Code Section Group

Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC

DIVISION 7. MENTAL INSTITUTIONS [7100 - 7700]

  ( Division 7 repealed and added by Stats. 1967, Ch. 1667. )

CHAPTER 3. State Hospitals for the Developmentally Disabled [7500 - 7518]
  ( Heading of Chapter 3 renumbered from Chapter 4 by Stats. 1979, Ch. 373. )

7500.
  

There is established in the state, Porterville Developmental Center, in Tulare County, a state hospital for the care and treatment of persons with developmental disabilities.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 76, Sec. 58. (AB 136) Effective July 16, 2021.)

7501.
  

(a) The Department of General Services, in cooperation with the State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of State Hospitals, may sell or lease property within the boundaries of Camarillo State Hospital described in subdivision (b) to Ventura County which shall sublet the property to a nonprofit organization for the purpose of constructing and operating a children’s crisis care center to provide an alternative to emergency shelter home placement. The facility shall provide for an interagency program for the delivery of medical, educational, and mental health screening, crisis intervention, short-term mental health treatment, and case management services for children who are removed from their families due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual molestation, or who are in acute mental health crisis requiring short-term nonhospital care and supervision described in subdivision (c).

(b) (1) The property is a 22.8 acre portion of Rancho Guadalasca, in the County of Ventura, State of California, as described in the Letters of Patent dated September 1, 1873, recorded in Book 1, Page 153 of Patents, in the office of the County Recorder of the county and described as follows:

Beginning at the northwesterly terminus of the Fourth Course of that parcel described in the deed recorded on June 9, 1932, in Book 358, Page 371 of Official Records, in said Recorder’s Office; thence, along said Fourth Course,

1st —

South 47°23'33″ East 1150.00 feet to the northeasterly terminus of the 38th Course of Parcel 1 described in the deed recorded on April 17, 1973, in Book 4101, Page 237 of said Official Records; thence, along said 38th Course,

2nd —

South 42°37'00″ West 1026.00 feet; thence, parallel with the First Course herein,

3rd —

North 47°23'33″ West 800.00 feet; thence, parallel with the Second Course herein,

4th —

North 42°37'00″ East 666.00 feet; thence, parallel with the First Course herein,

5th —

North 47°23'33″ West 350.00 feet to the intersection with the Third Course of said parcel described in the deed recorded in Book 358, Page 371 of said Official Records; thence, along said Third Course,

6th —

North 42°37'00″ East 360.00 feet to the point of beginning.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if the parcel described in this subdivision is purchased or leased from the state, 50 percent of the proceeds shall accrue to the State Department of State Hospitals and 50 percent to the Department of Developmental Services.

(3) The Department of General Services may enter into a sale or lease at less than fair market value. The department is authorized to lease the parcel for not less than 40, but not more than 99 years.

(c) Any of the following children are eligible for placement in the children’s crisis care center:

(1) Any child who has been placed in protective custody and legally detained under Section 300 as a victim of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The child shall be one day through 17 years of age. An infant born suffering from the result of perinatal substance abuse, or an infant who requires shelter care because of physical abuse resulting in a cast on the arm or leg shall also be eligible.

(2) Any dependent minor of the juvenile court whose placement has been disrupted, and who is in need of temporary placement, as well as crisis intervention and assessment services.

(3) Any voluntarily placed emotionally disturbed child in crisis as determined appropriate by the mental health case manager. The purpose of this placement is to deescalate the crisis, provide assessment and diagnostic services for a recommendation of appropriate treatment and ongoing placement, and to reduce the utilization of private or state psychiatric hospitalization.

(4) Any eligible child who is a resident of any county in California, subject to the availability of space.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 440, Sec. 72. (AB 1488) Effective September 22, 2012.)

7501.5.
  

(a) The Department of General Services, in cooperation with the State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of State Hospitals, may lease property within the boundaries of Camarillo State Hospital described in subdivision (c) to Ventura County, which may sublet the property to one or more responsible organizations selected by Ventura County for the purposes of constructing housing or operating residential care services, or both, designed to meet the identified treatment and rehabilitation needs of persons with mental health disorders from Ventura County. The lease between the state and Ventura County shall contain a provision that requires that the lease shall terminate and that full title, possession, and control of the property shall return to the state if permits have not been issued for construction of the housing prior to January 1, 1995. The sublease between Ventura County and the responsible bidder shall contain a provision that requires that permits for construction of the housing be issued prior to January 1, 1995, and shall contain a provision that requires that the sublease shall terminate and full title, possession, and control of the property shall return to the state if permits have not been issued for construction of the housing prior to January 1, 1995.

