SF 2198: Relating to the authority of an attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney for health care

What it does

This bill relates to the authority of an attorney in fact (attorney) under a durable power of attorney for health care (durable power of attorney). Current law provides that an attorney under a durable power of attorney has the duty to act in accordance with the desires expressed in the durable power of attorney or made known to the attorney by the principal who executed the durable power of attorney. If the principal executes a declaration related to life-sustaining procedures, the declaration shall not be interpreted to prohibit the attorney from withdrawing hydration or nutrition in certain circumstances, or otherwise restrict the authority of the attorney.

Senate subcommittee · named January 14, 2026

• Sen. David D. Rowley (R) · david.rowley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Matt Blake (D) · matt.blake@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mike Bousselot (R) · mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa State Bar Association

In plain words

1. January 14, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee · as SSB 3020
2. January 14, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Rowley, Blake and Bousselot · as SSB 3020
3. January 21, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes · as SSB 3020
4. February 3, 2026Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2198 · as SSB 3020
5. February 4, 2026Filed in the Senate
6. February 4, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
7. February 24, 2026Passed the Senate, 47–0
8. March 10, 2026Took the place of HF 2570 on the House floor (the same legislation)
9. March 10, 2026Passed the House, 93–0
10. April 9, 2026Sent to the Governor
11. April 9, 2026Signed into law