Missouri Revised Statutes Title XL. Additional Executive Departments § 632.430. Appeals--to have priority--attorney general to be notified and to represent state

1. Appeals from court orders made under this chapter may be made by the respondent or by the petitioner to the appropriate appellate court pursuant to the rules of civil procedure of the supreme court of Missouri pertaining to appeals. Such appeal shall have priority on the docket of the appellate court and shall be expedited in all respects. The court shall notify the attorney general's office whenever an appeal is filed under this subsection, and the attorney general shall represent the state when it is a party to such appeal.

2. A motion to stay any order restricting an individual's liberty may be filed in either the court or the appropriate appellate court. A stay order shall not be granted in any case where the court finds that the person is so mentally ill that there is an imminent likelihood of serious physical harm to himself or herself or others if he or she is not detained or treated pending appeal. Any refusal to grant a stay by the court may be reviewed by the appropriate appellate court on motion.