(b) In selecting a service provider pursuant to subdivision (a), Ventura County shall only consider a sublease with organizations that comply with subdivision (b) of Section 5705 and Section 523 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations.

(c) (1) The property consists of a 15 plus acre portion of a 58.5 acre parcel at Camarillo State Hospital that has previously been declared surplus by the State Department of Developmental Services. The acreage is on Lewis Road at the entrance to Camarillo State Hospital. Specific metes and bounds shall be established for the 15 plus acre parcel prior to the actual lease of the property.

(2) The Department of General Services may enter into a lease at less than fair market value. The department is authorized to lease the parcel for not less than 40 and not more than 99 years.

(d) If there is available space, persons who have mental health disorders from Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties may be eligible for placement at this center if an agreement to that effect is entered into between those counties and Ventura County. The agreement shall specify that Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties shall retain responsibility for monitoring and maintenance of persons with mental health disorders who are placed through those agreements and for payment of costs incurred or services rendered by Ventura County.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 144, Sec. 133. (AB 1847) Effective January 1, 2015.)

7502.
  

The state institution, the site for which was provided for by an appropriation made by Chapter 28 of the 55th (Fourth Extraordinary Session) Session of the Legislature, shall be known as Porterville State Hospital and shall be used for epileptics who are developmentally disabled and for other developmentally disabled patients.

(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1252.)

7502.5.
  

(a) An individual may be admitted to the secure treatment facility at Porterville Developmental Center, as provided in paragraphs (1) and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 7505, only when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The unit to which the individual will be admitted is approved for occupancy and licensed.

(2) Until June 30, 2023, the population of the secure treatment facility is no more than 231 persons. On and after July 1, 2023, the population of the secure treatment facility is no more than 211 persons.

(3) The individual is at least 18 years of age.

(4) The regional center notifies the regional resource development project identified in Section 4418.7, the regional center clients’ rights advocate, the individual, or the individual’s legal guardian or conservator, as appropriate, of a potential admission pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 7505.

(5) The regional resource development project completes an assessment of the individual’s services and supports needs, including by visiting the consumer, if appropriate. The assessment shall include consideration of placement options and other necessary services and supports, if any, that could meet the individual’s needs in the community.

(b) An individual may be admitted to the transitional treatment program at Porterville Developmental Center when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The individual was admitted to Porterville Developmental Center pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 7505.

(2) The individual remains eligible for commitment pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 7505.

(3) The unit to which the individual will be admitted is approved for occupancy and licensed.

(4) The population of the transitional treatment program is no more than 60 persons.

(c) As soon as possible, but no later than 30 days following admission to the transitional treatment program, the regional center, in coordination with the developmental center, shall do both of the following:

(1) Complete a comprehensive assessment that shall include the identification of services and supports needed to transition the individual to the community.

(2) Jointly convene an individual program plan meeting to discuss the comprehensive assessment and develop a plan to transition the individual to the community pursuant to Section 4418.3. The transition plan shall be based upon the individual’s needs, developed through the individual program plan process, and shall ensure that needed services and supports will be in place at the time the individual moves. Individual supports and services shall include, when appropriate for the individual, wrap-around services through intensive individualized support services. The transition shall be to a community living arrangement that is in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the needs of the individual and most protective of the individual’s rights to dignity, freedom, and choice, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 4648. The clients’ rights advocate for the regional center shall be notified of the individual program plan meeting and may participate in the meeting unless the consumer objects on their own behalf.

(d) An individual described in this section shall not be placed in the transitional treatment program for longer than necessary to procure a less restrictive placement. Each year, pursuant to Section 4418.25, an individual in the transitional treatment program at Porterville Developmental Center shall receive an updated comprehensive assessment that shall include all of the following:

(1) The reason or reasons for placement in the program for longer than one year.

(2) A description of the issue or issues preventing community placement.

(3) The estimated timeframe for placement in the community and the plan for that placement.

(e)  Before March 1 of each year, the department shall provide the following information to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature:

(1) For each regional center, the number of transitional program residents who are placed in the program for more than one year.

(2) A description of reasons for placement in the program beyond one year.

(3) The steps undertaken to resolve the issue or issues prohibiting community placement.

(4) The additional steps necessary before community placement can be made.

