This bill aims to enhance the training and certification of health care facility inspectors in Iowa. It mandates the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, in collaboration with the Board of Nursing, to establish continuing education requirements that enable individuals to maintain dual certification as certified nurse aides and health care facility inspectors. Additionally, the bill introduces a health care facility inspector incentive grant program, which will provide funding of up to $2,000 for certified nurse aides to obtain the necessary training to qualify as inspectors. The program will be governed by specific eligibility requirements and award criteria set by the department.

Furthermore, the bill requires community colleges to create a certificate program focused on long-term care quality and inspection support, consisting of 30 to 40 contact hours covering essential topics such as inspection processes and abuse prevention. The Board of Directors of each community college is tasked with pursuing state and federal grants to support the establishment and expansion of this program. The bill also establishes a fund to support the grant program, ensuring that any generated moneys remain available for future expenditures. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the quality of health care facility inspections through enhanced training and financial support for aspiring inspectors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135C.35, 8.33