Bill > HF813

This bill addresses private pay per diem rates at nursing facilities by establishing new regulations to control how these daily rates can be adjusted. Specifically, the bill defines "per diem rate" as the daily amount a nursing facility charges a private pay individual to reside there, and then places strict limitations on rate increases. Nursing facilities will be prohibited from increasing their per diem rates by more than the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban consumers, as published by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, facilities cannot raise rates within 12 months of establishing a rate, and can only increase rates once in any 12-month period. Facilities that do not comply with these restrictions will be ineligible to renew their operating licenses. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is required to create rules implementing these provisions, including a mandate that facilities submit an annual list of their per diem rates in a format that protects individual residents' privacy. These regulations will apply to per diem rates established or renewed on or after the bill's effective date, aiming to provide more predictability and limit potentially excessive rate increases for private pay nursing home residents.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF813