§62. Commitment to United States veterans and public health service hospitals

            A. The judge of the civil district court may commit to a United States veterans hospital or United States public health service hospital any eligible incompetent veteran or other person who is in need of inpatient psychiatric care.

            B. Prior to commitment, the director or administrator of the hospital shall have indicated his willingness to accept the patient and the ability to care for him. Upon admission, the patient is subject to the rules and regulations of the hospital and its officials are vested with the same powers exercised by directors or administrators of state psychiatric hospitals with reference to the retention of custody of the committed patient.

            C. In the commitment of patients pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the court shall notify the patient of the proceedings and shall give him an opportunity to appear and defend himself.

Acts 2017, No. 369, §2.