A. In addition to the procedure for applying for a writ of habeas corpus, as provided in title 13, chapter 38, article 26, a patient receiving court-ordered treatment or any person acting on the patient's behalf may request the patient's release pursuant to the following:

1. 1. A request in writing may be presented to any member of the treatment staff of the agency providing the patient's treatment. The request may be made on a prescribed form that shall be prepared by the facility and made available for use by any person. The completed form shall identify:

   1. (a) The patient being treated and the agency at which the patient is being treated.
   2. (b) The person to whom the request for release was made.
   3. (c) The person making the request for release, indicating whether the person is the patient being treated or someone acting on the person's behalf.
2. 2. The request, when signed and dated by the person making the request for release, shall be delivered to the medical director of the agency. Within three days of receipt of the request, the medical director shall deliver the form, along with a current psychiatric report of the patient's condition, to the clerk of the court. If the person presenting the request refuses to sign the form, the medical director of the agency shall proceed as if the form had been signed and shall note on the form the circumstances as to why the form was not signed.

H. The patient's attorney shall fulfill all of the following minimal duties:

1. 1. Within twenty-four hours of appointment, conduct an interview with the patient.
2. 2. At least twenty-four hours before the hearing, interview the patient's treatment physician or psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner if available.
3. 3. Before the hearing, examine the clinical record of the patient.
4. 4. Before the hearing, examine the patient's court records as to the patient's involuntary treatment.