The bill proposes a comprehensive overhaul of public health governance in Iowa by dissolving local boards of health and local health departments, replacing them with county boards of health and district boards that cover multiple contiguous counties. Key amendments include the deletion of references to city boards and health departments that existed prior to July 1, 2010, and the introduction of new definitions for "board of health," "county board," and "district board." The bill mandates that these new boards oversee public health matters, create fiscal plans, and establish agreements with local hospitals for health service provision. It also outlines a transition period for city boards to transfer their responsibilities and assets to the new boards by June 30, 2027, while prohibiting the extension of existing contracts beyond this date.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the membership structure and qualifications for board members, requiring at least one licensed health professional on each board. It emphasizes the need for public hearings before rule adoption and mandates transparency in board operations, including the submission of meeting minutes and reports to the state department. The legislation also introduces new reporting requirements for health care providers regarding communicable diseases and sexually transmitted diseases, enhancing confidentiality and providing immunity for good faith reporters. Overall, the bill aims to streamline public health governance, improve coordination among health entities, and ensure effective service delivery across Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 137.101, 137.102, 137.103, 137.113, 331.101, 137.106, 137.109, 137.110, 331.324, 137.112, 135.140, 331.307, 143.1, 137.107, 28G.4, 28G.2, 135.1, 135.11, 135.17, 135.19, 135.27, 135.34, 135.39D, 135.102, 135.103, 135.104, 135.105B, 135.107, 135.119, 135.146, 135A.2, 135A.8, 135C.1, 135I.1, 135I.2, 135I.4, 136A.5B, 136A.3, 137C.2, 137C.6, 137C.35, 137F.13, 138.12, 138.14, 139A.2, 139A.4, 139A.7, 139A.8, 139A.10, 139A.11, 139A.12, 139A.13A, 139A.14, 139A.15, 139A.17, 139A.25, 139A.31, 139A.33, 139A.34, 163.17, 195.6, 239B.12, 263.7, 263.8, 331.304, 331.321, 346A.1, 351.36, 455B.172, 455B.303