Heaton honored by hospital association

Iowa State Rep. Dave Heaton, R-Mt. Pleasant, has been presented the Iowa Hospital Association?s Legislator of the Year award.

As a state legislator for nearly 20 years, Heaton has provided important experience and leadership that have benefited Iowa?s health care system, particularly for Iowans residing in rural areas.

This year he helped bridge political differences that led to passage of the Iowa Health and Wellness plan, which will ensure access to high-quality health care for thousands of low-income Iowans.

?Representative Heaton has devoted many years of faithful service to his work at the Statehouse and rightfully earned the respect of colleagues from both chambers and both sides of the aisle,? said Kirk Norris, IHA president and CEO. ?He has been equally faithful in responding to the needs of vulnerable Iowans, including those who rely on the Medicaid program.?

Receiving the IHA Legislator of the Year Award in the Iowa Senate was Sen. Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque.

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences. All of Iowa?s 118 community hospitals are IHA members.