Historic property tax bill advances through Senate

After spending Easter weekend with our families, the thirteenth week of session was busy as we worked through several important issues in the Iowa Senate. One of the major bills debated this week was House File 2254, which requires the Board of Regents to develop a policy prohibiting the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from including noncompete clauses in contracts with physicians. The bill applies to employment contracts between UIHC and advanced registered nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, registered nurses, and physicians that are entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the bill’s effective date. This is a huge win for rural hospitals, our health care workforce, and Iowans seeking care. We have passed several pieces of legislation in recent years to support our health care workforce, and this bill continues that effort.