Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 232.49. Physical assessments and behavioral health evaluation--juvenile delinquency

1. a. Any time after the entry of an order of adjudication under section 232.47, the court may, after a hearing, order a physical assessment or behavioral health evaluation of a child if the court finds that a physical assessment or a behavioral health evaluation is necessary to determine the child's physical condition or to determine if the child has a behavioral health condition.

b. The court may consider chemical dependency as either a physical condition or behavioral health condition and may consider a chemical dependency evaluation as either a physical assessment or behavioral health evaluation.

c. A hearing to order a physical assessment or behavioral health evaluation may be held at the same time as the adjudicatory hearing.

3. a. When possible, a physical assessment or behavioral health evaluation shall be conducted on an outpatient basis.  However, if deemed necessary by the court, the court may order the child to a suitable hospital, facility, or institution for the purpose of an inpatient physical assessment or an inpatient behavioral health evaluation.

b. An inpatient physical assessment or an inpatient behavioral health evaluation shall not exceed thirty days.

4. a. Any time after the filing of a delinquency petition, the court may order a physical assessment or behavioral health evaluation of the child if all of the following circumstances apply: