IA HSB653

Establishes a new Iowa Code chapter (144H) governing care facility placement decisions for adults who are unable to consent to their own admission, discharge, or transfer from healthcare facilities.

Defines "care facility" broadly to include hospitals, nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, residential care facilities, medical clinics, and home and community-based services providers.

Creates a priority hierarchy for "persons authorized to consent" on behalf of incapacitated patients: spouse first, then adult children/stepchildren (majority decision), parents, and adult siblings/stepsiblings (majority decision).

Requires a licensed physician to certify in medical records that the patient is unable to consent, no authorized representative has been located despite good-faith efforts, and the recommended placement is in the patient's best interests.

Authorizes the designated consent person to make placement decisions, assist with health insurance or public assistance applications (including Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits), and take other actions expressly authorized by the patient while acting in good faith.