Montana Title 53. Social Services and Institutions § 53-21-183. Release conditioned on receipt of outpatient care

(1) When, in the opinion of the professional person in charge of a mental health facility providing involuntary treatment, the committed person can be appropriately served by outpatient care prior to the expiration of the period of commitment, then outpatient care may be required as a condition for early release for a period that, when added to the inpatient treatment period, except as provided in 53-21-198, may not exceed the period of commitment. If the mental health facility designated to provide outpatient care is other than the facility providing involuntary treatment, the designated outpatient facility shall agree in writing to assume the responsibility.

(2) The mental health facility designated to provide outpatient care or the professional person in charge of the patient's case may modify the conditions for continued release when the modification is in the best interest of the patient. This includes the authorization to transfer the patient to another mental health facility designated to provide outpatient care, if the transfer is in the best interest of the patient and the designated outpatient facility agrees in writing to assume responsibility. Notice of an intended transfer must be given to the professional person in charge of the mental health facility that provided the involuntary treatment.

(3) Notice in writing to the court that committed the patient for treatment and the county attorney who initiated the action must be provided by the professional person in charge of the patient at least 5 days prior to the patient's release from commitment or outpatient care. Failure to comply with the notice requirement may not delay the release of the patient from commitment or outpatient care.

(4) Sections 53-21-195 through 53-21-198 and this section do not apply to a temporary release, certified by the professional person in charge of the mental health facility, from the facility for the purposes of a home visit not exceeding 30 days.