Dubuque County leaders remain divided over whether to make the county’s patient advocate role a full-time position. This, as demand grows for help for residents facing mental health hospitalization. The patient advocate position was established by Iowa law to provide a representative in each county. The advocate speaks on behalf of patients who are involuntarily hospitalized by a court and helps address issues related to their care or treatment. County leaders say the need for the role is increasing. Supervisor Wayne Kenniker says those numbers show the position should be expanded rather than delayed. Last year, the board voted to make the position full time once funding became available. However, some county leaders say more review is needed before moving forward. For now, the issue remains unresolved as Dubuque County leaders continue debating the next step.
