§ 43A-8-108. Transfer to state or federal hospital – Documentation – Reimbursement for expense.

A.  A consumer committed to a private hospital or facility under the provisions of the Mental Health Law may be transferred to a state or federal hospital for the mentally ill at any time prior to discharge.

1.  The request for transfer shall be made to the executive director of the state hospital in the district serving the county of residence of the consumer.

2.  The request for transfer may be made by the attending physician, the person in charge of the private hospital or facility, or the petitioner, relative, or guardian of the consumer.

B.  All documents pertaining to the commitment of the consumer to the private hospital or facility, and an abstract of the clinical history of the consumer during treatment at the private hospital or facility, shall be forwarded with the consumer at the time of transfer.

C.  1.  The sheriff of the county in which the consumer is hospitalized is authorized to transport the consumer to the state hospital, and the expense of conveying the consumer will be borne whenever possible by the petitioner, relative, or guardian.  The sheriff or deputy shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses and subsistence as provided by law for other official business.

2.  A female attendant must accompany a sheriff transporting a female consumer.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 420, § 8, emerg. eff. June 5, 1957.  Renumbered from § 188 of this title by Laws 1986, c. 103, § 103, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.  Amended by Laws 2005, c. 150, § 68, emerg. eff. May 9, 2005.