Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 726.28 — Wanton neglect or nonsupport of a dependent adult
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Subchapter III: Resident, Dependent Adult, and Older Individual Protection Act, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 726.28
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. A caretaker commits wanton neglect of a dependent adult if the caretaker knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or emotional welfare of a dependent adult. Wanton neglect of a dependent adult is a serious misdemeanor.
2. A person who has legal responsibility either through contract or court order for support of a dependent adult and who fails or refuses to provide support commits nonsupport. Nonsupport is a class “D” felony.
3. A person alleged to have committed wanton neglect or nonsupport of a dependent adult shall be charged with the respective offense unless a charge may be brought based upon a more serious offense, in which case the charge of the more serious offense shall supersede the less serious charge.
4. For the purposes of this section, “dependent adult” means a dependent adult as defined in section 235B.2, subsection 4, and “caretaker” means a caretaker as defined in section 235B.2, subsection 1.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.