Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF312

Introduced
2/10/25  
Engrossed
2/20/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration.(Formerly HF 123.)

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws related to various Code sections, specifically around mental health and substance abuse. It allows for treatment orders based on the findings that a person poses a danger to themselves or others and lacks the capacity to make informed decisions about their mental health care. As such, HF312 is expected to create a framework that can lead to more efficient and effective mental health care delivery for those in acute distress. The changes will require that systems be in place to respond quickly and appropriately when individuals reach a point where intervention is critical, thereby aiming for better health outcomes.

Summary

House File 312 (HF312) proposes changes to Iowa's legal measures regarding the treatment of individuals experiencing psychiatric deterioration. The bill expands the circumstances under which a court can mandate treatment, allowing judicial intervention even if a person is not deemed seriously mentally impaired but is in a state of psychiatric decline. This condition is described as one where the individual cannot recognize their need for help and is likely to worsen without intervention. HF312 aims to initiate timely and necessary treatment before a serious mental health crisis occurs, offering a proactive approach rather than responding post-crisis.

Contention

While supporters of HF312 argue that extending treatment authority is necessary to ensure individuals at risk receive timely assistance, critics raise concerns related to personal liberties and the potential for overreach in mental health interventions. There is an ongoing debate about the balance between protecting individuals' rights and safeguarding them against their deteriorating mental states. Some worry that the bill may facilitate unnecessary involuntary treatments, while others emphasize the essential need for such measures to prevent tragedies associated with untreated mental illness. The broader implications on mental health legislative frameworks are likely to remain a contentious point in discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

IA HF123

Similar To A bill for an act relating to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration.(See HF 312.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2509

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 653; See HF 2673.)

IA HSB653

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2509, HF 2673.)

IA HF2673

A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2509, HSB 653.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HF2402

A bill for an act relating to behavioral health services for children including psychiatric medical institutions for children. (Formerly HSB 502.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2354

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3146; See SF 2420.)

IA SSB3146

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2354, SF 2420.)

IA HF243

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for covered individuals for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.(Formerly HSB 74.)

IA SF2420

A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 2354, SSB 3146.)

IA HF2580

A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.(Formerly HF 2209.)

IA HF2492

A bill for an act relating to insurance coverage for biomarker testing.(Formerly HF 2157; See HF 2668.)

Similar Bills

IA HF123

A bill for an act relating to orders for treatment of persons experiencing psychiatric deterioration.(See HF 312.)

CA SB823

Mental health: the CARE Act.

TX SB1164

Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.

TX HB5463

Relating to emergency detention of certain persons evidencing mental illness and to court-ordered inpatient and extended mental health services.

HI HB1225

Relating To Mental Health.

HI HB1718

Relating To Mental Health.

HI HB2788

Relating To Mental Health.

AZ SB1113

Court-ordered treatment; enhanced services; appropriation