IA HF2263

Department of Health and Human Services must establish seven peer-run respite programs throughout Iowa to provide voluntary, short-term support for individuals experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health issues, mental health crises, or life-altering challenges.

Programs cannot be located on clinical, medical, or mental health facility campuses and must operate independently from medical and behavioral health clinics.

At least 51% of each program's board of directors must be individuals with lived experience of psychiatric conditions, behavioral health conditions, or life-altering challenges.

Clinical mental health services, if offered by a program, must constitute less than 10% of total services provided.

Defines "life-altering challenge" as a major personal stressor or life event that disrupts an individual's well-being and daily life and may require crisis prevention.