§ 8010 - Voluntary patients; discharge; detention - Vermont Statutes

§ 8010. Voluntary patients; discharge; detention

(a) If a voluntary patient gives notice in writing to the head of the hospital of his desire to leave the hospital, he shall promptly be released unless he agreed in writing at the time of his admission that his 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 district court in the district 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 attorney or the person who applied for admission, provided the minor consents thereto. (Added 1977, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 35.)