CHAPTER 7.  EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Art. 1420.  Admission by emergency certificate; extension

A.  A minor with mental illness or a minor suffering from substance abuse may be admitted and detained at a treatment facility for observation, diagnosis, and treatment for a period not to exceed fifteen days under an emergency certificate.

B.  A minor suffering from substance abuse may be detained at a treatment facility for one additional period, not to exceed fifteen days, provided that a second emergency certificate is executed.  A second certificate may be executed only if and when a physician at the treatment facility and any other physician have examined the detained minor within seventy-two hours prior to the termination of the initial fifteen-day period and certified in writing on the second certificate that the minor remains dangerous to himself or others or gravely disabled, and that his condition is likely to improve during the extended period.  The director shall inform the minor patient of the execution of the second certificate, the length of the extended period, and the specific reasons therefor, and shall also give notice of the same to the minor's nearest relative or other designated responsible party initially notified pursuant to Article 1428.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §14, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2014, No. 811, §33, eff. June 23, 2014.