The bill seeks to reform Iowa's health care system by implementing a hub-and-spoke partnership funding model aimed at enhancing rural health care delivery. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to obtain federal approval for this model, which will financially support collaboration among regional health care providers. Additionally, the bill introduces a health care professional incentive program, administered by the college student aid commission in coordination with the department, to recruit and retain health care professionals in underserved areas through loan repayments or income bonuses. To streamline funding, the bill repeals several existing health care-related programs, including the rural Iowa primary care loan repayment program, and transitions their funds to the new incentive program.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code, particularly regarding the application process for certificates of need related to institutional health services, and introduces new legal terms for clarity. It eliminates several state-funded residency and fellowship programs while ensuring that funds for positions approved before June 30, 2025, are maintained. The responsibilities of the health facilities council and the board governing the Iowa health information network are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services, which will also oversee the newly established exchange advisory committee. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline health care governance, improve access to medical residencies, and enhance the recruitment and retention of health care professionals in rural 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.726, 10A.727, 10A.728, 10A.729, 135.131, 135B.5A, 135C.2, 225C.26, 144D.1, 231C.18, 708.3A, 147A.1, 135D.2, 135D.4, 135D.5, 135D.6, 135D.7