ARC 8541C

ARC 8541C

Proposing rulemaking related to more options for maternal support program
and providing an opportunity for public comment

The MOMS program is designed to:

●Provide personalized support to pregnant women to provide stabilization for families.

●Promote improved pregnancy outcomes, including reducing abortions, by helping women practice sound, health-related behaviors and improve prenatal nutrition.

●Improve child health and development by helping parents provide responsible and competent care for their children.

●Improve family economic self-sufficiency by linking parents to services that address individual economic and social needs.

A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on October 30, 2024. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

●November 19, 2024

Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

ITEM 1.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 164:

CHAPTER 164

MORE OPTIONS FOR MATERNAL SUPPORT (MOMS) PROGRAM

441—164.1(217) Definitions.

“Client” means an individual receiving the services enumerated in Iowa Code section 217.41C through the program.

“Pregnancy support services” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 217.41C.

“Program” means the more options for maternal support (MOMS) program outlined in Iowa Code section 217.41C.

“Program administrator” means a nonprofit entity incorporated in this state with a tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is awarded a contract by the department to administer the program, including managing a statewide network of providers and other duties outlined in Iowa Code section 217.41C.

“Provider of pregnancy support services” or “provider” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 217.41C.

441—164.2(217) Pregnancy support services. Pregnancy support services do not include health care treatment or services for purposes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

441—164.3(217) Program administrator responsibilities.

164.3(1) If a nonprofit entity is awarded a contract by the department though the request for proposals process to administer the program, that program administrator may assume ownership and oversight of any existing contracts providers have with the department. The program administrator will work with the department to facilitate and execute the contract reassignments.

164.3(2) A program administrator shall prepare and submit an annual program evaluation report in a format prescribed by the department at the end of each contracted year. The program administrator shall use the results of the evaluation report at a minimum to support and assist providers in the continuous quality improvement process.

164.3(3) A program administrator shall maintain a minimum number of providers, as specified by the department, to include any provider contracts reassigned by the department, if applicable.

164.3(4) A program administrator shall only be eligible to receive reimbursement for services described in its contract and shall not charge additional fees to the department or to providers.

441—164.4(217) Client feedback. The department will create a process for clients to provide confidential feedback regarding their experience with providers.

441—164.5(217) Appeals. An applicant for program administrator, provider, or client who disagrees with a decision of the department may submit an appeal in accordance with 441—Chapter 7.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 217.41C.