Iowa Code § 222.13: Voluntary admissions.

1. If an adult person is believed to be a person with an intellectual disability, the adult person or the adult person’s guardian may apply to the department and the superintendent of any state resource center for the voluntary admission of the adult person either as an inpatient or an outpatient of the resource center. The superintendent shall accept the application if a preadmission diagnostic evaluation confirms or establishes the need for admission, except that an application shall not be accepted if the institution does not have adequate facilities available or if the acceptance will result in an overcrowded condition.

2. If the resource center does not have an appropriate program for the treatment of an adult or minor person with an intellectual disability applying under this section or section 222.13A, the department shall arrange for the placement of the person in any public or private facility within or outside of the state, approved by the director, which offers appropriate services for the person.