(f) (1) Prior to issuing a request for proposal for a contract to provide the intensive transitional services for individuals residing in the secure treatment program at Porterville Developmental Center, the department shall consult with the appropriate professionals to develop the parameters for the services to be provided in the contract. The department shall also consult with the protection and advocacy agency described in subdivision (i) of Section 4900 regarding appropriate safeguards for the protection of clients’ rights. The department shall ensure that the services are not punitive, are protective of the individual’s rights to dignity, freedom, and choice, and are tailored to the needs of the individual and developed through a person-centered planning process and whether the transition and placement are adequate for the protection and safety of others from the dangers posed by the individual’s known behaviors and for the welfare of the individual. The department shall further ensure that the regional center clients’ rights advocate receives notice of each individual program plan meeting in which the intensive transitional supports are discussed and a copy of any assessment regarding the individual’s intensive support needs, and shall ensure that if the individual disagrees with the proposed intensive transitional supports, the individual may request a fair hearing pursuant to Section 4710.5.

(2) By December 31, 2018, the department shall promulgate emergency regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) regarding the intensive transitional services for individuals residing in the secure treatment program at Porterville Developmental Center. The adoption of these regulations shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare.

(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 31. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020.)

7502.6.
  

(a) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, commencing September 28, 2018, and until June 30, 2024, or the opening of completed and licensed complex needs homes identified in the safety net plan prepared pursuant to Section 4474.16 and approved for development in the Budget Act of 2023, whichever is earlier, a court may order the commitment of an individual to a separate and distinct unit of Canyon Springs Community Facility, as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 7505. No more than 10 beds at the facility shall be designated for this purpose.

(b) Prior to admission to Canyon Springs Community Facility of an individual meeting the criteria of paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 7505, the regional center and regional resource development project shall follow the preadmission procedures, including notification and assessment procedures, specified in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, of Section 4418.7. Upon admission, the postadmission procedures and timelines specified in subdivision (e) of Section 4418.7 shall apply.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 44, Sec. 29. (AB 121) Effective July 10, 2023.)

7503.
  

The object of each hospital is such care, treatment, habilitation, training, and education of the persons committed thereto as will render them more comfortable and happy and better fitted to care for and support themselves.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1040.)

7504.
  

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter the provisions on state institutions in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 5 of this code shall apply to the state hospitals for the developmentally disabled.

(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1252.)

7505.
  

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the State Department of Developmental Services shall not admit anyone to a developmental center unless the person has been determined eligible for services under Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) and the person is any of the following:

(1) An adult committed by a court to Porterville Developmental Center, secure treatment program, pursuant to Section 1370.1 of the Penal Code.

(2) Committed by a court to an acute crisis home operated by the department pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 due to an acute crisis, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 4418.7.

(3) An adult committed by a court to Porterville Developmental Center, secure treatment program, pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 as a result of involvement with the criminal justice system, and the court has determined the person is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

(4) A person committed by a court to Canyon Springs Community Facility pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 on or before June 30, 2024, or the opening of completed and licensed complex needs homes identified in the safety net plan prepared pursuant to Section 4474.16 and approved for development in the Budget Act of 2023, whichever is earlier, who otherwise meets the criteria for admission described in Section 4418.7 due to an acute crisis, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 4418.7.

(5) (A) A person committed by a court to the Canyon Springs Community Facility pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 on or before June 30, 2024, or the opening of completed and licensed complex needs homes identified in the safety net plan prepared pursuant to Section 4474.16 and approved for development in the Budget Act of 2023, whichever is earlier, who is currently admitted to either an acute psychiatric hospital or an acute crisis facility pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 due to an acute crisis, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 4418.7, but who requires continued treatment to achieve stabilization and successful community transition.

(B) Prior to admission pursuant to this paragraph, the regional center shall prepare an assessment for inclusion in the consumer’s file detailing all considered community-based services and supports, including, but not limited to, rate adjustments as provided by law, supplemental services as set forth in subparagraph (F) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) of Section 4648, emergency and crisis intervention services as set forth in paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 4648, community crisis home services pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 4698) of Chapter 6 of Division 4.5, and an explanation of why those options could not meet the consumer’s needs. Prior to admission, the Director of Developmental Services or the director’s designee shall certify that there are no community-based options that can meet the consumer’s needs.

(C) When a person is admitted to Canyon Springs Community Facility pursuant to this paragraph, the regional center shall notify the clients’ rights advocate, as described in Section 4433, of the admission. A comprehensive assessment shall be completed by the regional center in coordination with Canyon Springs Community Facility staff. The comprehensive assessment shall include the identification of the services and supports needed for stabilization and the timeline for identifying or developing the services and supports needed to transition the consumer back to a community setting. Immediately following the comprehensive assessment, and not later than 30 days following admission, the regional center and staff at the Canyon Springs Community Facility shall jointly convene an individual program plan meeting to determine the services and supports needed for crisis stabilization and to develop a plan to transition the consumer into community living pursuant to Section 4418.3. The clients’ rights advocate for the regional center shall be notified of the individual program plan meeting and may participate in the individual program plan meeting unless the consumer objects on their own behalf.

