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Iowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society today applauded the signature of Gov. Kim Reynolds on House File 2635 during a bill signing ceremony at Monroe County Hospital & Clinics, advancing significant reforms to prior authorization and strengthening protections for patients and physicians across the state. “This law addresses a high priority for physicians across Iowa – fewer barriers to care and decisions grounded in clinical expertise,” said IMS President, Lillian Erdahl, MD. “By addressing prior authorization challenges and strengthening accountability for insurers, we help ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care.” House File 2635, a top legislative priority for IMS, makes substantial changes to how health insurance carriers and utilization review organizations operate in Iowa. The law requires that only clinical peers or qualified reviewers may deny or downgrade prior authorization requests, helping ensure medical decisions are made by individuals with appropriate expertise. The legislation also exempts cancer-related screenings recommended under current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, as well as emergency medical conditions requiring immediate inpatient treatment, from prior authorization requirements across private insurance plans, Medicaid-managed care, and the Hawki program. Additional provisions prohibit insurance carriers from penalizing physicians for referring patients to or affiliating with out-of-network providers, bar unreasonable or unconscionable contract terms, and ensure physicians have the opportunity to negotiate agreements and amendments with insurers. The law also establishes new audit standards and timelines for insurer determinations and appeals, while including updates to Iowa’s certificate…
Iowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Physician Mentoring Network
Iowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Physician Mentoring Network Iowa White Coat Network aims to strengthen connections and Iowa’s physician workforce DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society has launched the Iowa White Coat Network, a new statewide mentoring program designed to connect Iowa medical students, residents, practicing physicians, and…
Read MoreStatement on the executive order changing childhood vaccine schedule
Statement on the executive order changing childhood vaccine schedule from the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to strongly recommend the full set of immunizations to help keep children healthy. Pediatricians’ recommendations…
Read MoreIowa Pediatricians Earn National Recognition for Child Health Work
Iowa Pediatricians Earn National Recognition for Child Health Work Iowa AAP receives Outstanding Chapter Award after statewide work on immunizations, preventive care and pediatric health DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 12, 2026 – Iowa pediatricians have received national recognition for work to improve children’s health across the state, including community outreach efforts that…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Receives National Advocacy Award for Operation I.O.W.A.
Iowa Medical Society Receives National Advocacy Award for Operation I.O.W.A. Physician workforce initiative recognized among the nation’s top medical society programs DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) received the 2026 Profiles of Excellence Awards honor in the Advocacy category from the American Association of Medical Society Executives…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Applauds Expansion of Iowa’s Physician Workforce Pipeline
Iowa Medical Society Applauds Expansion of Iowa’s Physician Workforce Pipeline Graduate Medical Education expansion will help strengthen physician training opportunities and improve access to care across Iowa. DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) applauds Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa’s teaching hospitals, and…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to Support Workforce Recruitment Efforts
Iowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to Support Workforce Recruitment Efforts New platform connects Iowa health care employers with physicians and health care professionals statewide DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) has launched the Iowa Health Care Job Board, a new statewide workforce…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation
Iowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society today applauded the signature of Gov. Kim Reynolds on House File 2635 during a bill signing ceremony at Monroe County Hospital & Clinics, advancing significant reforms to prior authorization and…
Read More2026–2027 IMS Board of Directors Announced
2026-2027 IMS Board of Directors Announced Election process brings new physician leaders to the board to guide strategy, strengthen patient care and address the state’s physician shortage crisis DES MOINES, Iowa – Lillian Erdahl, MD of Iowa City has been installed as president of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS), leading…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Applauds Passage of Physician Licensure Reform Bill
Iowa Medical Society Applauds Passage of Physician Licensure Reform Bill DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) today announced that its priority physician licensure reform bill has passed the Iowa Legislature and now awaits the governor’s signature, marking a significant step forward in reducing administrative burdens on physicians and strengthening…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Foundation Announces 2026 Global Health Scholars
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Iowa Medical Society Foundation Announces 2026 Global Health Scholars Nineteen medical students in Iowa selected to strengthen physician pipeline DES MOINES, Iowa – April 2, 2026 – The Iowa Medical Society Foundation (IMSF) has selected 19 outstanding medical students as recipients of the 2026 IMSF Global Health…
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