36-527. Discharge and release; relief from
civil liability


A. A person taken into custody for emergency admission may not be detained longer
than twenty-four hours excluding weekends and holidays following such detention unless a
petition for court-ordered evaluation is filed.


B. A person admitted for emergency evaluation may be released at any time if, in
the opinion of the medical director in charge of the evaluation agency, release is
appropriate. The medical director shall not be held civilly liable for any acts
committed by a released patient if the medical director has in good faith followed the
requirements of this article. The patient may continue care and treatment in the agency
if he signs a voluntary application.