Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XVII. Economic Security and Public Welfare § 202A.181.Convalescent leave status

(1) An authorized staff physician may release an involuntary patient on convalescent leave status when the physician concludes that the patient would not present a danger or a threat of danger to self or others if provided with continued medical supervision in a less restrictive alternative mode of treatment. Release on convalescent leave status shall include notification to the hospitalizing court. Release on convalescent leave status does not terminate the involuntary hospitalization order and shall include provisions for the development of a treatment plan jointly by the hospital and by a provider of outpatient care for follow-up care by the provider and for the continual monitoring of that patient's condition by the provider.

(2) The hospital from which such patient is given convalescent leave status may at any time readmit the patient without additional court proceedings. If there is reason to believe that it is to the best interest of the patient to be rehospitalized, the secretary or an authorized staff physician of the hospital may issue an order for the immediate rehospitalization of the patient. Such an order, if not voluntarily complied with, shall, upon the endorsement by a judge of any court of the county in which the patient is a resident or is present, authorize any health or police officer to take the patient into custody and transport him to the responsible hospital. Notice of rehospitalization under this section shall be given to the originating court as soon as practicable and simultaneously with the order directing the rehospitalization if possible.

(3) Release on convalescent leave status shall not apply to persons held under hospitalization orders arising out of KRS Chapter 504 unless consent of the appropriate court is obtained.