125.80  Physician's examination--report--scheduling of hearing.

1.  An examination of the respondent shall be conducted within a reasonable time and prior to the commitment hearing by one or more licensed physicians as required by the court's order. If the respondent is taken into custody under section 125.81, the examination shall be conducted within twenty-four hours after the respondent is taken into custody. If the respondent desires, the respondent may have a separate examination by a licensed physician of the respondent's own choice. The court shall notify the respondent of the right to choose a physician for a separate examination. The reasonable cost of the examinations shall be paid from county funds upon order of the court if the respondent lacks sufficient funds to pay the cost.

A licensed physician conducting an examination pursuant to this section may consult with or request the participation in the examination of facility personnel, and may include with or attach to the written report of the examination any findings or observations by facility personnel who have been consulted or have participated in the examination.

If the respondent is not taken into custody under section 125.81, but the court is subsequently informed that the respondent has declined to be examined by a licensed physician pursuant to the court order, the court may order limited detention of the respondent as necessary to facilitate the examination of the respondent by the licensed physician.

2.  A written report of the examination by a court-designated physician shall be filed with the clerk prior to the hearing date. A written report of an examination by a physician chosen by the respondent may be similarly filed. The clerk shall immediately:

a.  Cause a report to be shown to the judge who issued the order.

b.  Cause the respondent's attorney to receive a copy of the report of a court-designated physician.

3.  If the report of a court-designated physician is to the effect that the respondent is not a chronic substance abuser, the court, without taking further action, may terminate the proceeding and dismiss the application on its own motion and without notice.

4.  If the report of a court-designated physician is to the effect that the respondent is a chronic substance abuser, the court shall schedule a commitment hearing as soon as possible. The hearing shall be held not more than forty-eight hours after the report is filed, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, unless an extension for good cause is requested by the respondent, or as soon thereafter as possible if the court considers that sufficient grounds exist for delaying the hearing.

Section History: Early form

  [C75, 77, § 125.19(1-4); C79, 81, § 229.51, 229.52(1, 2); 82 Acts, ch 1212, § 8]

Section History: Recent form

  90 Acts, ch 1085, §14

Internal References

  Referred to in § 125.78, 125.84, 125.85, 229.21


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