D.C. Code § 21-547: Judicial determination of petition filed under section 21-546; order; psychiatrists and qualified psychologists as witnesses.

(a)

In considering a petition filed under § 21-546, the court shall consider the testimony of the psychiatrists or qualified psychologists who participated in the examination of the committed person, and the reports of the psychiatrists or qualified psychologists accompanying the petition. After considering the testimony and reports, the court shall either:

(1)

Reject the petition and order the continued commitment of the person; or

(2)

Order the chief clinical officer of the Department or the chief of service for the hospital, facility, or mental health provider to immediately implement the least restrictive treatment or immediately release the committed person from the commitment.

(b)

A psychiatrist or qualified psychologist participating in the examination of the committed person shall be a competent and compellable witness at any trial or hearing held pursuant to this chapter.