Current through L. 2024, c. 185.
Section 8007 - Conditional discharges(a) The Board or the head of a hospital may conditionally discharge from a hospital any patient who may be safely and properly cared for in a place other than the hospital.(b) A conditional discharge may extend for a term of six months, but shall not exceed 60 days unless the head of the hospital determines that a longer period will materially improve the availability of a program of treatment that is an alternative to hospitalization.(c) Unless sooner revoked or renewed, a conditional discharge shall become absolute at the end of its term.(d) A conditional discharge may be granted subject to the patient's agreement to participate in outpatient, after-care, or follow-up treatment programs, and shall be subject to such other conditions and terms as are established by the granting authority.(e) Each patient granted a conditional discharge shall be provided, so far as practicable and appropriate, with continuing treatment on an outpatient or partial hospitalization basis.(f) Each patient granted a conditional discharge shall be given a written statement of the conditions of his or her release, the violation of which can cause revocation.(g) A conditional discharge may be renewed by the granting authority at any time before it becomes absolute if the head of a hospital first determines that such renewal will substantially reduce the risk that the patient will become a person in need of treatment in the near future.Added 1977, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 32.