2011 Vermont Code
Title 18 Health
Chapter 189 RELEASE AND DISCHARGE
§ 8010 Voluntary patients; discharge; detention

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TITLE 18

Health

PART VIII

Mental Health

CHAPTER 189. RELEASE AND DISCHARGE

§ 8010. Voluntary patients; discharge; detention

(a) If a voluntary patient gives notice in writing to the head of the hospital of a desire to leave the hospital, he or she shall promptly be released unless he or she agreed in writing at the time of his admission that his or her release could be delayed.

(b) In that event and if the head of the hospital determines that the patient is a patient in need of further treatment, the head of the hospital may detain the patient for a period not to exceed four days from receipt of the notice to leave. Before expiration of the four-day period the head of the hospital shall either release the patient or apply to the family division of the superior court in the unit in which the hospital is located for the involuntary admission of the patient. The patient shall remain in the hospital pending the court's determination of the case.

(c) If the patient is under 18 years of age, the notice to leave may be given by the patient or his r her attorney or the person who applied for admission, provided the minor consents thereto. (Added 1977, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), { 35; amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), { 151.)