Alaska Statutes Title 47. Welfare, Social Services, and Institutions § 47.30.875. Residence; nonresident patients; interstate agreements

(a) The admission papers of a person who is admitted to a treatment facility under AS 47.30.660--47.30.915 must include a statement as to the person's residence. The department may return a patient who is not a resident of the state to the state of the person's residence with court approval if the person has been committed. If the state in which the person has residence does not accept the person as a patient, the person shall be treated as a resident of this state under the provisions of AS 47.30.660--47.30.915.

(b) To facilitate the return of nonresident patients the department may enter into a reciprocal agreement or compact with another state providing for the prompt return under appropriate supervision of residents of that state who are mentally ill. A mentally ill resident of this state who has been placed in a facility outside this state may be admitted with the approval of the department to a treatment facility in the state designated by the department. The department may enter into reciprocal agreements or contracts with another state providing for custody, care or treatment, or return of mentally ill residents of this state by the other state and for the custody and care or treatment of mentally ill residents of that state by this state on a reimbursable basis. A resident of this state who has been committed in another state and is returned in accordance with this section shall, within 72 hours of admission to the designated facility, be examined. After examination the mental health professional in charge shall release the person or shall petition for involuntary commitment as prescribed in AS 47.30.740.

(c) In taking action under (a) and (b) of this section, consideration shall be given to the best interests of the patient, particularly to the relationship of the patient to the patient's family, legal guardian, or friends to maintain relationships and encourage visits beneficial to the patient.