§ 10-616. Certificates

   (a) Form. --

   (1) A certificate for involuntary admission of an individual under Part III of this subtitle shall:

      (i) Be based on the personal examination of the physician or psychologist who signs the certificate; and

      (ii) Be in the form that the Secretary adopts, by rule or regulation.

   (2) The rules and regulations shall require the form to include:

      (i) A diagnosis of a mental disorder of the individual;

      (ii) An opinion that the individual needs inpatient care or treatment; and

      (iii) An opinion that admission to a facility or Veterans' Administration hospital is needed for the protection of the individual or another.

(b) Time limitations. -- A certificate may not be used for admission if the examination on which the certificate is made was done:

   (1) More than 1 week before the certificate is signed; or

   (2) More than 30 days before the facility or the Veterans' Administration hospital receives the application for admission.

(c) Limitations on practitioners. -- A certificate may not be used for an admission if the physician or psychologist who signed the certificate:

   (1) Has a financial interest, through ownership or compensation, in a proprietary facility and admission to that proprietary facility is sought for the individual whose status is being certified; or

   (2) Is related, by blood or marriage, to the individual or to the applicant.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 59, § 12; 1982, ch. 21, § 2.