Section 726.8. Wanton neglect or nonsupport of a dependent adult.

  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.

87 Acts, ch 182, §10