This bill aims to reform Iowa's health care system by implementing a hub-and-spoke partnership funding model to enhance financial support for rural health care providers. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to seek federal approval for this model and establishes a new health care professional incentive program to recruit and retain professionals in underserved areas. The bill also reallocates funds from several repealed health care-related programs, including the rural Iowa primary care loan repayment program and the health care professional recruitment program, into the new incentive program fund. Additionally, it ensures that any unobligated or unencumbered funds from various health-related accounts are appropriated to support Medicaid graduate medical education efforts.

Significant changes include the transfer of authority from the health facilities council to HHS regarding the issuance of certificates of need for health services, as well as the disbanding of the board of directors governing the Iowa health information network. The bill introduces new definitions and clarifies regulations surrounding health care facilities and services, while establishing an exchange advisory committee to oversee the network. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline health care funding, improve the efficiency of health care delivery, and enhance accountability and transparency in health care operations in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135.107, 249M.4, 135.175, 135.180, 10A.713, 10A.714, 10A.716, 10A.719, 10A.720, 10A.721, 10A.722, 10A.723, 68B.35, 99G.8, 10A.711, 135C.1, 10A.715, 10A.717, 10A.724, 10A.725, 10A.727, 10A.728, 10A.729, 10A.726, 135B.5A, 135C.2, 225C.26, 144D.1, 231C.18, 708.3A, 147A.1, 135D.2, 135D.4, 135D.5, 135D.6, 135D.7