P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 6155q
(a) Hearings shall be held before a court with venue, pursuant to the provisions of the Rules of Civil Procedure in effect.
(b) The adult shall be present at the hearing, except when he/she has expressly waived to do so, or when he/she has agreed to waive his/her right and expressed so through his/her attorney.
(c) If the court, motu proprio, or upon petition from one of the parties with just force majeure, postpones the case, the adult shall remain hospitalized pending a subsequent order from the court. The postponement of the hearing shall not be extended for more than five (5) calendar days.
(d) The adult shall have the right to present all the evidence he/she deems convenient to contest the continuation of his/her involuntary admission. Said evidence may be oral or written. To that effect, the adult shall have the right to be examined by an independent mental health professional of his/her choice, or by one designated by the court, who shall conduct an evaluation and issue his/her recommendations to the court. The services of said professional shall be paid by the adult object of the petition for involuntary admission or change of status, by a close relative, if any, or by the state, if the adult is indigent.
History —Oct. 2, 2000, No. 408, § 4.18, renumbered as § 4.18(B) on Aug. 6, 2008, No. 183, § 30.