The bill amends existing Iowa law regarding the discharge process for individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a facility or hospital. It introduces new definitions for "administrative services organization" and "behavioral health district," and outlines specific requirements that facilities must follow prior to discharging a respondent. These requirements include referring the respondent to an administrative services organization for evaluation and post-discharge services, assessing suicide risk, providing a fifteen-day supply of prescribed medications, and issuing a comprehensive discharge report that includes a patient-centered aftercare plan and educational materials.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the administrative services organization coordinate post-discharge care, including follow-ups to ensure the respondent attends scheduled appointments. It requires quarterly reporting to the department on the number of discharged respondents, their outcomes, and any issues encountered in ensuring continuity of care. The bill also stipulates that the facility must report the discharge to the court that ordered the commitment, which will then confirm the discharge and terminate the related proceedings. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the support and care provided to individuals after their discharge from mental health facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125.2, 125.85, 229.1, 229.16
Reprinted: 125.2, 125.85, 229.1, 229.16