Vermont § 7617 - Findings; order
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 7617 — Findings; order, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7617. Findings; order
- (a) If the court finds that the proposed patient was not a person in need of treatment
at the time of admission or application or is not a patient in need of further treatment
at the time of the hearing, the court shall enter a finding to that effect and shall
dismiss the application. (b) If the proposed patient is found to have been a person in need of treatment at the
time of admission or application and a patient in need of further treatment at the
time of the hearing, the court may order the person: (1) hospitalized in a designated hospital; (2) hospitalized in any other public or private hospital if he or she and the hospital
agree; or (3) to undergo a program of treatment other than hospitalization. (c) Prior to ordering any course of treatment, the court shall determine whether there
exists an available program of treatment for the person that is an appropriate alternative
to hospitalization. The court shall not order hospitalization without a thorough
consideration of available alternatives. (d) Before making its decision, the court shall order testimony by an appropriate representative
of a hospital, a community mental health agency, public or private entity or agency,
or a suitable person, who shall assess the availability and appropriateness for the
individual of treatment programs other than hospitalization. (e) Prior to ordering the hospitalization of a person, the court shall inquire into the
adequacy of treatment to be provided to the person by the hospital. Hospitalization
shall not be ordered unless the hospital in which the person is to be hospitalized
can provide him or her with treatment that is adequate and appropriate to his or her
condition. (f) Preference between available hospitals shall be given to the hospital that is located
nearest to the person’s residence, except when the person requests otherwise or there
are other compelling reasons for not following the preference. (Added 1977, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 24.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 7617
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 7617 cover?
Section 7617 ("Findings; order") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 7617?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 7617" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 7617 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.