As soon as possible but not later than 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after admission of a respondent pursuant to this Article, the respondent shall be personally examined by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist may be a member of the staff of the facility but shall not be the person who executed the first certificate. If a certificate has already been completed by a psychiatrist following the respondent's admission, the respondent shall be examined by another psychiatrist or by a physician, clinical psychologist, advanced practice psychiatric nurse, or qualified examiner. If, as a result of this second examination, a certificate is executed, the certificate shall be promptly filed with the court. If the certificate states that the respondent is subject to involuntary admission but not in need of immediate hospitalization, the respondent may remain in his or her place of residence pending a hearing on the petition unless he or she voluntarily agrees to inpatient treatment. If the respondent is not examined or if the psychiatrist, physician, clinical psychologist, advanced practice psychiatric nurse, or qualified examiner does not execute a certificate pursuant to Section 3-602, the respondent shall be released forthwith. For the purpose of this Section, a personal examination includes an examination performed in real time (synchronous examination) via an Interactive Telecommunication System as defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140.403(a)(5). An examination via an Interactive Telecommunication System may only be used for certification under this Section when a psychiatrist is not on-site within the time period set forth in this Section. If the examination is performed via an Interactive Communication System, that fact shall be noted on the certificate.
405 ILCS 5/3-610