Iowa § 229.38 - 229.38 Cruelty or official misconduct.
Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 229.38 — 229.38 Cruelty or official misconduct., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 229.38. 229.38 Cruelty or official misconduct.
If any person having the care of a person with mental illness who has voluntarily entered a hospital or other facility for treatment or care, or who is responsible for psychiatric examination care, treatment, and maintenance of any person involuntarily hospitalized under sections 229.6 through 229.15, whether in a hospital or elsewhere, with or without proper authority, shall treat such patient with unnecessary severity, harshness, or cruelty, or in any way abuse the patient or if any person unlawfully detains or deprives of liberty any person with mental illness or any person who is alleged to have mental illness, or if any officer required by the provisions of this chapter and chapter 226, to perform any act shall willfully refuse or neglect to perform the same, the offending person shall, unless otherwise provided, be guilty of a serious misdemeanor. [C73, §1415, 1416, 1440, 1445; C97, §2307; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §3578; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §229.38] 96 Acts, ch 1129, §59; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §88; 2024 Acts, ch 1161, §89, 137 2024 amendment effective July 1, 2025; 2024 Acts, ch 1161, §137 Section amended Thu Dec 11 19:03:23 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 229.38 (24, 2)
Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 229.38
What does Iowa Code § 229.38 cover?
Section 229.38 ("229.38 Cruelty or official misconduct.") 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 § 229.38?
A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 229.38" (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 § 229.38 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.