Feb. 8, 2023, Des Moines – The Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate held floor debates and voted today to approve the amended House File 161, establishing hard caps on noneconomic damages in cases of medical malpractice. The amended bill places a $2 million cap for hospitals or a $1 million cap for other health care providers. The original bill placed a $1 million cap on all providers. 

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

The bill passed the House 54-46 and the Senate 29-20. Tort reform was a priority for IHA this legislative session and IHA extends its thanks to Gov. Kim Reynolds, Rep. Joel Fry (R-Osceola), Rep. Ann Meyer (R-Fort Dodge), Sen. Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny), Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) and Sen. Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) for their support of this critical issue.