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Bill > HF312
IA HF312
IA HF312A bill for an act relating to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration.(Formerly HF 123.)
summary
Introduced
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/24/2025
02/24/2025
Crossed Over
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
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" into Iowa's mental health commitment procedures, expanding the circumstances under which a person can be involuntarily hospitalized or treated. Specifically, the bill defines "psychiatric deterioration" as a mental health condition where a 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 bill modifies multiple sections of Iowa 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. These changes affect various aspects of mental health commitment procedures, including the initial application for hospitalization, court hearings, detention, treatment options, and discharge processes. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive mental health intervention by recognizing a broader range of mental health conditions that may require court-ordered treatment, with the goal of preventing further decline in a person's mental health before they reach a critically impaired state.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Health And Human Services (House)
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends passage. (on 03/10/2025)
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=HF312 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF312.html |
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