HF 312: Relating to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration

What it does

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.

Senate subcommittee · named March 3, 2025

• Sen. David D. Rowley (R) · david.rowley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Kara Warme (R) · kara.warme@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Mike Zimmer (D) · mike.zimmer@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 10 for, 1 against

For: Easterseals Iowa; Iowa Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives; Iowa Behavioral Health Association (IBHA); Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Nurse Practitioners Society; Iowa Nurses Association; Iowa Psychological Association; Mindspring Mental Health Alliance; National Alliance on Mental Illness - Iowa

Against: Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

In plain words

1. February 10, 2025Filed in the House
2. February 20, 2025Passed the House, 91–1
3. February 24, 2025Arrived in the Senate
4. March 3, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Rowley, Warme and Zimmer
5. March 10, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it