(1) Pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Human Services, the superintendent of any state hospital for the treatment and care of persons with mental illness may admit and hospitalize therein as a patient, any person who may have a nervous disorder or a mental illness, and who voluntarily has made written application for such admission. No person under the age of 18 years shall be admitted as a patient to any such state hospital unless an application therefor in behalf of the person has been executed by the parent, adult next of kin or legal guardian of the person. Except when a period of longer hospitalization has been imposed as a condition of admission, pursuant to rules and regulations of the department, no person voluntarily admitted to any state hospital shall be detained therein more than 72 hours after the person, if at least 18 years of age, has given notice in writing of a desire to be discharged therefrom, or, if the patient is under the age of 18 years, after notice in writing has been given by the parent, adult next of kin or legal guardian of the person that such parent, adult next of kin or legal guardian desires that such person be discharged therefrom.
(2) Any person voluntarily admitted to a state hospital pursuant to this section may upon application and notice to the superintendent of the hospital concerned, be granted a temporary leave of absence from the hospital if such leave, in the opinion of the superintendent, will not interfere with the successful treatment or examination of the applicant for leave.
(3) Upon admission or discharge of a minor to or from a state hospital the superintendent shall immediately notify the parent or guardian. [Amended by 1953 c.127 §2; 1963 c.325 §3; 1967 c.371 §1; 1969 c.273 §1; 2007 c.70 §205]
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