Iowa § 144B.3 - 144B.3 Requirements.
Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 144B.3 — 144B.3 Requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 144B.3. 144B.3 Requirements.
1. An attorney in fact shall make health care decisions only if the following requirements are satisfied: a. The durable power of attorney for health care explicitly authorizes the attorney in fact to make health care decisions. b. The durable power of attorney for health care contains the date of its execution and is witnessed or acknowledged by one of the following methods: (1) Is signed by at least two individuals who, in the presence of each other and the principal, witnessed the signing of the instrument by the principal or by another person acting on behalf of the principal at the principal’s direction. (2) Is acknowledged before a notarial officer within this state as provided in chapter 9B. 2. The following individuals shall not be witnesses for a durable power of attorney for health care: a. A health care provider attending the principal on the date of execution. b. An employee of a health care provider attending the principal on the date of execution. c. The individual designated in the durable power of attorney for health care as the attorney in fact. d. An individual who is less than eighteen years of age. 3. At least one of the witnesses for a durable power of attorney for health care shall be an individual who is not a relative of the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption within the third degree of consanguinity. 4. A durable power of attorney for health care or similar document executed in another state or jurisdiction in compliance with the law of that state or jurisdiction shall be deemed valid and enforceable in this state, to the extent the document is consistent with the laws of this state. A durable power of attorney or similar document executed by a veteran of the armed forces which is in compliance with the federal department of veterans affairs advance directive requirements shall be deemed valid and enforceable. 91 Acts, ch 140, §3; 98 Acts, ch 1083, §2; 2012 Acts, ch 1050, §38, 60 Wed Dec 10 22:57:43 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 144B.3 (20, 0)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 144B.3
What does Iowa Code § 144B.3 cover?
Section 144B.3 ("144B.3 Requirements.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Iowa § 144B.3?
A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 144B.3" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Iowa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.
How does Iowa § 144B.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.