Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners
Sponsored by the House Health and Human Services Committee
Topics:Courts & civil lawHealth careFamilies & human services
Same legislation: HSB 85
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 27, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 27, 2025
- Done: House committeeFebruary 6, 2025
- Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 20, 202592–0
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Physician assistants and advanced nurse practitioners can testify in court during hearings for people facing involuntary commitment for mental health or substance abuse issues. They can do this on behalf of a doctor or mental health professional if the court approves a special application with sworn statements. This change allows these medical professionals to represent the person who originally examined the patient.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants (assistant) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP). The bill allows an assistant or an ARNP to be present and testify on behalf of a licensed physician and surgeon, osteopathic physician and surgeon, mental health professional, or certified alcohol and drug counselor who examined a respondent in an involuntary commitment hearing for a substance abuse disorder if the court grants an application that contains certain sworn statements as detailed in the bill. The bill contains similar language to allow an assistant or ARNP to appear and testify on behalf of a licensed physician or a mental health professional at an involuntary commitment hearing for a respondent’s serious mental impairment.
Senate subcommittee
Named March 3, 2025. On March 10, 2025 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
1 written public comment to its subcommittee: January 30, 2025 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
8 for · 0 against · 18 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly