1. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a facility shall release a voluntary patient within a reasonable time, not to exceed 96 hours, after the patient requests in writing to be released.

2. (b) A facility is not required to release the patient if before the end of the 96-hour period:

   1. (1) the patient files a written withdrawal of the request;
   2. (2) an application for court-ordered treatment or emergency detention is filed and the patient is detained in accordance with this chapter; or
   3. (3) the patient is a minor under the age of 16 admitted with the consent of a parent, guardian, or conservator and that person, after consulting with facility personnel, objects in writing to the release of the patient.
3. (c) Subsection (a) applies to a minor admitted under Section 462.022 if the request for release is made in writing to the facility by the person who requested the initial admission.
4. (d) If extremely hazardous weather conditions exist or a disaster occurs, the facility administrator may request the judge of a court that has jurisdiction over proceedings brought under Subchapter D to extend the period during which the person may be detained. The judge or a magistrate appointed by the judge may by written order made each day extend the period during which the person may be detained until 4 p.m. on the first succeeding business day. The written order must declare that an emergency exists because of the weather or the occurrence of a disaster.

Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 175, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;

Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 567, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2001.