2014 Virginia Code
Title 37.2 - Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
§ 37.2-1104. Temporary detention in hospital for testing, observation or treatment

Upon the advice of a licensed physician who has attempted to obtain consent and upon a finding of probable cause to believe that an adult person within the court's jurisdiction is incapable of making an informed decision regarding treatment of a physical or mental disorder or is incapable of communicating such a decision due to a physical or mental disorder and that the medical standard of care calls for testing, observation, or treatment of the disorder within the next 24 hours to prevent death, disability, or a serious irreversible condition, the court or, if the court is unavailable, a magistrate serving the jurisdiction may issue an order authorizing temporary detention of the person by a hospital emergency room or other appropriate facility and authorizing such testing, observation, or treatment. The detention may not be for a period exceeding 24 hours, unless extended by the court as part of an order authorizing treatment under § 37.2-1101. If, before completion of authorized testing, observation, or treatment, the physician determines that a person subject to an order under this subsection has become capable of making and communicating an informed decision, the physician shall rely on the person's decision on whether to consent to further testing, observation, or treatment. If, before issuance of an order under this subsection or during its period of effectiveness, the physician learns of an objection by a member of the person's immediate family to the testing, observation, or treatment, he shall so notify the court or magistrate, who shall consider the objection in determining whether to issue, modify, or terminate the order.

1997, c. 921, § 37.1-134.21; 1999, cc. 814, 946, 985; 2003, c. 790; 2004, cc. 66, 104, 1014; 2005, c. 716; 2008, cc. 551, 691.