Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 227.4. Standards for care of persons with mental illness or an intellectual disability in county care facilities

The department, in cooperation with the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, shall recommend and the mental health and disability services commission created in section 225C.5 shall adopt, or amend and adopt, standards for the care of and services to persons with mental illness or an intellectual disability residing in county care facilities. The standards shall be enforced by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing as a part of the licensure inspection conducted pursuant to chapter 135C. The objective of the standards is to ensure that persons with mental illness or an intellectual disability who are residents of county care facilities are not only adequately fed, clothed, and housed, but are also offered reasonable opportunities for productive work and recreational activities suited to their physical and mental abilities and offering both a constructive outlet for their energies and, if possible, therapeutic benefit. When recommending standards under this section, the department shall designate an advisory committee representing administrators of county care facilities, regional administrators, mental health and disability services region governing boards, and county care facility certified volunteer long-term care ombudsmen to assist in the establishment of standards.