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, ensuring they meet specific accreditation standards. Key amendments include the introduction of definitions such as "mental health disorder" and "serious emotional disturbance," and the requirement for a professional care team. The bill also streamlines access to treatment by clarifying that youth do not need to undergo court proceedings or relinquish custody to receive care, while establishing criteria for obtaining licenses to provide substance use disorder services.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to replace "mental examinations" with "behavioral health evaluations" and "physical examinations" with "physical assessments," reflecting a modern approach to child welfare assessments. It mandates that evaluations be conducted within 24 hours of an emergency removal of a child and introduces the concept of a "protective locked environment" for safety in child care settings. The bill also addresses the suspension of medical assistance for eligible children in public institutions, ensuring they retain benefits during commitment. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the quality of care and oversight in psychiatric settings for children and youth while streamlining the regulatory framework governing child welfare in Iowa.

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