This bill focuses on enhancing the framework for subacute mental health care facilities and services in Iowa. It amends existing law by eliminating the previous limitation that subacute mental health care must be confined to a period of 10 calendar days unless extended by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Additionally, it mandates that a written treatment care plan be developed within 24 hours of a resident's admission to a subacute care facility. The bill also establishes timelines for managed care organizations to provide prior authorization for insurance coverage of subacute mental health services, requiring urgent requests to be addressed within 48 hours and nonurgent requests within five to ten calendar days, depending on complexity.

Furthermore, the bill directs HHS and the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) to collaborate in reviewing and modifying administrative rules that may hinder the establishment and expansion of subacute mental health care facilities. It allows for an increase in the number of beds at these facilities without classifying them as mental health institutions and reduces employment requirements at subacute facilities compared to state mental health institutes. The bill also grants HHS and DIAL the authority to adopt emergency rules for its implementation, with an effective date upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135G.1, 135G.3