Iowa Code

Iowa Code § 229.1 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of July 2026

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As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

1. “Administrative services organization” means the same as defined in section 225A.1.

2. “Advocate” means a mental health advocate.

3. “Auditor” means the county auditor or the auditor’s designee.

4. “Behavioral health district” means the same as defined in section 225A.1.

5. “Chemotherapy” means treatment of an individual by use of a drug or substance which cannot legally be delivered or administered to the ultimate user without a physician’s prescription or medical order.

6. “Chief medical officer” means the medical director in charge of a public or private\n\nTue Dec 09 22:21:30 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 229 (47, 1) §229.1, HOSPITALIZATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS 2\n\nhospital, or that individual’s physician-designee. This chapter does not negate the authority otherwise reposed by law in the respective superintendents of each of the state mental health institutes, established by chapter 226, to make decisions regarding the appropriateness of admissions or discharges of patients of that state mental health institute; however, it is the intent of this chapter that if the superintendent is not a licensed physician the decisions by the superintendent shall be corroborated by the chief medical officer of the mental health institute.

7. “Clerk” means the clerk of the district court.

8. “Department” means the department of health and human services.

9. “Director” means the director of health and human services.

10. “Disability access point” means an organization designated by the department for a behavioral health district to serve as the primary local access point for individuals with disabilities, and the individuals’ caregivers, to provide person-centered assistance that facilitates the coordination of the individuals’ services, simplifies service navigation, and improves overall accessibility to disability-related resources.

11. “Hospital” means either a public hospital or a private hospital.

12. “Licensed physician” means an individual licensed under the provisions of chapter 148 to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

13. “Magistrate” means the same as defined in section 801.4.

14. “Mental health professional” means the same as defined in section 228.1.

15. “Mental illness” means every type of mental disease or mental disorder, except that it does not refer to an intellectual disability as defined in section 4.1, or to insanity, diminished responsibility, or mental incompetency as the terms are defined and used in the Iowa criminal code or in the rules of criminal procedure, Iowa court rules.

16. “Patient” means a person who has been hospitalized or ordered hospitalized to receive treatment pursuant to section 229.14.

17. “Private hospital” means any hospital or facility not directly supported by public funds, or part of such hospital or facility, which is equipped and staffed to provide inpatient care to persons with mental illness.

18. “Psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner” means an individual currently licensed as a registered nurse under chapter 152 or 152E who holds a national certification in psychiatric mental health care and who is licensed by the board of nursing as an advanced registered nurse practitioner.

19. “Public hospital” means any of the following:

a. A state mental health institute established by chapter 226.

b. The state psychiatric hospital established by chapter 225.

c. Any other publicly supported hospital or facility, or part of such hospital or facility, which is equipped and staffed to provide inpatient care to persons with mental illness, except the Iowa medical and classification center established by chapter 904.

20. “Respondent” means any person against whom an application has been filed under section 229.6, but who has not been finally ordered committed for full-time custody, care, and treatment in a hospital.

21. “Serious emotional injury” is an injury which does not necessarily exhibit any physical characteristics, but which can be recognized and diagnosed by a licensed physician or other mental health professional and which can be causally connected with the act or omission of a person who is, or is alleged to be, mentally ill.

22. “Seriously mentally impaired” or “serious mental impairment” describes the condition of a person with mental illness and because of that illness lacks sufficient judgment to make responsible decisions with respect to the person’s hospitalization or treatment, and who because of that illness meets any of the following criteria:

a. Is likely to physically injure the person’s self or others if allowed to remain at liberty without treatment.

b. Is likely to inflict serious emotional injury on members of the person’s family or others who lack reasonable opportunity to avoid contact with the person with mental illness if the person with mental illness is allowed to remain at liberty without treatment.

c. Is unable to satisfy the person’s needs for nourishment, clothing, essential medical care, \n Tue Dec 09 22:21:30 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 229 (47, 1) 3 HOSPITALIZATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, §229.2\n\nor shelter so that it is likely that the person will suffer physical injury, physical debilitation, or death.

d. Has a history of lack of compliance with treatment and any of the following applies:

(1) Lack of compliance has been a significant factor in the need for emergency hospitalization.

(2) Lack of compliance has resulted in one or more acts causing serious physical injury to the person’s self or others or an attempt to physically injure the person’s self or others. [R60, §1468; C73, §1434; C97, §2298; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §3580; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, §229.40; C71, 73, 75, §229.40, 229.44; C77, §229.1, 229.44; C79, 81, §229.1; 82 Acts, ch 1100, §7] 83 Acts, ch 96, §157, 159; 84 Acts, ch 1323, §2; 85 Acts, ch 21, §35; 87 Acts, ch 90, §1; 89 Acts, ch 275, §1; 95 Acts, ch 24, §1; 96 Acts, ch 1035, §12; 96 Acts, ch 1129, §57, 113; 96 Acts, ch 1183, §18; 97 Acts, ch 169, §15; 2000 Acts, ch 1112, §37; 2002 Acts, ch 1119, §107; 2004 Acts, ch 1090, §33; 2008 Acts, ch 1082, §4; 2008 Acts, ch 1088, §112; 2011 Acts, ch 121, §52, 62; 2012 Acts, ch 1019, §80; 2012 Acts, ch 1079, §6 – 8; 2015 Acts, ch 56, §17; 2015 Acts, ch 69, §57, 58; 2015 Acts, ch 76, §1; 2018 Acts, ch 1056, §7; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §85; 2022 Acts, ch 1071, §4; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §515; 2024 Acts, ch 1161, §72, 73, 137; 2025 Acts, ch 135, §2 Referred to in §125.75, 225.1, 229.6 Subsection 1 effective July 1, 2025; 2024 Acts, ch 1161, §137 2024 strike of former subsections 11, 18, and 19 effective July 1, 2025; 2024 Acts, ch 1161, §137 Section amended and editorially internally renumbered \n

