(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has unanimously approved a bill designed to expand access to intensive mental health services outside of a hospital setting. It applies to facilities that help stabilize patients in a mental health crisis while a long-term care plan is developed. If the bill becomes law, insurance companies could not require prior authorization for admission. Representative Ron Johnson of Des Moines says the bill is a step in the right direction.

“Iowa is in a really rough place when it comes to mental health care,” Johnson said. “…I’m really glad to see listed in this bill the prior authorization because far too often we are allowing insurance companies to make medical decisions and not the medical professionals themselves.” Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge says the bill would also get rid of a state rule that insurance companies have cited when limiting coverage for these services to just 10 days. “It also establishes a bed tracking system for (each) Pediatric Mental Institute for Children,” Meyer said.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.