Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF144

Introduced
1/26/23  
Refer
2/28/23  
Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

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.)

Impact

If enacted, HF144 will have significant implications for rural healthcare systems in Iowa. By providing a streamlined licensure process and eliminating the need for a certificate of need during the conversion of certain hospitals to REHs, the bill encourages the modernization of healthcare delivery in underserved regions. This change is anticipated to enhance financial viability for rural hospitals, which are often challenged by low patient volumes and limited resources. The bill's provisions for emergency rulemaking also empower the Iowa Department of Public Health to swiftly implement necessary regulations, thus ensuring timely adaptation to the evolving healthcare environment.

Summary

House File 144 (HF144) proposes the establishment of licensing requirements for rural emergency hospitals (REHs) in Iowa, reflecting the designation defined in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The bill aims to facilitate the transition of qualifying facilities, specifically those that were general hospitals with no more than 50 licensed beds, into REHs. It ensures that these facilities are eligible for enhanced reimbursement rates under Medicare, becoming a crucial element in sustaining healthcare access for rural populations. HF144 delineates the criteria for establishing licensure, which includes compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Contention

Debate surrounding HF144 may arise from concerns about the quality of care and oversight in rural emergency hospitals. Stakeholders might argue that loosening certain regulatory requirements could lead to potential decreases in healthcare standards. Additionally, there could be apprehension regarding the implications for existing medical practitioners and the sufficiency of emergency services in rural areas. Critics may caution against over-reliance on rural emergency hospitals as substitutes for comprehensive hospital services, emphasizing the need for adequate training and resources to ensure patient safety and care effectiveness.

Companion Bills

IA HF13

Similar To 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.(See HF 144.)

IA SF75

Similar To 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.

Previously Filed As

IA HF13

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.(See HF 144.)

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 HSB91

A bill for an act relating to the health and well-being of children and families including provisions for rural emergency hospitals, regional centers of excellence, noneconomic damage awards against health care providers, a state-funded family medicine obstetrical fellowship program, self-administered hormonal contraceptives, review and approval of and public policy considerations relating to insurance benefits, maternal support and fatherhood initiatives, state employee parental leave, modification of property tax provisions for certain commercial child care properties, adoption expenses under the adoption subsidy program, and accessibility to the all Iowa scholarship program; providing for appropriations, fines, and penalties; and including effective date and applicability and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 427.)

IA SSB1133

A bill for an act relating to the health and well-being of children and families including provisions for rural emergency hospitals, regional centers of excellence, noneconomic damage awards against health care providers, a state-funded family medicine obstetrical fellowship program, self-administered hormonal contraceptives, review and approval of and public policy considerations relating to insurance benefits, maternal support and fatherhood initiatives, state employee parental leave, modification of property tax provisions for certain commercial child care properties, adoption expenses under the adoption subsidy program, and accessibility to the all Iowa scholarship program; providing for appropriations, fines, and penalties; and including effective date and applicability and retroactive applicability provisions.

IA HF729

A bill for an act relating to state finances, including by making, modifying, limiting, or reducing appropriations, distributions, or transfers, authorizing expenditure of certain unappropriated moneys, making corrections, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 252.)

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 HSB323

A bill for an act relating to animal feeding operations, by providing for the regulation of anaerobic digester systems, providing fees, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 989.)

IA HF651

A bill for an act relating to the ownership of dogs, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 152.)

IA SF578

A bill for an act relating to state finances, including by making, modifying, limiting, or reducing appropriations, distributions, or transfers, authorizing expenditure of certain unappropriated moneys, making corrections, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1222.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 03/28/2023, 09/18/2023.

IA HF989

A bill for an act relating to animal feeding operations, by providing for the regulation of anaerobic digester systems, providing fees, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 323.)

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