Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans. The department was created in 1986 [Iowa Code Chapter 10A] to coordinate and conduct various audits, appeals, hearings, inspections, and investigations related to the operations of the Executive Branch of Iowa State Government. Staff in the department is responsible for inspecting and licensing or certifying health care providers and suppliers, restaurants and grocery stores, social and charitable gambling operations, hotels and motels, and barber and beauty shops. In addition, DIA staff investigates alleged fraud in the State's public assistance programs and conducts contested case hearings to settle disputes between Iowans and various state government agencies. On July 1, 2023, multiple programs across four agencies became part of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) as a new organizational structure for state government went into effect. DIA became the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans. The department was created in 1986 [Iowa Code Chapter 10A] to coordinate and conduct various audits, appeals, hearings, inspections, and investigations related to the operations of the Executive Branch of Iowa State Government. DIAL is organized into eight divisions: Administration, Administrative Hearings, Building & Construction, Health & Safety, Investigations, Labor/OSHA, Licensing, and Workers' Compensation. Each division has its own code-mandated duties and responsibilities. Also attached to the department are four semi-autonomous units: the Employment Appeal Board, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, and the Office of the State Public Defender.