(405 ILCS 5/3-903) (from Ch. 91 1/2, par. 3-903)

Sec. 3-903. (a) The facility director shall give written notice of discharge from a Department mental health facility to the recipient, his attorney, and guardian, if any, or in the case of a minor, to his attorney, to the parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis who executed the application for admission, to the resident school district when appropriate, and to the minor if he is l2 years of age or older. The notice, except that to the school district, shall include the reason for discharge and a statement of the right to object. Whenever possible, this notice shall be given at least 7 days prior to the date of intended discharge.

(b) A recipient may object to his discharge or his attorney or guardian may object on his behalf. In the case of a minor, his attorney, the person who executed the application or the minor himself if he is 12 years of age or older may object to the discharge. Prior to discharge a written objection shall be submitted to the facility director of the mental health facility where the recipient is located. Upon receipt of an objection, the facility director shall promptly schedule a hearing to be held within 7 days at the facility pursuant to Section 3-207. No discharge shall proceed pending hearing on an objection, unless the person objecting to the discharge consents to discharge pending the outcome of the hearing.

(c) At the hearing the Department shall have the burden of proving that the recipient meets the standard for discharge under this Chapter and under Section 15 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. If the utilization review committee finds that the Department sustained its burden and that the proposed discharge is based upon substantial evidence, it shall recommend that the discharge proceed. If the utilization review committee does not so find, it shall recommend that the recipient not be discharged but it may recommend that the recipient be transferred to another mental health facility which can provide treatment appropriate to the clinical condition and needs of the recipient. It may recommend that the Department or other agency assist the person in obtaining such appropriate treatment.

(Source: P.A. 88-380; 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)