Code of the District of Columbia

§ 24–705. Examinations by physicians.

(a) Whenever the Mayor orders a patient into an institution pursuant to the provisions of § 24-703, he shall immediately appoint 2 qualified physicians, 1 of whom shall be a psychiatrist, to examine the said patient, and within 5 days after such appointment, each physician shall file with the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, a written report of such examination, which shall include a statement of his conclusion as to whether the patient is a drug user.

(b) The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia shall review the facts and circumstances of each case submitted to him and present by petition those in which he feels justification exists in the public interest to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for determination and disposition, or dismiss the patient from custody. A copy of such petition shall be served on the patient in open court, at which time the court shall set a hearing date and advise the patient of his right to counsel and his right to demand within 5 days a trial by jury.