This bill aims to enhance services and support for youth involved in juvenile delinquency and child assistance proceedings in Iowa, particularly focusing on psychiatric medical institutions for children (PMICs). It introduces new provisions requiring these institutions to provide comprehensive care for serious emotional disturbances and substance use disorders, while amending licensing requirements to ensure compliance with specific accreditation standards. Key amendments include the addition of a new paragraph in Section 125.13 detailing licensing requirements for PMICs, particularly those offering substance use disorder services, and revisions in Section 135H.1 to update definitions and terminology, replacing "children" with "youth." The bill also establishes a streamlined licensing process for institutions providing both psychiatric and substance use disorder services.

Additionally, the bill modifies various sections of the Iowa Code to improve the evaluation and treatment processes for children with behavioral health conditions. It introduces new definitions related to behavioral health, mandates record checks for individuals with a history of crime or child abuse seeking licensure in psychiatric institutions, and emphasizes the importance of physical assessments and behavioral health evaluations in juvenile court processes. The bill also establishes rules for protective locked environments in PMICs, clarifies the circumstances for child removal without consent, and allows for the suspension of medical assistance eligibility for children in public institutions. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline processes, enhance the quality of care, and ensure the safety and well-being of youth in Iowa's mental health and juvenile justice systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125.13, 135H.1, 135H.3, 514C.22, 237.3, 135H.6, 135H.10, 135H.13, 232.2, 232.8, 232.49, 232.47, 232.68, 232.69, 232.71B, 232.77, 232.78, 232.79, 232.83, 232.96A, 232.141, 237C.1, 237C.4, 602.1217, 602.7201, 514I.8, 135B.12, 135B.20, 135C.2, 135C.6, 135C.9, 135J.3, 155A.13, 232.36, 232.37, 232.101A, 232.102A, 232B.5, 232.57