Bill > HF571

This bill, known as the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," establishes comprehensive protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors regarding their right to exercise conscience in providing medical services. The bill defines key terms such as "conscience" (ethical, moral, or religious beliefs), "health care service" (a broad range of medical activities), and "medical practitioner" (anyone licensed or authorized to provide medical care). It provides medical professionals and institutions the right to refuse participation in health care services that conflict with their conscience, while protecting them from discrimination or retaliation for such refusals. The bill includes robust whistleblower protections, ensuring that individuals cannot be penalized for reporting potential violations or ethical concerns. Additionally, the legislation safeguards free speech rights by preventing licensing boards from revoking credentials based on constitutionally protected speech, unless there is clear evidence of direct physical harm. The bill allows medical practitioners, health care institutions, and payors to seek legal remedies if they experience interference with their conscience rights, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney fees. Importantly, the law maintains exceptions for emergency medical services and does not prevent the negotiation or purchase of health care services by non-governmental entities, striking a balance between protecting individual conscience and ensuring access to medical care.

Justice

Judiciary (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF571