A bill for an act relating to physical examinations of personnel working in licensed or registered child care facilities. (Formerly HSB 7.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
Summary
HF 390 revises Iowa law governing health screening for personnel in licensed or registered child care facilities. Under current law, child care employees must have good health as shown by a preemployment physical examination. The bill updates that requirement to allow the initial physical examination to occur within six months before employment begins or within six months after the employee starts work, rather than only before employment. It also clarifies that the exam must include communicable disease testing performed by a licensed physician or physician assistant.
The bill further requires child care facility personnel to undergo a repeat physical examination at least once every three years after the initial employment exam. It preserves the existing rule that controlled medical conditions that do not affect an employee’s job performance cannot be used to bar employment. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends Iowa Code section 237A.5.
Impact
HF 390 changes the employment health-screening standards for licensed and registered child care facilities in Iowa by modifying the timing and frequency of required physical examinations. It affects child care employers and personnel by giving more flexibility for the initial exam window while imposing a clear three-year reexamination cycle. The bill amends Iowa Code section 237A.5 and continues to regulate communicable disease testing and employment eligibility based on health status.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received generally favorable support, passing the House and Senate with comfortable margins. The vote totals suggest broad bipartisan acceptance of the policy, which is framed as a child care health and safety measure rather than a major controversial change. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record shows support through final passage votes rather than detailed debate.
Contention
The main policy issue is the balance between child care workforce flexibility and health oversight. Supporters likely viewed the bill as a practical update that allows new employees to complete exams shortly after starting work while still requiring periodic screening. Any opposition appears to have been limited, as reflected in the passage votes, and may have centered on whether the post-employment exam window and three-year interval provide sufficient protection for children in care settings.