Sec. 574.062. MOTION FOR MODIFICATION OF ORDER FOR OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

(a) The court that entered an order directing a patient to participate in outpatient mental health services may set a hearing to determine if the order should be modified in a way that is a substantial deviation from the original program of treatment incorporated in the court's order. The court may set the hearing on its own motion, at the request of the person responsible for the treatment, or at the request of any other interested person.

(b) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent the patient if a hearing is scheduled. The patient shall be given notice of the matters to be considered at the hearing. The notice must comply with the requirements of Section 574.006 for notice before a hearing on court-ordered mental health services.

(c) The hearing shall be held before the court, without a jury, and as prescribed by Section 574.031. The patient shall be represented by an attorney and receive proper notice.

(d) The court shall set a date for a hearing on the motion to be held not later than the seventh day after the date the motion is filed. The court may grant one or more continuances of the hearing on the motion by a party and for good cause shown or on agreement of the parties. Except as provided by Subsection (e), the court shall hold the hearing not later than the 14th day after the date the motion is filed.

(e) If extremely hazardous weather conditions exist or a disaster occurs that threatens the safety of the proposed patient or other essential parties to the hearing, the court, by written order made each day, may postpone the hearing for not more than 24 hours. The written order must declare that an emergency exists because of the weather or the occurrence of a disaster.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 191, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.