Wanton Neglect and Nonsupport
Wanton Neglect of a Resident of a Health Care Facility
Iowa law makes it a crime to act in a way that is likely to injure the physical or mental welfare of a resident of a health care facility as defined by Iowa Code section 135C.1. There are criminal penalties for a violation of this law. Only a prosecutor can bring charges under this law.
Wanton Neglect or Nonsupport of a Dependent Adult
Iowa law makes it a crime for a caretaker of a dependent adult to knowingly act in a way likely to injure the physical, mental, or emotional welfare of a dependent adult.
It is also a crime for a person to fail or refuse to provide support for a dependent adult. This applies only if that person has legal responsibility to support the dependent adult either through a contract or a court order. A contract or court order can include a person who is an agent under a power of attorney or has been appointed by the court, like a guardian or conservator.
Under this law, "dependent adult" and "caretaker" are defined by Iowa Code sections 235B.2. There are criminal penalties for a violation of this law. Only a prosecutor can bring charges under this law.