Iowa § 233.5 - 233.5 Confidentiality protections.

Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 233.5 — 233.5 Confidentiality protections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 233.5. 233.5 Confidentiality protections.

1. a. In addition to any other privacy protection established in law, a record that is developed, acquired, or held in connection with an individual’s good faith effort to voluntarily release a newborn infant in accordance with this chapter and any identifying information concerning the individual shall be kept confidential. Such record shall not be inspected or the contents disclosed except as provided in this section. b. Any transcripts or recording of a 911 service telephone call that is made for the purpose of an individual’s good faith effort to voluntarily release custody of a newborn infant in accordance with this chapter and any identifying information concerning the individual shall be kept confidential. Such transcripts or recording of a 911 service telephone call shall not be inspected or the contents disclosed except as provided in this section. 2. A record described in subsection 1 may be inspected and the contents disclosed without court order to the following: a. The court and professional court staff, including juvenile court officers. b. The newborn infant and the newborn infant’s counsel. c. The newborn infant’s parent, guardian, custodian, and those persons’ counsel. d. The newborn infant’s court appointed special advocate and guardian ad litem. e. The county attorney and the county attorney’s assistants. f. An agency, adoption service provider, association, facility, or institution which has custody of the newborn infant, or is legally responsible for the care, treatment, or supervision of the newborn infant. g. The newborn infant’s foster parent or an individual providing a prospective adoptive home or preadoptive care to the newborn infant. 3. Pursuant to court order a record described in subsection 1 may be inspected by and the contents may be disclosed to any of the following: a. A person conducting bona fide research for research purposes under whatever conditions the court may deem proper, provided that no personal identifying data shall be disclosed to such a person. b. Persons who have a direct interest in a proceeding or in the work of the court. 4. Any person who knowingly discloses, receives, or makes use or permits the use of information derived directly or indirectly from such a record or discloses identifying information concerning such individual, except as provided by this section, commits a serious misdemeanor. 2001 Acts, ch 67, §5, 13; 2018 Acts, ch 1050, §4; 2023 Acts, ch 46, §9 Thu Dec 11 19:10:44 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 233.5 (20, 0)

Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 233.5

What does Iowa Code § 233.5 cover?

Section 233.5 ("233.5 Confidentiality protections.") 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 § 233.5?

A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 233.5" (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 § 233.5 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.