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 109 cases (20 in the last 5 years), 1950–2026 · leading case: In the Matter of B.B., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired, B.B., 826 N.W.2d 425 (Iowa 2013).

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In the Matter of B.B., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired, B.B., 826 N.W.2d 425 (Iowa 2013). · cites it 16× “Iowa Code § 229.1 (17). In In re Oseing, 296 N.”

B.A.A. v. Chief Med. Officer, Univ. of Iowa Hospitals, 421 N.W.2d 118 (Iowa 1988). · cites it 27× “A patient, see Iowa Code § 229.1 (5), may challenge the continued involuntary commitment under section 229.”

Matter of Foster, 426 N.W.2d 374 (Iowa 1988). · cites it 15× “See Iowa Code § 229.1 (4). 4 . The applicant chose to invoke the provisions of Iowa Code ch.”

Stamus v. Leonhardt, 414 F. Supp. 439 (S.D. Iowa 1976). · cites it 7× “Iowa Code § 229.1 . “Mental illness” was defined as “every type of mental diseáse or mental disorder.”

Matter of Oseing, 296 N.W.2d 797 (Iowa 1980). · cites it 8× “This ground is defined in section 229.1(2): “Seriously mentally impaired” or “serious mental impairment” describes the condition of a person who is afflicted with mental illness and because of that illness lacks sufficient judgment to make responsible decisions with respect to…”

In the Interest of J.P., 574 N.W.2d 340 (Iowa 1998). · cites it 7× “” Iowa Code § 229.1 (14). Virtually no evidence was presented on this element.”

State v. Jacobs, 607 N.W.2d 679 (Iowa 2000). · cites it 4× “See Iowa Code §§ 229.1 (15), 229.12, 701.4; see also Edwards v.”

Credit Bureau Enter., Inc. v. Pelo, 608 N.W.2d 20 (Iowa 2000). · cites it 8× “” Possible facilities where the person may be taken include a “suitable hospital,” see Iowa Code § 229.11 (2), or a facility in the community which is licensed to care for persons with mental illness, Iowa Code § 229.”

Matter of Mohr, 383 N.W.2d 539 (Iowa 1986). · cites it 4× “Commitment is not warranted unless the elements set forth in Iowa Code section 229.1(2) (1985) are proven by clear and convincing evidence.”

In Re Det. of Williams, 628 N.W.2d 447 (Iowa 2001). · cites it 2× “Iowa Code § 229.1 (15)(a)-(b). But their mental illness does not predispose them to commit sexually violent acts.”

In re B.T.G., 784 N.W.2d 792 (Iowa Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 7× “2d at 342-43 (citations omitted); see also Iowa Code § 229.1 (17). B.T.G. challenges the second and third elements.”

United States v. Christopher Perkins, 67 F.4th 583 (4th Cir. 2023). · cites it 4× “”); Iowa Code Ann. § 229.1 (20) (West 2022) (“‘Seriously mentally impaired’ or ‘serious mental impairment’ describes the condition of a person with mental illness and because of that illness .”

Show all 109 citing cases →

— Iowa Code § 229.1(1) — 3 cases

B.A.A. v. Chief Med. Officer, Univ. of Iowa Hospitals, 421 N.W.2d 118 (Iowa 1988). “A patient, see Iowa Code § 229.1 (5), may challenge the continued involuntary commitment under section 229.”

In re T.C.F., 400 N.W.2d 544 (Iowa 1987).

Matter of TCF, 400 N.W.2d 544 (Iowa 1987).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(10) — 2 cases

In the Matter of J.K., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).

In Re the Matter of B.J.C., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired B.J.C. (Iowa Ct. App. 2015).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(11) — 4 cases

Jasper Cnty. v. McCall, 420 N.W.2d 801 (Iowa 1988).

In the Matter of M.P., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2022).

In the Matter of S.J., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2018).

In the Matter of T.B., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2023).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(13) — 1 case

In re J.K., Alleged to be seriously mentally impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2026).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(14) — 4 cases

State v. Jacobs, 607 N.W.2d 679 (Iowa 2000). “See Iowa Code §§ 229.1 (15), 229.12, 701.4; see also Edwards v.”

