Iowa Code Title IV. Public Health [Chs. 123-158] § 135B.9. Inspections and qualifications for hospital and rural emergency hospital inspectors--protection and advocacy agency investigations

1. The department shall make or cause to be made inspections as it deems necessary in order to determine compliance with applicable rules. Hospital and rural emergency hospital inspectors shall meet the following qualifications:

2. In the state resource centers and state mental health institutes operated by the department of health and human services, the designated protection and advocacy agency as provided in section 135C.2, subsection 4, shall have the authority to investigate all complaints of abuse and neglect of persons with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses if the complaints are reported to the protection and advocacy agency or if there is probable cause to believe that the abuse has occurred. Such authority shall include the examination of all records pertaining to the care provided to the residents and contact or interview with any resident, employee, or any other person who might have knowledge about the operation of the institution.