HSB 85: Relating to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners

What it does

This bill relates to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants (assistant) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP). The bill allows an assistant or an ARNP to be present and testify on behalf of a licensed physician and surgeon, osteopathic physician and surgeon, mental health professional, or certified alcohol and drug counselor who examined a respondent in an involuntary commitment hearing for a substance abuse disorder if the court grants an application that contains certain sworn statements as detailed in the bill. The bill contains similar language to allow an assistant or ARNP to appear and testify on behalf of a licensed physician or a mental health professional at an involuntary commitment hearing for a respondent’s serious mental impairment.

House subcommittee · named January 27, 2025

• Rep. Ann Meyer (R) · ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Timi M. Brown-Powers (D) · timi.brown-powers@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Chad Ingels (R) · chad.ingels@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives; Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Mental Health Advocacy; Iowa Nurse Practitioners Society; Iowa Physician Assistant Society; Mindspring Mental Health Alliance

In plain words

1. January 27, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. January 27, 2025House subcommittee named: Meyer, A., Brown-Powers and Ingels
3. January 30, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 6, 2025Approved by the House committee
5. February 6, 2025Committee vote: 20–0
6. February 10, 2025Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 313