§ 7359 Patient Discharge Authority

Welfare and Institutions Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•The boss of a state hospital can let a patient go if they think it's safe.
•The patient doesn't have to be completely better to be released.
•The boss must write down why they think it's okay to let the patient go.
•The patient's release shouldn't hurt them or other people.

Example

A person is in a state hospital for treatment and is doing better, but not fully recovered.

The hospital boss can decide to let them go home if they believe it's safe for the person and others. They have to write down their reasons and send it to the Director of State Hospitals.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 7359 Patient Discharge Authority

The superintendent of a state hospital, on filing his or her written certificate with the Director of State Hospitals, may discharge as improved, or may discharge as unimproved, as the case may be, any judicially committed patient who is not recovered, but whose discharge, in the judgment of the superintendent, will not be detrimental to the public welfare, or injurious to the patient. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 24, Sec. 197. (AB 1470) Effective June 27, 2012.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

improved judgment hospital patient release director effective june condition

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 7359.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References