This bill amends the powers and duties of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in relation to public health disasters, specifically addressing the management of infectious diseases. Key changes include stipulating that HHS may take reasonable measures to prevent disease transmission but cannot require identification or monitoring of individuals at risk of contracting a contagious disease. The department is authorized to recommend, rather than order, physical examinations, testing, and vaccinations, with the affected individual retaining the ultimate authority to accept or decline these recommendations without undue pressure. Isolation of infected individuals is permitted if they pose a danger to public health, but the duration of isolation cannot exceed the longest usual incubation period for the specific disease.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for HHS to provide a platform on its website for qualified individuals to submit evidence-based information regarding public health emergencies and for the public to share their experiences. It also modifies the criteria for religious exemptions from vaccination, allowing affidavits based on sincerely held beliefs rather than requiring affiliation with a recognized religious denomination. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that exemptions from vaccination apply even during declared emergencies or epidemics.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135.144, 139A.4, 139A.8