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1457XD

Youth Services and Behavioral Health (1457XD) - Health and Human Services, Department of

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill 1457XD enhances mental health services for Iowa youth, ensuring comprehensive care, improved facility standards, and coverage for those with serious emotional disturbances.

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Bill Summary · 1457XD

Summary of Bill 1457XD: Youth Services and Behavioral Health

Bill Number: 1457XD
Title: Youth Services and Behavioral Health
Introduced: November 18, 2025
Status: Proposed Bill
Classification: Health and Human Services, Department of

Purpose and Intent

Bill 1457XD aims to enhance services and support for youth in Iowa, specifically focusing on treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations. The bill seeks to improve the quality of care provided to youth with serious emotional disturbances and substance use disorders, while also addressing the certification requirements for children's residential facilities.

Key Provisions

1. Treatment and Evaluations

  • The bill amends existing laws to include provisions for treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations for youth.
  • It establishes a framework for psychiatric medical institutions for children, ensuring they provide comprehensive care, including shelter, food, supervision, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitative services.

2. Licensure and Certification

  • The bill introduces new definitions and requirements for licensing psychiatric medical institutions for children, ensuring that only qualified entities can operate such facilities.
  • It specifies that institutions must be accredited by recognized organizations, such as the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

3. Medical Care Plans

  • Institutions are required to develop individualized medical care plans for each resident, based on thorough diagnostic evaluations that assess the medical, psychological, social, and developmental needs of the youth.

4. Eligibility and Coverage

  • Youth diagnosed with biologically based mental illnesses who meet medical assistance program criteria will be deemed eligible for inpatient benefits under health insurance plans, ensuring they receive necessary care without being denied coverage.

5. Exemptions and Oversight

  • The bill outlines exemptions from certain certification requirements for children's residential facilities, streamlining the process for institutions that meet specific criteria.
  • It also emphasizes the role of mental health professionals in providing oversight and direction for care services.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected

  • Youth: The primary beneficiaries are youth under the age of 21 who require mental health services, particularly those with serious emotional disturbances or substance use disorders.
  • Healthcare Providers: Mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, will be directly involved in implementing the provisions of the bill.
  • Residential Facilities: Children's residential facilities will need to comply with new licensing and accreditation requirements, impacting their operational standards.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill is currently in the proposed stage and will undergo further legislative processes before becoming law. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and youth advocacy groups, may have opportunities to provide input during this process.

Conclusion

Bill 1457XD represents a significant step towards improving mental health services for youth in Iowa. By establishing clear guidelines for treatment, evaluation, and facility operation, the bill aims to ensure that vulnerable youth receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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