Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-25.52

Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024

Rule 441-25.52 - Advocate appointment and qualifications

The board of supervisors of each county shall appoint a person to act as an advocate representing the interests of individuals involuntarily hospitalized by the court under Iowa Code chapter 229. The advocate is hired by the board of supervisors and employed by the county.

(1) A person may be appointed and employed or contracted with as the advocate by one county or by multiple counties. Advocates may be appointed for counties in more than one judicial district or more than one mental health and disability services region.

(2) Qualifications.

a. The advocate shall meet the following qualifications:

(1) Possess a bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in a human services field (including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing, education, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy) and at least one year of experience in the delivery of services to persons with mental illness; or

(2) Hold an Iowa license to practice as a registered nurse and have at least three years of experience in delivery of services to persons with mental illness.

b. A person employed as an advocate on or before July 1, 2015, who does not meet the requirements of subparagraph 25.52(2)"a" (1) or (2) shall be considered to meet those requirements so long as the person is continuously appointed as an advocate in the employing county.

c. A person employed as an advocate must pass criminal background, sex offender registry, and child and dependent adult abuse registry checks before hire.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-25.52

Amended by IAB February 12, 2020/Volume XLII, Number 17, effective 3/18/2020