Iowa criminal charge
Wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility in Iowa
Wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 726.27. Its classification is not fixed: Iowa assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Iowa Code § 726.27.
What is the penalty for wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Wanton neglect resulting in serious injury — Applies when the wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility results in serious injury to the resident.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Wanton neglect resulting in serious injury — Applies when the wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility results in serious injury to the resident.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Wanton neglect not resulting in serious injury — Applies when the wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility does not result in serious injury to the resident.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Wanton neglect not resulting in serious injury — Applies when the wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility does not result in serious injury to the resident.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wanton neglect resulting in serious injury | Class “C” Felony | Applies when the wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility results in serious injury to the resident. | Iowa Code § 726.27(2) |
| Wanton neglect not resulting in serious injury | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies when the wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility does not result in serious injury to the resident. | Iowa Code § 726.27(3) |
Common questions about wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility in Iowa
Is wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 726.27.
Wanton neglect resulting in serious injury: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 726.27(2)) · Wanton neglect not resulting in serious injury: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 726.27(3))
What are the penalties for wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility?
Wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility is governed by Iowa Code § 726.27 (Wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.