Renewal and Extension of Commitment; Procedures; Standard

Renewal and Extension of Commitment; Procedures; Standard. (a) The Attorney General’s office may file a petition to renew or extend commitment of a person involuntarily committed under this article. The petition shall be in writing and filed at least five days before the end of the commitment period. (b) The petition shall be served on the person who is committed, his attorney, and, if practicable, his family or guardian. Service shall be accomplished the same day as the petition for renewal or extension is filed. (c) The petition shall allege the grounds for the relief sought, with specificity as to the alleged conduct or condition upon which the renewal or extension is sought, the purpose of the proceedings and the possible consequences, including the length of time for which additional commitment is requested, and the names of all examining physicians and others who may testify in the matter. The petition shall include notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. (d) Before granting any renewal or extension of commitment under this article, the court should consider whether in-patient treatment is necessary and commit in accordance with the least restrictive alternative principle. (e) An order of renewal or extension of commitment shall include a determination of the period of commitment based upon evidence, including the prompt and adequate treatment recommended and the individual treatment plan. Source: PL 8-36, § 17.