Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 225C.6B. Mental health and disability services system--legislative intent--comprehensive plan--state and regional service systems

a. The general assembly intends for the state to implement a comprehensive, continuous, and integrated state mental health and disability services plan in accordance with the requirements of sections 225C.4 and 225C.6 and other provisions of this chapter, by increasing the department's responsibilities in the development, funding, oversight, and ongoing leadership of mental health and disability services in this state.

b. In order to further the purposes listed in section 225C.1 and in other provisions of this chapter, the general assembly intends that efforts focus on the goal of making available a comprehensive array of high-quality, evidence-based consumer and family-centered mental health and disability services and other support in the least restrictive, community-based setting appropriate for a consumer.

c. In addition, it is the intent of the general assembly to promote policies and practices that achieve for consumers the earliest possible detection of mental health problems and the need for disability services and for early intervention; to stress that all health care programs address mental health disorders with the same urgency as physical health disorders; to promote the policies of all public programs that serve adults and children with mental disorders or with a need for disability services, including but not limited to child welfare, Medicaid, education, housing, criminal and juvenile justice, substance use disorder treatment, and employment services; to consider the special mental health and disability services needs of adults and children; and to promote recovery and resiliency as expected outcomes for all consumers.

a. Disability services for children and adults that are covered under the medical assistance program pursuant to chapter 249A are the responsibility of the state.

b. Adult mental health and intellectual disability services that are not covered under the medical assistance program are the responsibility of the county-based regional service system.

c. Children's behavioral health services provided to eligible children that are not covered under the medical assistance program or other third-party payor are the responsibility of the county-based regional service system.