1. (a) On behalf of a minor, a parent or guardian of the person of the minor may apply, under this section, for admission of the minor to:

   1. (1) Any facility that is not a State facility; or

   2. (2) The following State facilities:

      1. (i) A regional institute for children and adolescents; and
      2. (ii) The child or adolescent unit of a State facility.
2. (b) The applicant shall submit a formal, written application that contains the personal information and is on the form required by the Administration.

3. (c) A facility may not admit an individual under this section unless:

   1. (1) The individual has a mental disorder;
   2. (2) The mental disorder is susceptible to care or treatment;
   3. (3) The applicant understands the nature of a request for admission; and

   4. (4) Assent to the admission has been given:

      1. (i) By the admitting physician of the facility; or

      2. (ii) For a child or adolescent unit of a State facility, by:

         1. 1. 1 physician and 1 psychologist;
         2. 2. 2 physicians;
         3. 3. 1 physician and 1 psychiatric nurse practitioner;
         4. 4. 1 physician and 1 licensed certified social worker-clinical; or
         5. 5. 1 physician and 1 licensed clinical professional counselor.
4. (d) An admission under this section to a child or adolescent unit of a State facility may not exceed 20 days.

Added by Acts 1982, c. 21, § 2, eff. July 1, 1982. Amended by Acts 2015, c. 330, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2015; Acts 2021, c. 475, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021; Acts 2021, c. 476, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.

Formerly Art. 59, § 11.