House File 919 establishes a new designation for "children's specialty hospitals" in Iowa, specifically for nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria. These hospitals must serve individuals aged thirty and younger, with over sixty percent of their patients receiving medical assistance. Additionally, they must specialize in pediatric rehabilitation and behavioral health, have no more than two hundred inpatient beds, and provide outpatient services. The bill also outlines the process for the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to grant provisional licenses to qualifying entities, allowing them to operate under specific waivers from state hospital rules while they seek federal certification.

The legislation mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services set reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient care provided by these licensed entities, based on established cost metrics. Furthermore, it exempts these entities from certain certificate of need requirements during their transition to becoming children's specialty hospitals. The bill includes provisions for emergency rule adoption to ensure swift implementation and is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135B.1
Reprinted: 135B.1
Enrolled: 135B.1