The public defender is appointed to represent the patient. A general master goes to the facility to preside at the hearing. One of the doctors who signed the petition must be a witness. If the court concludes that the patient meets the criteria for involuntary placement, it shall order that the patient be transferred to a treatment facility for a period of up to six months. The Petition is filed with the Clerk of Court and must be set for hearing within 10 days.
Notice of hearing is provided by mail to the petitioners.
The patient is served notice of hearing by a plainclothes Deputy Sheriff. A General Master presides at the hearing. After hearing all relevant testimony, the court may enter an Order for Involuntary Assessment. The facility will assess and stabilize the patient for a period not to exceed 5 days. A written assessment is sent to the court.