Jan/Feb 2016
 A Note from the Director:
With the 2016 Iowa Legislative Session solidly underway, the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) is paying close attention to bills proposed by the 86th Iowa General Assembly that have the potential to impact the lives of older Iowans, adults with disabilities, veterans and caregivers. Moving forward, the IDA will use The Link to keep readers informed about new and pending legislation and the progress of bills through the House and Senate to the Governor's Office.
I'm excited about the great things this session has the potential to do regarding improving the quality of life for older Iowans. As our elected lawmakers sort through issues involving everything from health care and social services to energy, the environment, the state's infrastructure and tax incentives, it's important to reflect on the ways all of these things contribute to making Iowa, overall, a more inviting state for people to age and retire in.
Additionally, I am looking forward to the 2016 Governor's Conference on Aging & Disabilities, which is scheduled to take place May 23-26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. As we work to pull together this national conference to spotlight the innovative work that is taking place throughout the country to benefit the aging and disability communities, I am truly excited about the pre-conference intensives, keynote speakers, workshops and presentations we have already lined up and am confident the event will contribute significantly to the national dialogue during this critical election year.
As always, if you have questions or concerns about aging in Iowa, I welcome you to contact me directly. Together, we'll make 2016 a great year for older Iowans!
Donna K. Harvey
Director, Iowa Department on Aging
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IDA Bill Tracker
The following bills are currently being monitored by the Iowa Department on Aging:
HSB539: Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in apartments and homes built after July 2017 that have a fuel-fired heater, a fireplace or an attached garage. Requires the alarms to be installed by bedrooms, or as determined by the Fire Marshal by rule. Makes the owner of a single-family home responsible for installing the alarm and certifying that the alarm has been installed when filing for a homestead credit. Requires the use of alarms with a light in rentals used by deaf tenants. Gives the State Fire Marshal enforcement duties and sets penalties (see SSB3017).
HSB544: Veterans Vehicle Fees
Allows a veteran with a disability of 50% to qualify for the current exemption for specific disabled veterans from paying vehicle registration fees. Allows such a veteran to apply for a disabled parking permit.
HF2039: Suicide Disclosures
Requires a health care provider to provide information on the civil
commitment process upon request by an immediate family member if it is
determined that the person is likely to injure him/herself.
HF2040: Mental Health Advocate Duties
States that a mental health advocate, as appointed under Iowa Code 229,
has exclusive control over the performance of his/her duties.
HF2056: Jury Duty
Creates an automatic
exemption from jury duty that allows a person who is 73 or older to opt out.
HF2091: Restroom Access
Amends the Iowa Civil Rights Act to include denial of a public restroom to an individual suffering from a medical condition that requires immediate access to a restroom.
HF2103: Meals on Wheels
Allows assisted living programs that are already licensed and inspected as food establishments to prepare meals for delivery without another license or need for additional inspection.
HF2104: Subsidized Guardianship
Makes eligible for a subsidy an adult guardian who is the grandparent or a relative of a child eligible under the subsidized guardianship program, if the guardian can show financial need. Includes other requirements. Requires the Department of Human Services to submit an amendment for the state plan to the federal government.
SSB3017: Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Requires the
installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residences, including certain multiple-unit dwellings.
SSB3060: Dental Hygienists
Allows a licensed dental hygienist to do educational services and oral screening services without the supervisions of a dentist and without a restriction on the location.
SSB3066: Alzheimer's Awareness
Appropriates $100,000 to the Department of Public Health for a grant to a non-profit for a public awareness campaign about Alzheimer’s disease.
SF84: Employment & Criminal History
Prohibits employers and employment agencies from seeking the criminal record or criminal history from applicants for employment under certain circumstances.
SF2015: Disability Plates
Allows
for an authorized representative to register for person with disability plates for a vehicle/trailer if the owner is an irrevocable trust.
SF2032: Mental Health Disclosures
Allows
for the disclosure of mental health information for the purposes of care
coordination (management of all aspects of a patient’s care to improve health
care quality).
SF2051: Assisted Suicide
Allows a competent, adult patient to make written request for medication to self-administer. Requires attending and consulting physician to concur that patient is terminal and voluntary expresses wishes. Process is initial oral request, followed by a subsequent oral request at least 15 days after initial oral request, followed by a written request. Patient must be offered opportunity to rescind at the time of second oral request. If patient cannot make oral request, can make written request witnessed by two individuals, one of whom is not a relative or beneficiary. If the patient is in a LTCF, one witness shall be an individual designated by the facility.
 86th Iowa General Assembly 2016 Legislative Session Timetable
The following timetable has been set for the 2016 Legislative Session pursuant to Iowa Code*:
Jan. 11: First day of session
Jan. 22: Final day for individual requests for bill drafts to the Legislative Services Agency
Feb. 19: Final date for Senate bills to be reported out of Senate committees and House bills to be reported out of House committees
Feb. 22-26: Senate only considers Senate bills and unfinished business; House only considers House bills and unfinished business
Feb. 29 - March 11: Debate not limited by rule
March 11: Final date for Senate bills to be reported out of House committees and House bills to be reported out of Senate committees
March 14-18: Senate only considers House bills and unfinished business; House only considers Senate bills and unfinished business
March 21: Only certain bills are eligible for consideration
April 4: Amendments need not be filed on the day preceding floor debate
April 19: 100th Day of Session (per diem expenses end)
*This Session Timetable is subject to change. For additional information, please refer to the Iowa Legislature's website at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/.
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 Oral Health and Aging
According to research conducted by the Pew Charitable Trusts, "Americans are living longer and
keeping more of their teeth in old age." However, nearly one in 5 older Americans has untreated tooth decay and more than 40
percent have some type of periodontal disease.
The study suggests poor oral health is due to a decline in utilization of dental care, which is often due to a lack of insurance, lack of transportation or mobility challenges.
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 State of Iowa Welcomes Public Comment
One of the greatest things about a democracy is every citizen's right to express their opinion about the government. Through a new website, the State of Iowa has implemented a mechanism to enable the public to share comments and concerns about plans and documents.
By visiting
https://comment.iowa.gov/, individuals can actively help the state reform processes, prevent
overregulation and minimize bureaucratic red tape while encouraging efficiency, economic growth and job
creation.
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Upcoming Events & Learning Opportunities
2016 PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
May 12, 2016 (Iowa Valley Continuing Education Center, Marshalltown)
The Iowa Department of Transportation's 2016 Passenger Transportation Summit
features presentations by the Iowa DOT and the Federal Transit Administration’s Office
of Research, Demonstration and Innovation, as well as concurrent sessions on volunteer transportation, employment
transportation, overcoming regulatory roadblocks and the State Long-Range
Transportation Plan. Participants will also learn more about LifeLong Links and Iowa’s new
RideShare application.
Anyone
involved with passenger transportation in Iowa (providers, users or those
referring clients) are invited to participate. The event is free and lunch is included.
> Register
2016 GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON AGING & DISABILITIES
May 23-26, 2016 (Iowa Events Center, Des Moines)
Registration is now open for the 2016 Governor's Conference on Aging & Disabilities. In addition to showcasing the innovative work being done around the country to advance the aging and disability communities, plenary speaker Terry Rich, CEO of the Iowa Lottery, will be sharing his expertise about "out-of-the-box" thinking to help your organization allow for meaningful change and improve the work you do.
Pre-conference intensives on the topics of employment, oral health and elder justice are included in the conference cost.
> Register
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