Alabama § 22-52-8 - Holding of Probable Cause and Final Hearings Generally.

§ 22-52-8. Holding of Probable Cause and Final Hearings Generally.

(a) When any respondent sought to be committed has any limitation imposed upon his liberty or any temporary treatment imposed upon him by the probate judge pending final hearings on such petition, the probate judge, at the time such limitation or treatment is imposed, shall set a probable cause hearing within seven days of the date of such imposition. If, at such probable cause hearing, the probate judge finds that probable cause exists that the respondent should be detained temporarily and finds that temporary treatment would be in the best interest of the respondent, the probate judge shall enter an order so stating and setting the date, time and place of a final hearing on the merits of such petition.

(b) The final hearing shall be held within 30 days of the date that the respondent was served with a copy of the petition seeking to commit the respondent.

(c) If temporary treatment or admittance to a hospital is ordered for any respondent, such treatment shall be supervised by a licensed medical doctor or qualified mental health professional who has willingly consented to treat the respondent, and admission to a hospital shall be ordered by a licensed medical doctor who has willingly consented to admit and treat the respondent.