KRS 202A.181: Convalescent leave status.

(1) An authorized staff physician may release an involuntary patient on convalescent

leave status when the physician concludes that the patient would not present a

danger or a threat of danger to self or others if provided with continued medical

supervision in a less restrictive alternative mode of treatment. Release on

convalescent leave status shall include notification to the hospitalizing court.

Release on convalescent leave status does not terminate the involuntary

hospitalization order and shall include p rovisions for the development of a

treatment plan jointly by the hospital and by a provider of outpatient care for

follow-up care by the provider and for the continual monitoring of that patient's

condition by the provider.

(2) The hospital from which such patient is given convalescent leave status may at any

time readmit the patient without additional court proceedings. If there is reason to

believe that it is to the best interest of the patient to be rehospitalized, the secretary

or an authorized staff physician of the hospital may issue an order for the immediate

rehospitalization of the patient. Such an order, if not voluntarily complied with,

shall, upon the endorsement by a judge of any court of the county in which the

patient is a resident or is prese nt, authorize any health or police officer to take the

patient into custody and transport him to the responsible hospital. Notice of

rehospitalization under this section shall be given to the originating court as soon as

practicable and simultaneously with the order directing the rehospitalization if

possible.

(3) Release on convalescent leave status shall not apply to persons held under

hospitalization orders arising out of KRS Chapter 504 unless consent of the

appropriate court is obtained.