§ 125.81 — Immediate custody

Iowa § 125.81

• Jurisdiction: Iowa
• Title IV: PUBLIC HEALTH
• Ch. 125: SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Text

1. If a person filing an application requests that a respondent be taken into immediate
custody, and the court upon reviewing the application and accompanying documentation,
finds probable cause to believe that the respondent is a person with a substance use disorder
who is likely to injure the person or other persons if allowed to remain at liberty, the court
may enter a written order directing that the respondent be taken into immediate custody by
the sheriff, and be detained until the commitment hearing, which shall be held no more than
five days after the date of the order, except that if the fifth day after the date of the order is a
Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, the hearing may be held on the next business day. The court
may order the respondent detained for the period of time until the hearing is held, and no
longer except as provided in section 125.88, in accordance with subsection 2, paragraph “a”,
if possible, and if not, then in accordance with subsection 2, paragraph “b”, or, only if neither
of these alternatives is available in accordance with subsection 2, paragraph “c”.
2. Detention may be:
a. In the custody of a relative, friend, or other suitable person who is willing and able
to accept responsibility for supervision of the respondent, with reasonable restrictions as
the court may order including but not limited to restrictions on or a prohibition of any
expenditure, encumbrance, or disposition of the respondent’s funds or property.
b. In a suitable hospital, the chief medical officer of which shall be informed of the
reasons why immediate custody has been ordered. The hospital may provide treatment
which is necessary to preserve the respondent’s life, or to appropriately control the
respondent’s behavior which is likely to result in physical injury to the person or to others if
allowed to continue, and other treatment as deemed appropriate by the chief medical officer.
c. In the nearest facility which is licensed to care for persons with mental illness or
substance use disorder, provided that detention in a jail or other facility intended for
confinement of those accused or convicted of a crime shall not be ordered.
3. A respondent shall be released from detention prior to the commitment hearing if a
licensed physician or mental health professional examines the respondent and determines
the respondent no longer meets the criteria for detention under subsection 1 and provides
notification to the court.
4. The respondent’s attorney may be allowed by the court to present evidence and

arguments before the court’s determination under this section. If such an opportunity is
not provided at that time, respondent’s attorney shall be allowed to present evidence and
arguments after the issuance of the court’s order of confinement and while the respondent
is confined.
[82 Acts, ch 1212, §9]

Legislative History

[C75, 77, §125.19(3-7, 10, 13); C79, 81, §229.52(1); 82 Acts, ch 1212, §10]