This bill introduces significant amendments to child welfare and mental health services under the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It includes new definitions for "behavioral health district" and "disability access point," which will serve as local access points for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. The legislation also revises the appointment process for advocates for involuntarily hospitalized patients, ensuring that appointees do not have conflicts of interest. Additionally, the bill updates the terminology and processes related to foster care, distinguishing between individual licensees and approved kinship caregivers, while removing outdated language. It emphasizes the need for caregivers to maintain records, complete social assessments, and adhere to safety regulations.

Moreover, the bill establishes training requirements for foster parents and kinship caregivers, mandates regular visits by the department, and introduces a foster family home insurance fund. It also outlines the approval process for kinship caregivers and specifies disqualifications based on felony convictions. The bill enhances HHS's responsibilities in notifying caregivers about meetings and sharing relevant information while ensuring confidentiality. Furthermore, it appropriates funds to support the transition of services to the behavioral health system and modifies the tax rate for health maintenance organizations. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the welfare of children and individuals with disabilities by streamlining services, clarifying roles, and enhancing the quality of care in foster settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 97B.1A, 229.1, 229.19, 229.14, 232.78, 232.95, 232.102, 234.1, 234.39, 232.2, 237.1, 237.2, 237.3, 256B.2, 237.4, 237.5A, 237.6, 237.8, 237.9, 217.30, 237.13, 16.57, 237.15, 237A.1, 237A.3A, 237C.1, 237C.3, 282.19, 414.22, 423.3, 135.118, 235A.1, 235A.15, 235B.2, 235B.3, 235B.6, 249A.4, 232.68, 432.1B