involuntary hospitalization and outpatient services laws - Disability ...

34-B MRSA § 3864(4)(E)
Hearing
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The hearing must be held within 14 days of the date of application.
The hearing may be postponed for up to 21 days if the hospital or the patient
requests a postponement for a good reason or if the court independently determines
there is good reason for postponing the hearing.
The hearing will be conducted in an informal, but orderly manner, in a
setting that is not likely to have a harmful effect on the mental health of the patient.
The hearing is confidential and reports of the proceedings may not be
released to the public or press without the person’s consent and approval of the
Court.
If the person requests a public hearing, the court may allow the hearing to be
public.
34-B MRSA § 3864(5)
Transportation to Hearing
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The hearing may occur at the hospital. If not, the person must be transported
to the hearing. Transportation costs are borne by the District Court, except when
the individual is already under court commitment and the hearing is a
recommitment, and then costs are borne by the Department of Health and Human
Services. Transportation must be by the least restrictive means appropriate to the
person’s clinical condition.
34-B MRSA § 3864(5) and (9)(B) and (10)
Rights at Hearing
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