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Bill > HF123
IA HF123
IA HF123A bill for an act relating to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration.(See HF 312.)
summary
Introduced
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
In Committee
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration. Under current law, a court may order the treatment of a person if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is seriously mentally impaired. The bill allows a court to also order the treatment of a person if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is experiencing psychiatric deterioration. The bill defines “psychiatric deterioration” as a deterioration of a person’s mental health such that based on that person’s history the person is unlikely to seek treatment, the person is unable to understand the need to treat the person’s mental health condition, and, within a reasonable degree of medical certainty, the person is likely to continue to deteriorate until they have a serious mental impairment unless they receive treatment. The bill makes conforming changes to Code sections 125.75 (substance abuse disorders —— application), 218.46 (scientific investigation), 225.11 (psychiatric hospital —— initiating commitment procedures), and 602.8102 (clerk of district court —— general duties) and Code chapter 229 (hospitalization of persons with mental illness).
AI Summary
This bill introduces a new legal concept called "psychiatric deterioration" to Iowa's mental health commitment laws, expanding the circumstances under which a person can be involuntarily hospitalized or treated. The bill defines psychiatric deterioration as a mental health decline where the person is unable to understand their need for treatment, is unlikely to seek treatment based on their history, and is likely to continue deteriorating until they develop a serious mental impairment without intervention. The legislation modifies multiple sections of Iowa's legal code to incorporate this new definition, allowing courts to order treatment not only for individuals with serious mental impairments but also for those experiencing psychiatric deterioration. This means that individuals whose mental health is progressively worsening but have not yet reached a state of serious mental impairment can be subject to involuntary hospitalization or treatment. The bill updates various procedural aspects of mental health commitment, including application processes, court hearings, detention procedures, and patient rights, to accommodate this expanded definition. By broadening the criteria for involuntary treatment, the bill aims to provide earlier intervention and potentially prevent more severe mental health crises.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Withdrawn. H.J. 418. (on 02/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF123 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF123.html |
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