(1) Except as provided in section 1074 and section 18s of chapter XIIA of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 712A.18s, a minor requesting hospitalization or for whom a request for hospitalization was made shall be evaluated to determine suitability for hospitalization according to this section as soon as possible after the request is made.

    (2) The executive director of the community mental health services program that is responsible for providing services in the county of residence of a minor requesting hospitalization or for whom a request for hospitalization was made shall evaluate the minor to determine his or her suitability for hospitalization according to this section. In making a determination of a minor’s suitability for hospitalization, the executive director shall utilize the community mental health services program’s children’s diagnostic and treatment service. If a children’s diagnostic and treatment service does not exist in the community mental health services program, the executive director shall, through written agreement, arrange to have a determination made by the children’s diagnostic and treatment service of another community mental health services program, or by the appropriate hospital.

    (3) In evaluating a minor’s suitability for hospitalization, the executive director shall do all of the following:

    (a) Determine both of the following:

    (i) Whether the minor is a minor requiring treatment.

    (ii) Whether the minor requires hospitalization and is expected to benefit from hospitalization.

    (b) Determine whether there is an appropriate, available alternative to hospitalization, and if there is, refer the minor to that program.

    (c) Consult with the appropriate school, hospital, and other public or private agencies.

    (d) If the minor is determined to be suitable for hospitalization under subdivision (a), refer the minor to the appropriate hospital.

    (e) If the minor is determined not to be suitable for hospitalization under subdivision (a), determine if the minor needs mental health services. If it is determined that the minor needs mental health services, the executive director shall offer an appropriate treatment program for the minor, if the program is available, or refer the minor to any other appropriate agency for services.

    (f) If a minor is assessed and found not to be clinically suitable for hospitalization, the executive director shall inform the individual or individuals requesting hospitalization of the minor of appropriate available alternative services to which a referral should be made and of the process for a request of a second opinion under subsection (4).

    (4) If the children’s diagnostic and treatment service of the community mental health services program denies hospitalization, the parent or guardian of the minor may request a second opinion from the executive director. The executive director shall arrange for an additional evaluation by a psychiatrist, other physician, or licensed psychologist to be performed within 3 days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after the executive director receives the request. If the conclusion of the second opinion is different from the conclusion of the children’s diagnostic and treatment service, the executive director, in conjunction with the medical director, shall make a decision based on all clinical information available. The executive director’s decision shall be confirmed in writing to the individual who requested the second opinion, and the confirming document shall include the signatures of the executive director and medical director or verification that the decision was made in conjunction with the medical director.

    (5) If a minor has been admitted to a hospital not operated by or under contract with the department or a community mental health services program and the hospital considers it necessary to transfer the minor to a hospital under contract with a community mental health services program, the hospital shall submit an application for transfer to the appropriate community mental health services program. The executive director shall determine if there is an appropriate, available alternative to hospitalization of the minor. If the executive director determines that there is an appropriate, available alternative program, the minor shall be referred to that program. If the executive director determines that there is not an appropriate, alternative program, the minor shall be referred to a hospital under contract with the community mental health services program.

    (6) Except as provided in subsections (1) and (5), this section only applies to hospitals operated under contract with a community mental health services program.