Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 226.31. Examination by court--notice

Before granting the order authorized in section 226.30, the court or judge shall investigate the allegations of the petition and before proceeding to a hearing on the allegations shall require notice to be served on the attorney who represented the patient in any prior proceedings under sections 229.6 through 229.15 or the advocate appointed under section 229.19, or in the case of a patient who entered the hospital voluntarily, on any relative, friend, or guardian of the person in question of the filing of the application. At the hearing the court or judge shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the person, if the court or judge deems such action necessary to protect the rights of the person. The guardian ad litem shall be a practicing attorney.