Supporters of the bill said this requirement favoring Iowa residents and people educated in Iowa would lead to higher physician retention.

A bill passed by the Iowa House would require at least 80 percent of students accepted by the University of Iowa’s medical and dental schools be residents of Iowa. The schools would also have to prioritize Iowa natives as well as those who’ve graduated from Iowa universities for medical residency and fellowship spots in University

Iowa House lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday to require the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine and Dentistry to have at least 80 percent of students admitted be from Iowa or have attended an Iowa college or university prior to applying.

At least 80% of students accepted in the University of Iowa's medical and dentistry schools would have to be Iowa residents or were enrolled in a university or community college in the state, among other specifications,