Iowa Governor Terry Branstad put forth a bill that would have weakened the state's certificate of need program and eliminated licensing requirements for several professionals, but the bill will not move to full committee, according to The Gazette.
However, additional legislation that could weaken the CON program continues "floating around the Iowa House." The state's current CON requires providers to seek board approval to offer open new medical facilities, purchase medical equipment in excess of $1.5 million or offer new services.
The Iowa Hospital Association is against making changes to the CON laws, arguing changes could put the financial stability of the state's community hospitals at risk. The IHA is concerned if the CON is relaxed or eliminated specialty hospitals and centers would take away patients with good insurance that help balance the Medicaid and uncompensated care patients community hospitals currently treat, according to The Gazette.
Gov. Branstad maintains the CON is a roadblock for healthcare in the state because it hinders competition.