This bill amends Section 249A.15B of the Iowa Code to include provisions for speech language pathologist assistants alongside licensed speech pathologists in the medical assistance program. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adopt rules that allow licensed speech pathologists to receive payment for their services and also enables speech language pathologist assistants, who practice under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist, to be reimbursed for their services provided to medical assistance recipients. The bill specifies that these reimbursements will be subject to limitations and exclusions determined by HHS based on federal laws and regulations.

Additionally, the bill requires HHS to submit any necessary federal waiver or amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to facilitate the inclusion of speech language pathologist assistants as providers under the medical assistance program. The provisions of this bill will take effect only upon HHS receiving federal approval for the inclusion of speech language pathologist assistants in the program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 249A.15B