House leaders set hearing about arousal study at Iowa center

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa House leaders said Thursday they will hold a government oversight committee hearing on March 16 to investigate problems that have surfaced at a state-run institution for people with intellectual disabilities.

House Speaker Pat Grassley said the committee will discuss issues concerning the Glenwood Resource Center with Iowa Department of Human Services Director Kelly Garcia.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating allegations that the former Glenwood superintendent was planning to conduct human sexual arousal experiments and had begun questionable hydration therapy on patients. The department also is looking into a death rate that concerned employees.

In addition, two doctors and four other former Glenwood employees filed a lawsuit this month alleging a conspiracy by top officials to silence complaints about the research and patient care.

Grassley said he's had many requests from lawmakers and people outside the legislature for a hearing.

“We’re to that point in the session where we want to be able to accommodate that and have that open conversation,” he said.

Garcia began at Iowa DHS on Nov. 1. Only a few weeks later, the Justice Department announced its investigation on Nov. 21.