Iowa bill advances to expand access to subacute MH care

A proposal aimed at improving access to subacute mental health services in Iowa advanced last week, despite concerns from some insurers that it could restrict important patient care reviews, News From the States reported Feb. 10. House File 2220, which won unanimous subcommittee approval, focuses on individuals who don't require emergency hospitalization but still need more intensive, in‐person care than outpatient programs can provide. The measure removes the current 10‐day cap on subacute treatment unless formally extended by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. It also bars insurers from requiring preauthorization for the first 15 days of a person's stay in a subacute facility. After initial and 45‐day evaluations, managed‐care organizations would be limited to reviewing the medical necessity of ongoing treatment to once per month. The bill further prevents insurers from pushing for a patient's discharge unless the supervising mental health professional agrees the patient can safely transition back into the community.