Nursing home eyed for elderly sex offenders

ROCKWELL CITY, Iowa (AP) - Some Iowa legislators say a special nursing home for elderly sex offenders and other criminals may be needed.

State Rep. Helen Miller, D-Fort Dodge, says the state will need a facility "where these individuals will be contained."

The Messenger (http://bit.ly/z45KEY) says she made her statement when the issue was raised at a Fort Dodge forum on Saturday.

A sex offender who was released to a Pomeroy nursing home was accused of sexual contact with a resident there.

Gov. Terry Branstad has proposed a law requiring nursing homes to notify families of residents when a sexual offender moves in.

On Saturday, Rep. Tom Shaw, R-Laurens, said stronger measures are needed. He says the state might have to buy a nursing home and employ personnel trained to deal with sex offenders.