53-21-130. Transfer or commitment to mental health facility from other institutions. (1) A person who is in the custody of the department for any purpose other than treatment of severe mental illness may not be transferred or committed to a mental health facility for more than 10 days unless the transfer or commitment is effected according to the procedures set out in this part. However, proceedings for involuntary commitment may be commenced in the county of the mental health facility where the person is, in the county of the institution from which the person was transferred to the mental health facility, or in the county of the person’s residence. Notice of a transfer must be given immediately to the assigned counsel at the mental health facility and to the parents of minors, guardians, friends of respondent, or conservators.

Terms Used In Montana Code 53-21-130

  • Commitment: means an order by a court requiring an individual to receive treatment for a mental disorder. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Department: means the department of public health and human services provided for in 2-15-2201. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • facility: means the state hospital, the Montana mental health nursing care center, or a hospital, a behavioral health inpatient facility, a mental health center, a residential treatment facility, or a residential treatment center licensed or certified by the department that provides treatment to children or adults with a mental disorder. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • Respondent: means a person alleged in a petition filed pursuant to this part to be suffering from a mental disorder and requiring commitment. See Montana Code 53-21-102

(2)A person who is in the custody of the department of corrections may be transferred for placement in a mental health facility for a period of up to 10 days, subject to the approval of the mental health facility. A placement in excess of 10 days must be performed according to the procedures for voluntary admission or involuntary commitment as provided in this part. Proceedings for involuntary commitment may be commenced in the county of the mental health facility where the person is placed or in the county of the correctional facility from which the person was transferred. Notice of a transfer must be given to the legal counsel for the person and to the parents of minors, guardians, friends of respondent, or conservators.