Health and Human Services

Senate File 304 amends existing law concerning a minor's ability to consent to medical care related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Currently, minors can independently consent to medical care or services for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of STDs. This bill introduces a specific exception to that provision. Under SF 304, a minor will no longer have the legal capacity to consent to the provision of a vaccination for a sexually transmitted disease or infection without the consent of another person, such as a parent or guardian.

HF 2315 changes how Iowa allocates funds from the juvenile detention home fund to county and multicounty juvenile detention homes. The bill requires each eligible home to receive a flat $150,000 in the first distribution, replacing the current system that distributed funds based solely on each home's share of total costs. Any remaining funds after this initial $150,000 allocation are then distributed proportionally based on each home's share of the total costs for all homes in the prior fiscal year. This provides a baseline funding amount for all homes while still adjusting for cost differences with leftover funds.

Iowa's HF 2125 changes the official title "physician assistant" to "physician associate" throughout all state laws, regulations, and administrative documents. The bill requires updating all references to the title by January 1, 2027, but explicitly states this change does not alter the scope of practice, rights, or responsibilities of licensed professionals. It allows current and future practitioners to use either title during a transition period and prohibits discrimination against those using "physician associate." The bill affects all state agencies, healthcare facilities, insurers, and entities interacting with licensed physician assistants.

HF 708 establishes clear guidelines for making healthcare decisions when patients cannot communicate, specifically for those with terminal conditions or serious illnesses. It defines key terms like "attorney in fact" (a health care agent), "close adult friend" (a designated trusted person meeting specific criteria), and clarifies hospice/palliative care eligibility. The bill creates a priority order for decision-makers: first a designated health care agent, then family members (spouse, children, parents), and finally a close adult friend, all guided by the patient’s known wishes. This focuses on ensuring patient autonomy and providing a structured process for care decisions without adding new services or altering hospice program requirements.

HF 814 allows pregnant minors in Iowa to consent to prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal medical care from specific healthcare providers if their parent, guardian, or legal custodian is not reasonably available. The bill directly affects pregnant minors who lack immediate access to a parent or guardian for medical decisions. It establishes that minors gain legal capacity to consent to this care, but healthcare providers must still obtain informed consent directly from the minor. The bill does not change existing requirements for providers to ensure minors understand their care options.