Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 225.15. Examination and treatment

1. When a respondent arrives at the state psychiatric hospital, the admitting physician, or a physician assistant who meets the qualifications set forth in the definition of a mental health professional in section 228.1, shall examine the respondent and determine whether or not, in the physician's or physician assistant's judgment, the respondent is a fit subject for observation, treatment, and hospital care. If, upon examination, the physician or physician assistant who meets the qualifications set forth in the definition of a mental health professional in section 228.1 decides that the respondent should be admitted to the hospital, the respondent shall be provided a proper bed in the hospital. The physician or physician assistant who meets the qualifications set forth in the definition of a mental health professional in section 228.1 who has charge of the respondent shall proceed with observation, medical treatment, and hospital care as in the physician's or physician assistant's judgment are proper and necessary, in compliance with sections 229.13, 229.14, this section, and section 229.16. After the respondent's admission, the observation, medical treatment, and hospital care of the respondent may be provided by a mental health professional, as defined in section 228.1, who is licensed as a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

2. A proper and competent nurse shall also be assigned to look after and care for the respondent during observation, treatment, and care. Observation, treatment, and hospital care under this section which are payable in whole or in part by a county shall only be provided as determined through the regional administrator for the respondent's county of residence.