SF 2327 (LSB 5529SV (1) 88)

SENATE FILE 2327

BY  COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

(SUCCESSOR TO SSB 3111)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the elimination of the hospital licensing board, and providing for repeals.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 135B.5, subsection 1, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
   1.  Upon receipt of an application for license and the license fee, the department shall issue a license if the applicant and hospital facilities comply with this chapter, chapter 135, and the rules of the department. Each licensee shall receive annual reapproval upon payment of five hundred dollars and upon filing of an application form which is available from the department. The annual licensure fee shall be dedicated to support and provide educational programs on regulatory issues for hospitals licensed under this chapter in consultation with the hospital licensing board. Licenses shall be either general or restricted in form. Each license shall be issued only for the premises and persons or governmental units named in the application and is not transferable or assignable except with the written approval of the department. Licenses shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises as prescribed by rule of the department.
    Sec. 2.  Section 135B.7, subsection 1, paragraph a, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
   a.  The department, with the advice and approval of the hospital licensing board and approval of the state board of health, shall adopt rules setting out the standards for the different types of hospitals to be licensed under this chapter. The department shall enforce the rules.
    Sec. 3.  REPEAL.  Sections 135B.10 and 135B.11, Code 2020, are repealed.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to the elimination of the hospital licensing board. The current duties of the hospital licensing board, which is comprised of six individual appointed by the governor, include consulting with and advising the department of public health (DPH) in matters of policy affecting the administration of Code chapter 135B (licensure and regulation of hospitals), developing rules and standards provided for under Code chapter 135B, and reviewing and approving rules and standards authorized under Code chapter 135B prior to their approval by the state board of health and adoption by the department. 
   The bill eliminates the hospital licensing board and provides that DPH, with the approval of the state board of health, shall adopt rules setting out the standards for the different types of hospitals to be licensed.