Terms Used In Iowa Code 135C.37

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Department: means the Iowa department of public health. See Iowa Code 154A.1
  • Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
  • Person: means a natural person. See Iowa Code 154A.1
  • State: means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. See Iowa Code 152E.3
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
 A person may request an inspection of a health care facility by filing with the department, certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, or the office of long-term care ombudsman, a complaint of an alleged violation of applicable requirements of this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. A person alleging abuse or neglect of a resident with a developmental disability or with mental illness may also file a complaint with the protection and advocacy agency designated pursuant to section 135B.9 or section 135C.2. A copy of a complaint filed with a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman or the office of long-term care ombudsman shall be forwarded to the department. The complaint shall state in a reasonably specific manner the basis of the complaint, and a statement of the nature of the complaint shall be delivered to the facility involved at the time of the inspection. The name of the person who files a complaint with the department, certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, or the office of long-term care ombudsman shall be kept confidential and shall not be subject to discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for its release to a person other than department employees involved in the investigation of the complaint.
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