(D) The population of consumers admitted pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed five. An admission to Canyon Springs Community Facility pursuant to this paragraph shall not extend beyond June 30, 2024, or the opening of completed and licensed complex needs homes identified in the safety net plan prepared pursuant to Section 4474.16 and approved for development in the Budget Act of 2023, whichever is earlier.

(E) For purposes of this paragraph, “acute psychiatric hospital” means a facility as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, including an institution for mental disease.

(6) (A) A person exercising the right of return described in Section 4508 on or before June 30, 2021.

(B) Prior to admission pursuant to this paragraph, the regional center shall prepare an assessment for inclusion in the consumer’s file detailing all considered community-based services and supports, including, but not limited to, rate adjustments as provided by law, supplemental services as set forth in subparagraph (F) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) of Section 4648, emergency and crisis intervention services as set forth in paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 4648, community crisis home services pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 4698) of Chapter 6 of Division 4.5, and an explanation of why those options could not meet the consumer’s needs. Prior to admission, the Director of Developmental Services or the director’s designee shall certify that there are no community-based options that can meet the consumer’s needs.

(C) When a person is admitted pursuant to this paragraph, the regional center shall notify the clients’ rights advocate, as described in Section 4433, of the admission. A comprehensive assessment shall be completed by the regional center in coordination with developmental center staff. The comprehensive assessment shall include the identification of the services and supports needed for stabilization and the timeline for identifying or developing the services and supports needed to transition the consumer back to a community setting. Immediately following the comprehensive assessment, and not later than 30 days following admission, the regional center and staff at the developmental center shall jointly convene an individual program plan meeting to determine the services and supports needed for crisis stabilization and to develop a plan to transition the consumer into community living pursuant to Section 4418.3. The clients’ rights advocate for the regional center shall be notified of the individual program plan meeting and may participate in the individual program plan meeting unless the consumer objects on their own behalf.

(D) Notwithstanding Section 4508, the population of consumers admitted pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed five. An admission pursuant to this paragraph shall not extend beyond June 30, 2023.

(7) Committed by a court to Porterville Developmental Center, pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 due to an acute crisis, as described in Section 4418.7. The population of consumers admitted pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed 10. An admission pursuant to this paragraph shall not extend beyond June 30, 2023, or upon the opening of the state-operated community acute crisis homes approved for development in the Budget Act of 2019.

(8) (A) Committed by a court pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 to a completed and licensed complex needs home identified in the safety net plan prepared pursuant to Section 4474.16 and approved for development in the Budget Act of 2023.

(B) When a person is admitted pursuant to this paragraph, the department and regional center shall comply with the requirements of Section 4418.8.

(b) A person admitted to the Canyon Springs Community Facility pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (a) shall be subject to enhanced monitoring that includes the following:

(1) Department clinical staff shall make monthly monitoring visits to observe the implementation of treatment plans.

(2) The department shall conduct monthly calls with regional centers to update transition planning and identify available placement options.

(3) The facility shall complete an initial transition plan within 60 days from admission.

(4) The facility shall conduct a transition review meeting 45 days prior to transitioning an individual from the facility.

(c) The State Department of Developmental Services shall not admit a person to a developmental center after July 1, 2012, as a result of a criminal conviction or when the person is competent to stand trial for the criminal offense and the admission is ordered in lieu of trial.

(d) Commencing with the first quarterly update to legislative staff after July 1, 2021, in the information provided pursuant to Section 4474.17, the State Department of Developmental Services shall provide a written update regarding efforts to reduce the reliance on Canyon Springs Community Facility for admissions due to an acute crisis, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 4418.7 and the development of additional community resources, including person-centered efforts. The update shall include data and descriptors of people admitted to Canyon Springs Community Facility in the previous year, including age and duration of stay to date, the status of transition planning meetings for those individuals, and their discharge status. For persons admitted to Canyon Springs Community Facility beginning July 1, 2022, the update shall include all alternative placement options examined for each person prior to admission.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 192, Sec. 12. (SB 138) Effective September 13, 2023.)

7506.
  

The primary purpose of each hospital for the developmentally disabled shall be the care, treatment and habilitation of those patients found suitable and duly admitted.

(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1252.)

