2012 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 28 — Mental health
RS 28:100.1 — Convalescent status; rehospitalization

§100.1. Convalescent status; rehospitalization

The superintendent may release an improved patient on convalescent status when he believes that such release is in the best interests of the patient. Release on convalescent status shall include provisions for continuing responsibility to and by the hospital, including a plan of treatment on an outpatient or nonhospital patient basis. Prior to the end of a year on convalescent status, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the superintendent shall re-examine the facts relating to the hospitalization of the patient on convalescent status and, if he determines that in view of the condition of the patient hospitalization is no longer necessary, he may discharge the patient and make a report thereof to the department.

Prior to such discharge, the superintendent of the hospital from which the patient is given convalescent status may at any time readmit the patient. If there is reason to believe that it is in the best interest of the patient to be rehospitalized, the department or the superintendent may issue an order for the immediate rehospitalization of the patient. Such an order, if not voluntarily complied with, shall, upon the direction of a judge of a court of record of the parish in which the patient is resident or present, authorize any health or police officer to take the patient into custody and transport him to the hospital, or if the order is issued by the department, to a hospital designated by it.

Added by Acts 1954, No. 701, §2. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 294, §1; Acts 1978, No. 786, §3, eff. July 17, 1978.