Section 25-03.1-30 - Discharge of hospitalized patient - Transfer to alternative treatment - Termination of alternative treatment1. The superintendent or director at any time may discharge a voluntarily hospitalized patient who is clinically suitable for discharge.2. The superintendent or director shall discharge a patient hospitalized by court order if the patient's mental condition is such that the patient no longer is a person requiring treatment.3. If a patient discharged under subsection 1 or 2 has been hospitalized by a court order, or if court proceedings are pending, the treatment facility shall notify the court of the discharge.4. A person responsible for providing treatment, other than hospitalization, to an individual ordered to undergo a program of alternative treatment may terminate the alternative treatment if the patient is clinically suitable for termination of treatment. The person shall terminate the alternative treatment if the patient no longer is a person requiring treatment and shall notify the court upon that termination.5. If, upon the discharge of a hospitalized patient or the termination of alternative treatment of an individual under this chapter, the individual would benefit from further treatment, the hospital or provider of alternative treatment shall offer appropriate treatment on a voluntary basis or shall aid the individual to obtain treatment from another source on a voluntary basis. a. With the individual's consent, the superintendent or director shall notify the appropriate community agencies or persons of the release and of the suggested release plan. Community agencies include regional mental health centers, state and local counseling services, public and private associations the function of which is to assist persons who are mentally ill or individuals with a substance use disorder, and the individual's physician.b. The agencies and persons notified of the individual's release shall report to the facility that initial contact with the individual has been accomplished.6. If, before expiration of an initial treatment order, the superintendent or director determines a less restrictive form of treatment is more appropriate for a patient hospitalized by court order, the superintendent or director may petition the court that last ordered the patient's hospitalization to modify the order of the court. The petition must contain statements setting forth the reasons for the determination the patient continues to be a person requiring treatment, the reasons for the determination a less restrictive form of treatment is more appropriate for the patient, and describing the recommended treatment program. If the patient consents, without a hearing, the court may modify the treatment order of the court by directing the patient to undergo the agreed treatment program for the remainder of the treatment order. The patient must be given an opportunity to protest the discharge and modification of treatment order and to receive a hearing on the merits of the protest.Amended by S.L. 2021, ch. 223 (HB 1034),§ 6, eff. 8/1/2021.Amended by S.L. 2019, ch. 226 (HB 1453),§ 5, eff. 8/1/2019.