Iowa Hospital Association

01/27/2026

Iowa hospitals are already facing serious workforce shortages — and a recent federal visa policy shift could make that challenge even tougher.

In a new The Gazette story, IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell and leaders from hospitals across the state highlight how immigrant health care professionals play a critical role in caring for Iowans. A sharp increase in H-1B visa fees now threatens that pipeline, particularly for rural hospitals that are already stretched thin.

As Mitchell notes, Iowa cannot meet its nursing and physician needs solely through domestic recruitment. Hospitals are seeking qualified providers wherever they can find them — including internationally. While the policy change was aimed at tech workers, health care has been “caught in the crossfire,” potentially limiting access to care statewide.

We appreciate the participation and perspective of our members featured in the story:

• Cass Health, Atlantic
• Mercy Cedar Rapids
• UnityPoint Health, Des Moines
• University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City

Ensuring access to quality care for Iowans means supporting policies that strengthen – not restrict – the health care workforce. https://bit.ly/4k26qw9

12/22/2025

Iowa hospitals and their team members often go above and beyond simply caring for patients. This is an excellent example of hospital staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames extending their compassion beyond medical care for an Iowa family.

An Iowa couple got married in an Ames hospital chapel to ensure the bride's terminally ill mother could witness the event, with the help of dedicated nurses and friends.

12/15/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Iowa’s Five-Star Hospitals! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate three Iowa hospitals recognized in Forbes’ inaugural quality ranking of U.S. general acute care hospitals. The evaluation looked at outcomes, best practices, value and patient experience — and these organizations earned the highest honor: an overall five-star rating.

Please join us in congratulating:
⭐ Cass Health, Atlantic
⭐ Greater Regional Medical Center, Creston
⭐ MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center

Thank you for your commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for Iowans. Your excellence shines statewide! 🌟🏥

12/10/2025

🚨 Upcoming Webinar: What You Need to Know About New Hospital & Maternity Care Regulations

📅 Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m.–Noon
🔗 Register today! https://bit.ly/48GZShj

CMS has introduced major updates to hospital regulations — including a new obstetrical services condition of participation — with changes affecting organizational structure, service delivery, staffing and training.

These updates are designed to:
⭐ Improve health equity for maternal health patients
⭐ Increase access to care
⭐ Reduce maternal mortality

Some emergency readiness and transfer requirements apply to all hospitals, even those without obstetrical services. Others, such as new quality assurance and performance improvement expectations, apply specifically to hospitals providing maternity care.

Regulations began phasing in July 1 and will be fully effective Jan. 1, 2027.

12/09/2025

🌟 IHA Welcomes Jordan Marcon as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications!

We’re excited to share that Jordan Marcon has joined the Iowa Hospital Association to lead our marketing, communications and brand strategy efforts in support of Iowa’s hospital community.

Jordan brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations and brand leadership across Iowa’s health care, nonprofit and business sectors. Most recently, she served as director of communications and public relations at ChildServe, where she helped strengthen the organization’s reputation and supported its strategic direction. Her career also includes key roles with Wixted and Company, the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, the National Pork Board and Vermeer Corporation.

“IHA and our members will benefit greatly from Jordan’s strategic mindset and strong communication leadership,” said IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

A Pella native and Central College graduate, Jordan remains active in community and professional organizations, including the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, the Greater Des Moines Partnership PR Committee and the PRSA Iowa Chapter Board.

Please join us in welcoming Jordan to IHA! 🎉

11/25/2025

The Iowa Hospital Association has produced ANOTHER amazing, movie-magic-filled tree, making its debut at the Festival of Trees and Lights for auction next week.

11/17/2025

Last month, IHA was proud to host 24 first-year students from the University of Iowa Executive MHA Program. While at IHA, students learned about hospitals in Iowa and the resources IHA provides, including advocacy, data services and education.

09/29/2025

Sign up now before it's too late! Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting registration closes Oct. 1. It's not too late to join your health care colleagues to share, learn and celebrate with us at IHA’s 96th Annual Meeting in Des Moines, Oct. 7-8, with a preconference workshop at the IHA Conference Center Monday, Oct. 6. https://bit.ly/48Ef5kD

09/26/2025

Sign up now for the Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting. Registration closes Oct. 1. Join your health care colleagues in Des Moines, Oct. 7-8,. The event features notable speakers, innovative case studies, and countless opportunities to network and gain insights. Let's discuss sustaining positive change while embracing our shared responsibilities to Iowans. http://bit.ly/46oc2M9

08/28/2025

Join your health care colleagues to share, learn and celebrate with us at the 2025 IHA Annual Meeting at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines, Oct. 7-8, with a preconference workshop at the IHA Conference Center Monday, Oct. 6. https://bit.ly/4g1v8La

07/03/2025

The Iowa Hospital Association wishes everybody a safe and happy holiday!

06/06/2025

The Iowa Board of Nursing has changed its continuing education requirements, making licensed nurses responsible for managing their records. Learn what IHA is doing to facilitate a smooth transition for Iowa nurses. https://bit.ly/4kNg7xE