Art. 833.  Mental examinations

A.  The court shall order a mental examination of the child when it has reasonable grounds to doubt the mental capacity of the child to proceed.  Findings of fact and the reasons for judgment shall be attached to the order.  Prior to ordering a mental examination, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child if the child is not yet represented.

B.  The court order for a mental examination shall not deprive the child or the district attorney of the right to an independent mental examination by a physician of his choice.  Such physician shall be permitted to have reasonable access to the child for the purposes of the examination.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2006, No. 266, §1.