Sec. 498k.

(1) If a minor who has been admitted to a hospital under this chapter leaves the hospital without the knowledge and permission of the appropriate hospital staff, the hospital shall immediately notify the minor's parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis, the executive director if appropriate, and the appropriate police agency.

(2) If a minor has left a hospital without the knowledge and permission of the appropriate hospital staff or has refused a request to return to the hospital while on an authorized absence from the hospital, and the hospital director believes that the minor should be returned to the hospital, the hospital director shall request that the minor's parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis transport the minor to the hospital. If the parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis is unable, after reasonable effort, to transport the minor, a request may be submitted to the court for an order to transport the minor. If the court is satisfied that a reasonable effort was made to transport the minor, the court shall order a peace officer to take the minor into protective custody for the purpose of returning the minor to the hospital.

(3) An opportunity for appeal, and notice of that opportunity, shall be provided to any minor and to the parent or guardian of any minor who is returned over the minor's objection from any authorized leave in excess of 10 days. In the case of a minor less than 14 years of age, the appeal shall be made by the parent or guardian of the minor or person in loco parentis.

History: Add. 1984, Act 186, Imd. Eff. July 3, 1984 ;-- Am. 1988, Act 155, Imd. Eff. June 14, 1988 ;-- Am. 1995, Act 290, Eff. Mar. 28, 1996