Overview of Dependent Adult Abuse

Iowa law protects dependent adults from abuse. It does this by helping dependent adults experiencing abuse, setting criminal penalties for abuse, and requiring the State create and keep a list of abusers. Abuse of dependent adults can occur in the community (someone’s home) or in a health care facility or program. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) are the government agencies responsible for overseeing the programs and helping dependent adults get the help they need. See Iowa Code chapters 235B and 235E.