Iowa Considers A Rule Requiring Annual Physicals For Foster Children & Adopted Children

The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) is considering a policy that requires foster and adoptive parents to take their child to a health care professional at least once annually. The change is intended to detect and prevent abuse and neglect by foster/adoptive families.

Under the proposed rule, the state would depend on medical professionals to help identify abuse and neglect in families receiving subsidies. Currently physicians and nurses are required to report instances of abuse and neglect, the rule would require these adopted children to be seen annually by a physician for a health check-up and evaluation . . .