State Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, has been heavily involved in efforts to improve the delivery of mental health care in Iowa since she took office in 2019.

She offered this summary of mental health related bills that were acted on the recently concluded legislative session.

Meyer said the budget approved by lawmakers includes $13 million in increased state funding for mental health and substance Medicaid rate. When combined with federal funds brings this to a $35 million increase.

She said the House Health and Human Services Committee was provided results from a study regarding reimbursement rates from surrounding states, and the data showed Iowa was very low. This increased funding will supplement those rate to make Iowa competitive for providers, in turn attracting and retaining those providers to care for Iowans in need, according to Meyer.

HOUSE FILE 183 – PSYCHOLOGIST PRESCRIBING – This bill removes the requirement that a psychologist complete certain requirements within five years of being issued a conditional prescription certificate. This bill also changes that the physician supervising does not need to be board-certified in specific specialties. It was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

HOUSE FILE 274 – PSYCHIATRY PUBLIC FELLOWSHIP – This bill, written by Meyer, revises the state-funded psychiatry residency program that was established last session, to include two fellowship positions. The program will annually graduate nine psychiatry residents and two psychiatry fellows. It was signed by Reynolds.

HOUSE FILE 466 – COMMITMENT HEARINGS – This bill allows health care providers who have examined a patient involved in a substance abuse or mental health commitment to testify by video. Current law only allows for telephone testimony. The bill passed both the House and Senate and awaits action by Reynolds.