Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-34.1
Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions shall apply to the specific terms used in these rules:
"Alternative diagnostic facility" means any organization or individual designated by the county board of supervisors to implement the preliminary diagnostic evaluation policy (Iowa Code section 225C.14 ) when a county is not served by a community mental health center capable of the diagnostic evaluations. An alternative diagnostic facility may be the outpatient service of a state mental health institute or any organization or individual able to furnish the requisite skills and to meet the standards set forth in this chapter by the mental health and disability services commission.
"Mental health professional" means an individual who has either of the following qualifications:
1. The individual meets all of the following requirements:
* Holds at least a master's degree in a mental health field, including, but not limited to, psychology, counseling, guidance, nursing, or social work; or is an advanced registered nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, or a physician and surgeon; or is an osteopathic physician and surgeon.
* Holds a current Iowa license if practicing in a field covered by an Iowa licensure law.
* Has at least two years of postdegree clinical experience, supervised by another mental health professional, in assessing mental health needs and problems and in providing appropriate mental health services.
2. The individual holds a current Iowa license if practicing in a field covered by an Iowa licensure law and is a psychiatrist, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who holds national certification in psychiatric mental health care and is licensed by the board of nursing, a physician assistant practicing under the supervision of a psychiatrist, or an individual who holds a doctorate degree in psychology and is licensed by the board of psychology.
"Preliminary diagnostic evaluation" means an assessment of a person's mental health problems and needs in order to determine the most appropriate service for the person. The evaluation includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the individual's needs, abilities, disabilities, and relevant environmental factors. Where possible, there is collaboration with the individual's family or significant others as appropriate.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-34.1