I am pleased to announce that the 2012 legislature has passed several important bills.   

The first bill changed the term mental retardation to intellectual disabilities.  

A second bill was passed that focused on the judicial system and persons with mental illness and substance abuse.  The bill requires law enforcement officers to complete a course on mental health; allows residential care facilities to not admit an individual without approval of the facility; clarifies the definition of mental health professional; and creates an optional prescreening assessment program.  

The "Redesign Policy" bill focuses on the implementation of redesing of our state's mental health and disability services system.  Iowa's community-based, person-centered system will provide:

• Locally delivered services;
• Regionally managed system; and
• Statewide standards. 

Moving forward, we will continue to work with everyone to begin transitioning into a system that will support all Iowans with disabilities to live safe, healthy and sucessful lives in their home and community. 

This bi-partisan legislation is truly historic.  I am grateful to the significant number of people who helped make this happen.  This is a momentous step for Iowa and I am proud of the success we have achieved together.  

Sincerely, 

Charles M. Palmer, Director

Iowa Department of Human Services

2012 Legislative Session           Click here

You can follow the progress of the Mental Health and Disability Services Redesign at the Iowa Legislature website at http://www.legis.iowa.gov/.

You can access the 2012 Legislation Session daily schedule at www.legis.iowa.gov/Schedules/schedules.aspx.  

You can access the current MHDS Redesign DRAFT Legislation at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Schedules/committeeDocs.aspx?GA=84&CID=541.  

MHDS Redesign Reports 

DHS Final Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services System Redesign Report

Preliminary Recommendations Report

Final PMIC Transition Plan

Public Comments

Advocate & Consumer Recommendations  10/04/11