The bill amends the Iowa Code to improve the treatment and commitment procedures for individuals experiencing psychiatric deterioration. It introduces a new definition of "psychiatric deterioration" in Section 229.1, which specifies the criteria for assessing significant declines in mental health. The bill expands the scope of individuals eligible for involuntary hospitalization by including those experiencing psychiatric deterioration alongside those deemed seriously mentally impaired. Additionally, it updates procedural requirements for treatment applications, medical officer responsibilities, and respondents' rights during hearings, emphasizing timely evaluations and judicial oversight to prevent unnecessary detentions.

Furthermore, the bill allows for immediate detention of individuals posing risks due to psychiatric deterioration, granting facilities the authority to detain such individuals for up to twelve hours. It mandates magistrates to file written orders for detention and establishes a commission to investigate complaints of unjust confinement. These amendments aim to integrate new definitions and procedures into existing mental health laws, ultimately enhancing the legal framework for addressing mental health crises and ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care while protecting their rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125.75, 229.1, 225.11, 229.12, 229.4, 229.5, 229.6, 229.10, 229.13, 229.11, 229.14, 229.22, 229.26, 229.33, 229.37, 602.8102