Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 217.31. Action for damages

1. Any person may institute a civil action for damages under chapter 669 or to restrain the dissemination of confidential records set out in section 217.30, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, “c”, or “d”, in violation of that section, and any person, agency or governmental body proven to have disseminated or to have requested and received confidential records in violation of section 217.30, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, “c”, or “d”, shall be liable for actual damages and exemplary damages for each violation and shall be liable for court costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney fees incurred by the party bringing the action. In no case shall the award for damages be less than one hundred dollars.

2. Any reasonable grounds that a public employee has violated any provision of section 217.30 shall be grounds for immediate removal from access of any kind to confidential records or suspension from duty without pay.