Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 222.12. Deaths investigated

1. Upon the death of a patient of a resource center or special unit, a preliminary investigation of the death shall be conducted as required by section 218.64 by the county medical examiner as provided in section 331.802. Such a preliminary investigation shall also be conducted in the event of a sudden or mysterious death of a patient in a private institution for persons with an intellectual disability. The chief administrative officer of any private institution may request an investigation of the death of any patient by the county medical examiner.

2. Notice of the death of the patient, and the cause of death, shall be sent to the regional administrator for the patient's county of residence. The fact of death with the time, place, and alleged cause shall be entered upon the docket of the court.

3. The parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the admission of a patient to a private institution for persons with an intellectual disability may also request such a preliminary investigation by the county medical examiner in the event of the death of the patient that is not sudden or mysterious. The person or persons making the request are liable for the expense of such preliminary investigation and payment for the expense may be required in advance.