Credit Bureau Enter., Inc. v. Pelo, 608 N.W.2d 20 (Iowa 2000). “” Possible facilities where the person may be taken include a “suitable hospital,” see Iowa Code § 229.11 (2), or a facility in the community which is licensed to care for persons with mental illness, Iowa Code § 229.”

In the Interest of J.P., 574 N.W.2d 340 (Iowa 1998). “” Iowa Code § 229.1 (14). Virtually no evidence was presented on this element.”

In the Matter of J.K., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(14)(b) — 1 case

In the Interest of J.P., 574 N.W.2d 340 (Iowa 1998). “” Iowa Code § 229.1 (14). Virtually no evidence was presented on this element.”

— Iowa Code § 229.1(15) — 5 cases

In Re the Det. of Betsworth, 711 N.W.2d 280 (Iowa 2006).

In re F.W.S., 698 N.W.2d 134 (Iowa 2005).

In Re Fws, 698 N.W.2d 134 (Iowa 2005).

In re J.K., Alleged to be seriously mentally impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2026).

In Re The Det. Of Anthony S. Betsworth. Anthony S. Betsworth (Iowa 2006).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(16) — 2 cases

In the Matter of J.K., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).

In Re the Matter of C.D., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired, C.D. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(17) — 16 cases

In re B.T.G., 784 N.W.2d 792 (Iowa Ct. App. 2010). “2d at 342-43 (citations omitted); see also Iowa Code § 229.1 (17). B.T.G. challenges the second and third elements.”

In Re Btg, 784 N.W.2d 792 (Iowa Ct. App. 2010).

In the Matter of J.K., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).

In the Matter of J.G., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired, J.G. (Iowa Ct. App. 2015).

In the Matter of S.S., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2015).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(17)(a) — 4 cases

In the Matter of B.B., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired, B.B., 826 N.W.2d 425 (Iowa 2013). “Iowa Code § 229.1 (17). In In re Oseing, 296 N.”

In the Matter of D.Y., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2014).

In the Matter of S.S., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2015).

In the Matter of T.E.E., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2014).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(17)(b) — 1 case

In the Matter of J.K., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(19) — 2 cases

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of L.H., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(2) — 5 cases

B.A.A. v. Chief Med. Officer, Univ. of Iowa Hospitals, 421 N.W.2d 118 (Iowa 1988). “A patient, see Iowa Code § 229.1 (5), may challenge the continued involuntary commitment under section 229.”

Matter of Foster, 426 N.W.2d 374 (Iowa 1988). “See Iowa Code § 229.1 (4). 4 . The applicant chose to invoke the provisions of Iowa Code ch.”

Matter of Mohr, 383 N.W.2d 539 (Iowa 1986). “Commitment is not warranted unless the elements set forth in Iowa Code section 229.1(2) (1985) are proven by clear and convincing evidence.”

Matter of Oseing, 296 N.W.2d 797 (Iowa 1980). “This ground is defined in section 229.1(2): “Seriously mentally impaired” or “serious mental impairment” describes the condition of a person who is afflicted with mental illness and because of that illness lacks sufficient judgment to make responsible decisions with respect to…”

Jasper Cnty. v. McCall, 420 N.W.2d 801 (Iowa 1988).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(2)(a) — 2 cases

Matter of Foster, 426 N.W.2d 374 (Iowa 1988). “See Iowa Code § 229.1 (4). 4 . The applicant chose to invoke the provisions of Iowa Code ch.”

— Iowa Code § 229.1(2)(b) — 2 cases

Matter of Foster, 426 N.W.2d 374 (Iowa 1988). “See Iowa Code § 229.1 (4). 4 . The applicant chose to invoke the provisions of Iowa Code ch.”

— Iowa Code § 229.1(20) — 27 cases

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2019).

In the Matter of P.K., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of D.B., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2018).

In the Matter of E.R., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2019).

In the Matter of L.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(20)(a) — 11 cases

In the Matter of T.J., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired, T.J. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).

In the Matter of S.J., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2018).

In the Matter of K.H., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2018).

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of R.B., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(20)(b) — 2 cases

In re T.M. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).

In the Matter of L.H., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(20)(c) — 4 cases

In the Matter of R.J.G., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of J.E., Alleged to be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2019).

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(20)(d) — 4 cases

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of T.M., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2019).

In the Matter of R.J.G., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

In the Matter of L.H., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(21) — 1 case

In the Interest of L.H., Alleged to be seriously mentally impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2023).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(22) — 5 cases

In the Matter of R.K. (Iowa Ct. App. 2024).

In re M.D. (Iowa Ct. App. 2025).

In the Matter of R.B., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2024).

In the Matter of N.W., Alleged to be seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2026).

In re J.K., Alleged to be seriously mentally impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2026).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(22)(a) — 2 cases

In the Matter of R.K. (Iowa Ct. App. 2024).

In the Matter of N.W., Alleged to be seriously Mentally Impaired (Iowa Ct. App. 2026).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(22)(d) — 1 case

In re M.D. (Iowa Ct. App. 2025).

— Iowa Code § 229.1(3) — 1 case

— Iowa Code § 229.1(9) — 1 case

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