Relating to specialty hospital designations for certain nonprofit organizations

Topics:Health care Medicaid

Same legislation: HF 919

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedFebruary 27, 2025
Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 27, 2025
Done: House committeeMarch 5, 2025
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 25, 202597–0
Done: Senate committeeApril 7, 2025
Done: Passes the SenateApril 9, 202547–0
Done: To the GovernorMay 1, 2025
Done: Signed into lawMay 1, 2025

Became HF 919 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 919 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to specialty hospital designations for certain nonprofit organizations. The bill defines “specialty hospital” as a hospital that is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization; only serves individuals years of age and younger; has more than percent of patients receiving medical assistance under Code chapter 249A (medical assistance); specializes in pediatric rehabilitation and treating children with a behavioral health condition or complex medical needs; has no more than 100 inpatient beds; provides outpatient services; and was a licensed nursing facility prior to July 1, 2025.

Read the full explanation

The bill requires a specialty hospital to establish formal criteria based on objective medical standards for patient admission, discharge, and continuation of care. The department of inspections, appeals, and licensing (DIAL) must adopt rules relating to the application of criteria when reviewing patient discharges from a specialty hospital. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to provide notice to a specialty hospital of a significant change in federal Medicaid reimbursement to hospitals which would negatively impact the specialty hospital. The bill requires HHS, to the extent permitted by law, to collaborate with specialty hospitals to mitigate the negative effects of a significant change in federal Medicaid reimbursement to hospitals. The bill requires HHS to set reimbursement rates for inpatient care provided by a specialty hospital at a rate equal to the specialty hospital’s average allowable per diem costs as adjusted for inflation. _____ allow the specialty hospital to operate. The bill directs DIAL and HHS to adopt rules to implement such waivers and exemptions, or permit such assistance.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendments S-3070, H-1163; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed

House subcommittee

Named February 27, 2025. On March 4, 2025 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§135B.40

Amends§135B.1

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Lobbying

1 for · 0 against · 10 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Study bill

HSB 268Renumbered

91st General Assembly

HF 919Became lawfrom HSB 268

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.