Missouri Revised Statutes Title XL. Additional Executive Departments § 632.345. Physician or licensed psychologist to be appointed, qualifications--detention to be continued, how long

1. If requested by the respondent, the court shall appoint an available licensed physician or licensed psychologist to examine him or her and testify at the respondent's request. If the respondent or his or her counsel so request, the court shall not appoint a physician or licensed psychologist who is on the staff of the program wherein the person is detained, and if the respondent is detained in a program operated by the department and respondent or his or her counsel so request, the court shall not appoint a physician or licensed psychologist who is an employee of the department.

2. The court may grant continuances but shall do so only upon a showing of good and sufficient cause.

3. The respondent shall continue to be detained and treated pending the hearing unless released by order of the court. If a continuance is granted, the court, in its discretion, may order respondent released upon conditions described by the court pending the hearing. If no order has been made within thirty days after the filing of the petition, not including extensions of time requested by the respondent and granted, the respondent shall be released.