ARC 9845C

ARC 9845C

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT[441]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to protective locked environment for certain children
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Health and Human Services hereby proposes to amend Chapter 105, “Juvenile Detention and Shelter Care Homes,” Chapter 106, “Certification Standards for Children’s Residential Facilities,” Chapter 114, “Licensing and Regulation of All Group Living Foster Care Facilities for Children,” and Chapter 115, “Licensing and Regulation of Comprehensive Residential Facilities for Children,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 237C and 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 474.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 237C and 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 474.

Purpose and Summary

     This proposed rulemaking adds clarification to existing rules and implements 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 474, sections 33 through 37, regarding a protective locked environment for certain children. 

    Proposed references to Iowa Code section 237.1(8A) are to that section as enacted by Senate File 474.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on November 12, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   December 2, 2025

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 441—Chapter 6.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 13, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

     Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Adopt the following new definition of “Protective locked environment” in rule 441—105.1(232):

    “Protective locked environment” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 237.1(8A).

    ITEM 2.  Adopt the following new paragraph 105.8(10)“g”:

    g.  Defining protective locked environment and how it is utilized to provide safety and security for children.

    ITEM 3.  Adopt the following new definition of “Protective locked environment,” in rule 441—106.1(237C):

    “Protective locked environment” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 237.1(8A).

    ITEM 4.  Adopt the following new definition of “Protective locked environment,” in rule 441—114.2(237):

    “Protective locked environment” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 237.1(8A).  

    ITEM 5.  Adopt the following new definition of “Protective locked environment,” in rule 441—115.2(237):

    “Protective locked environment” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 237.1(8A).

    ITEM 6.  Rescind the definition of “Nonsecure facility” in rule 441—115.2(237).

    ITEM 7.  Amend subrule 115.6(1) as follows:

    115.6(1) Nonsecure Protective locked environment facilities. Physical restraints and a control room are permitted in nonsecure protective locked environment facilities.

    ITEM 8.  Amend subrule 115.6(3) as follows:

    115.6(3) Written policies. A facility which that uses restraints shall have a written policy on their use. This policy shall include:

    a. and b. No change.

    c.  Identification of staff or licensed professionals authorized to approve and use each form of restraint.

    d. to f. No change.

    ITEM 9.  Amend paragraph 115.6(4)“b” as follows:

    b.  A facility shall not use restraint as a disciplinary or punitive measure, for staff convenience, as a preventive measure, or as a substitute for programming.

    ITEM 10.  Amend paragraph 115.6(4)“d” as follows:

    d.  A secure facility shall continually review any use of a restraint on a child, other than physical restraint. The facility shall release the child from restraint immediately when the situation precipitating restraint no longer exists.

    ITEM 11.  Adopt the following new paragraph 115.6(4)“e”:

    e.  A facility shall release the child from restraint immediately when the situation precipitating restraint no longer exists.

    ITEM 12.  Amend paragraph 115.7(4)“g” as follows:

    g.  The child shall remain in the control room longer than one hour only with consultation and approval from the supervisor authorized staff or licensed professional. Documentation in the child’s case record shall include the time in the control room, the reasons for the control, and the reasons for the extension of time. Use of the control room for a total of more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period shall occur only after authorization of the psychiatrist or upon court order. In no case shall a child be in a control room for a period longer than 24 hours.