Gov. Reynolds signs IHA-led tort reform bill
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a tort reform bill Thursday that establishes hard caps on noneconomic damages in cases of medical malpractice. The bill places a $2 million cap for hospitals or a $1 million cap for other health care providers.

“This bill is a positive step in protecting access to care for all Iowans,” said IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell. “It stops the rising cost of medical liability insurance, meaning Iowa hospitals can continue to recruit top talent in the health care field while ensuring access to affordable, high-quality care for patients.”

IHA thanks Gov. Reynolds and key legislators for their support of this bill including floor managers Rep. Ann Meyer (R-Fort Dodge) and Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig). IHA also thanks members who advocated for this bill.

Register for 2023 Hospital Day on the Hill

There’s still time to register for IHA’s 2023 Hospital Day on the Hill scheduled from noon-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. The passing of tort reform shows that hospital advocates are crucial to making positive change in health care policies in Iowa. The voices of IHA members and hospital advocates help communicate the important work hospitals do for their patients and communities. That’s why it’s important to join IHA’s 2023 Hospital Day on the Hill.

This year’s in-person advocacy day includes legislative updates from IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell and IHA lobbyists Erin Cubit and Sandra Conlin. Following lunch, advocates can put their words into action by sharing the Iowa hospital perspective with legislators at the Capitol. The day will end with a legislative reception for advocates and lawmakers at IHA.

Medical Solutions provides human approach to workforce issues

Joel Tremblay, chief operating officer of ServiShare partner Medical Solutions, was a guest on the HealthLeaders podcast. The episode, "Why Choosing the Right Workforce Partner Matters: Medical Solutions Uses the Human Approach and Technology for Results," highlighted the importance of choosing a total workforce solutions partner that accesses people and technology. Tremblay also emphasized the human element and benefit of involving real people in the hiring process.

HRSA Region 7 offering grants workshop
The Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs – Region 7, is hosting a workshop for community organizations including hospitals and health systems. The workshop will review federal funding opportunities and teach participants to create and submit competitive grant proposals.

The Grant 101 Workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at River Hills Community Health Center in Ottumwa.

IHA also is offering an immersive Grant Writing Workshop. The hands-on class will walk participants through the grant-development process. In the workshop, participants will draft a portion of a grant application they can finalize and submit. The IHA workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Email Corey Martin at IHA with questions.