Section R. 330.4083 - Unauthorized leave by voluntary patientsRule 4083.
(1) A patient who has been admitted as an informal, voluntary patient and who leaves a hospital without proper notification of intention to terminate shall be placed on unauthorized leave status for 24 hours. After this period, the hospital shall administratively discharge the patient.(2) A patient who has been admitted as a formal, voluntary patient and who leaves a hospital without permission shall be placed on unauthorized leave status for not more than 3 days and shall be readmitted during that period without signing a new application for admission. If the patient does not return within 3 days, he or she shall be discharged.(3) A patient who is absent from a hospital without having given notification of intention to terminate shall be designated as a missing person. Prompt and vigorous measures shall be taken to find the patient, including an immediate search by hospital employees as warranted by circumstances and notification, pursuant to section 748(6)(c) of the act, of other public agencies if there is a substantial probability of harm to the patient or other persons. Relatives or other interested parties shall be notified if the patient had given prior authorization to notify those persons in the event of an emergency. A record shall be kept of persons notified and the time of notification. Upon locating a missing patient, the hospital shall inform those notified and determine if any of the following provisions apply to the patient: (a) He or she desires to return voluntarily.(b) He or she desires to terminate hospitalization.(c) He or she meets other statutory provisions for treatment.Mich. Admin. Code R. 330.4083