If any patient involuntarily committed to a treatment facility is absent without permission a law enforcement officer may, upon written order of the head of the treatment facility and without the necessity of a warrant or court order, take the patient into custody and return him to the facility. No person may be reconfined pursuant to this section after being continuously absent from the jurisdiction of the Department for at least one year.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 487, Section 2.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 52 - Alcohol And Drug Abuse Commitment
Section 44-52-5. Statement of policy.
Section 44-52-10. Definitions.
Section 44-52-20. Voluntary admission.
Section 44-52-30. Discharge of voluntary patient.
Section 44-52-40. Release of voluntary patient.
Section 44-52-50. Procedure for emergency admission.
Section 44-52-65. Transfer of patients under emergency commitment.
Section 44-52-70. Involuntary commitment; examination; report; commencement of judicial proceedings.
Section 44-52-80. Involuntary commitment; notice of hearing.
Section 44-52-90. Contents of report; background investigation; counsel to have access to reports.
Section 44-52-110. Involuntary commitment; conduct of hearing and effect of findings.
Section 44-52-120. Involuntary commitment; period of treatment.
Section 44-52-130. Transfer of patient.
Section 44-52-140. Release of patient for temporary leave of absence.
Section 44-52-160. Violation of conditions of release; supplemental proceedings and recommitment.
Section 44-52-200. Authority of State Department of Mental Health.
Section 44-52-210. Comprehensive program for chemically dependent persons.