Iowa Code § 135G.4: Licensure.

1. A person shall not establish, operate, or maintain a subacute care facility unless the person obtains a license for the subacute care facility under this chapter.

2. An intermediate care facility for persons with mental illness licensed under chapter 135C may convert to a subacute care facility by submitting an application for a license in accordance with section 135G.5 accompanied by written notice to the department that the facility has employed a mental health professional and desires to make the conversion. An intermediate care facility for persons with mental illness applying for a license under this subsection remains subject to subsection 1 until a license is issued.