7507.
  

Subject to the provisions of Sections 6509 and 7505, each developmental center shall admit persons duly committed or transferred thereto in accordance with law.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 25, Sec. 33. (AB 1472) Effective June 27, 2012.)

7509.
  

The State Department of State Hospitals and the State Department of Developmental Services shall prescribe and publish instructions and forms, in relation to the commitment and admission of patients, and may include in them any interrogatories as it deems necessary or useful. These instructions and forms shall be furnished to anyone applying therefor, and shall also be sent in sufficient numbers to the county clerks of the several counties of the state.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 440, Sec. 74. (AB 1488) Effective September 22, 2012.)

7513.
  

Each developmentally disabled person and his or her estate shall pay the State Department of Developmental Services for the cost of such person’s care and treatment as defined in Section 4431 while in a state hospital and while on leave of absence at state expense, less the sums payable therefor by the county. The provisions of Sections 7513.1 and 7513.2 shall govern the assessment, cancellation, collection, and remission of charges for such care and treatment.

This section shall not be construed to impose any liability on the parents of developmentally disabled persons.

(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1142.)

7513.1.
  

The charge for the care and treatment of all developmentally disabled persons at state hospitals for the developmentally disabled for whom there is liability to pay therefor shall be determined pursuant to Section 4431. The Director of Developmental Services may reduce, cancel, or remit the amount to be paid by the person, estate, or the relative, as the case may be, liable for the care and treatment of any developmentally disabled person who is a patient at a state hospital for the developmentally disabled, on satisfactory proof that the person, estate, or relative, as the case may be, is unable to pay the cost of such care and treatment or that the amount is uncollectible. In any case where there has been a payment under this section, and such payment or any part thereof is refunded because of the death, leave of absence, or discharge of any patient of such hospital, such amount shall be paid by the hospital or the State Department of Developmental Services to the person who made the payment upon demand, and in the statement to the Controller the amounts refunded shall be itemized and the aggregate deducted from the amount to be paid into the State Treasury, as provided by law. If any person dies at any time while his or her estate is liable for his or her care and treatment at a state hospital, the claim for the amount due may be presented to the executor or administrator of his or her estate, and paid as a preferred claim, with the same rank in order of preference, as claims for expenses of last illness.

(Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1142.)

7513.2.
  

The State Department of Developmental Services shall collect all the costs and charges mentioned in Section 7513 and may take such action as is necessary to effect their collection within or without the state. The Director of Developmental Services may, however, at his or her discretion, refuse to accept payment of charges for the care and treatment in a state hospital of any developmentally disabled person who is eligible for deportation by the federal immigration authorities.

(Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1142.)

7514.
  

The State Department of Developmental Services may transfer any patient of a state hospital for the developmentally disabled to another state hospital for the developmentally disabled, at any time and from time to time, upon the application of the parent, guardian, conservator, or other person charged with the support of such patient, if the expenses of the transfer are paid by the applicant. The liability of any estate, person, or county for the care, support and maintenance of such patient in the institution to which he is transferred shall be the same as if he had originally been committed to such institution.

(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)

7515.
  

The medical director may, with the approval of the department having jurisdiction, cause the peremptory discharge of any person who has been a patient for the period of one month.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 699. Effective January 1, 2007.)

7516.
  

Nothing in this division contained interferes with or affects the status of such patients as are now in the Sonoma State Hospital under terms of life tenure.

(Added by Stats. 1967, Ch. 1667.)

7518.
  

In accordance with this section, the medical director of a state hospital with programs for developmentally disabled patients, as defined in Section 4512, may give consent to medical, dental, and surgical treatment of a minor developmentally disabled patient of the hospital and provide for such treatment to be given to the patient.

If the patient’s parent, guardian, or conservator legally authorized to consent to such treatment, does not respond within a reasonable time to the request of the medical director for the granting or denying of consent for such treatment, the medical director may consent, on behalf of the patient, to such treatment and provide for such treatment to be given to the patient.

If the patient has no parent, guardian, or conservator legally authorized to consent to medical, dental, or surgical treatment on behalf of the patient, the medical director may consent to such treatment on behalf of the patient and provide for such treatment to be given to the patient. The medical director may immediately thereupon also request the appropriate regional center for the developmentally disabled to initiate or cause to be initiated proceedings for the appointment of a guardian or conservator legally authorized to consent to medical, dental, or surgical treatment.

If the patient is an adult and has no conservator, consent to treatment may be given by someone other than the patient on the patient’s behalf only if the patient is mentally incapable of giving his own consent.

(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)

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