Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF504

Introduced
2/28/23  
Introduced
2/28/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to prohibitions against a person acting as a provider or as an employee, contractor, or subcontractor of a provider of home and community-based services waiver services under the Medicaid program.(See HF 633.)

Impact

The bill amends existing laws to broaden the scope of those who are subject to background checks related to criminal activity and abuse history. Previously limited to direct service providers, this now includes management and consulting personnel as well. This extension aims to enhance the safety of consumers receiving services by ensuring that all individuals who might have access are evaluated for any disqualifying histories. This could significantly enhance oversight and accountability within HCBS programs.

Summary

House File 504 establishes new protocols concerning the employment of individuals within home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs. Specifically, the bill relates to the recording checks used to evaluate providers, employees, contractors, and subcontractors when criminal records or founded abuse incidents are identified. Under this legislation, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with conducting evaluations for such individuals to determine their eligibility for employment based on the nature of their criminal history or abuse record.

Contention

There are concerns regarding the implications of these criteria, especially related to the potential impact on employment opportunities for individuals with prior criminal records or founded abuse cases. While supporters argue that the heightened scrutiny is necessary for consumer safety, opponents warn that it may disproportionately prevent qualified individuals from gaining employment in the HCBS sector, suggesting that the bill might need provisions for addressing rehabilitation and second chances for these individuals.

Companion Bills

IA HF633

Similar To A bill for an act relating to prohibitions against a person acting as a provider or as an employee, contractor, or subcontractor of a provider of home and community-based services waiver services under the Medicaid program.(Formerly HF 504.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB739

A bill for an act relating to the Medicaid home and community-based services elderly waiver program, including transition planning and assisted living services.(See HF 2641.)

IA HF2641

A bill for an act relating to the Medicaid home and community-based services elderly waiver program, including transition planning and assisted living services.(Formerly HSB 739.)

IA S0069

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

IA H5366

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

IA HB2926

Provides certain immunity for private contractors, subcontractors, and employees of such contractors and subcontractors acting within the scope of a government contract awarded by the Missouri department of transportation

IA H7961

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.

IA S2932

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.

IA HF2518

A bill for an act relating to the department of health and human services and reporting requirements for shelter care, residential treatment, and Medicaid provider reimbursement rates, and establishing provider reimbursement rates for Medicaid home and community-based waiver services. (Formerly HSB 621.)

IA HB4282

Relating to the provision of residential services under the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCS) waiver program.

IA HB1067

Provides certain immunity for private contractors, subcontractors, and employees of such contractors and subcontractors acting within the scope of a government contract awarded by the Missouri department of transportation

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