerly SSB 3146; See SF 2420.)

IA SSB3146

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 SF 2354, SF 2420.)

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 SF378

A bill for an act relating to seizure disorders and establishing certain requirements for charter schools, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and the department of education.

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 HF2585

A bill for an act relating to health care facilities, including joint training sessions and review of certain citations for nursing facilities, and exceptions to on-site inspections of health care facilities following complaints. (Formerly HSB 691.)

IA SF2216

A bill for an act relating to law enforcement officer staffing requirements for cities and counties.

IA HF537

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for authorized electronic monitoring in nursing facilities, and providing penalties.(See HF 2317.)

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