TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS
CHAPTER 1
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
421—1.1(17A,216A) Definitions. As used in these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Board” means the human rights board.
“Department” means the department of health and human services.
“Director” means the director of the department of health and human services.
“Underrepresented” means the historical marginalization of populations or groups in the United States and Iowa, including but not limited to African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, persons with disabilities, Latinos, Native Americans, women, persons who have low socioeconomic status, at-risk youth, and adults or juveniles with a criminal history.
[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 6/28/23]
421—1.2(17A,216A) Authority. Rescinded ARC 7710C, IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24.
421—1.3(17A,216A) History. Rescinded ARC 7710C, IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24.
421—1.4(17A,216A) Mission. The department’s mission related to human rights is to ensure basic rights, freedoms, and opportunities for all by empowering underrepresented Iowans and eliminating economic, social, and cultural barriers. The department helps individuals attain economic independence by ensuring access to government services and advancing educational achievement and entrepreneurial success consistent with their aspirations.
[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22; ARC 7710C, IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24]
421—1.5(17A,216A)  Contact information. Requests for assistance, information, inquiries, submissions, petitions, and other communications related to human rights may be directed to the department as follows: The office is located at 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. The main telephone number is (515)242-5655. The fax number is (515)242-6119. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays. The department’s website is hhs.iowa.gov.
[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22; ARC 7710C, IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24]
421—1.6(216A) Human rights board. The authority, duties and composition of the human rights board are specified in Iowa Code section 216A.3.
[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22; ARC 7710C, IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24]
421—1.7(216A) Potential conflicts of interest. Any member of the department’s boards, commissions, or councils established in Iowa Code chapter 216A who may have a conflict of interest shall not vote on any substantive action on the matter in conflict. When a conflict of interest is determined to exist, the member shall abstain from voting and shall be recorded as abstaining when votes are taken. A quorum may include any member who has a conflict of interest, and a statement of a conflict of interest shall be conclusive for this purpose. Any vote by a member with a conflict shall be excluded.
[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22]
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapters 17A and 216A.
[Filed ARC 6101C (Notice ARC 6004C, IAB 10/20/21), IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22]
[Editorial change: IAC Supplement 6/28/23]
[Filed ARC 7710C (Notice ARC 7063C, IAB 8/23/23), IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24]