DES MOINES, IA – Yesterday, the Iowa Legislature passed Governor Kim Reynolds’ landmark proposal to bolster the physician workforce in Iowa. House File 972 makes record-level investments in the physician workforce by increasing general medical education (GME) residency slots, strengthening maternal health services, and nearly doubling funds for healthcare loan repayment programs. This proposal sets Iowa apart from all other states in the country by taking bold action to meaningfully address Iowa’s physician shortage.

Specifically, the bill:

· Draws down $150 million in federal funds for GME residency training slots, creating 460 new positions over four years;

· Increases funding to $8 million for rural health care provider loan repayment and consolidates existing programs for greater flexibility;

· Invests $640,000 for unbundled Medicaid maternal health rates; and

· Invests $1 million for research into Iowa’s high cancer rates.

 

“This legislation is a game-changer for Iowa’s health care system,” said Alison Lynch, MD, President of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). “We commend Governor Reynolds for her leadership and vision in prioritizing this issue and we are grateful to the Iowa Legislature for passing this bold, bipartisan solution. By making historic investments in residency training, maternal health, and loan repayment programs, House File 972 directly addresses the physician workforce shortage that has challenged communities across our state for years.”

“This is the kind of transformative policy that will strengthen our physician pipeline, improve access to care for patients—especially in rural areas—and support the long-term health of our communities,” said Steven W. Churchill, MNA, and CEO of IMS. “The Iowa Medical Society is proud to have been a partner in shaping and advancing this effort that will make Iowa stand out as a place for physicians to live, work, and serve their communities.”

 

The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support and awaits the Governor’s signature to become law. IMS and its members enthusiastically thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership and collaboration to advance the health care workforce for Iowans. IMS also thanks the Iowa Legislature for prioritizing health care access for patients and advancing this critical piece of legislation.

The measure follows collaboration and recommendations throughout the legislative interim as IMS worked with the Governor’s office to address the physician workforce shortage. These recommendations include findings from Operation I.O.W.A.—a one-day summit of physician leaders and health care executives to craft solutions to the physician workforce shortage in Iowa.