53-21-186. Support of patient conditionally released. When a mental health facility conditionally releases a patient committed to its care, it is not liable for his support while conditionally released. Liability devolves upon the legal guardian, parent, or person under whose care the patient is placed when conditionally released or upon any other person legally liable for his support. The public welfare officials of the county where the patient resides or is found are responsible for providing relief and care for a conditionally released patient who is unable to maintain himself or who is unable to secure support from the person under whose care he was placed on convalescent leave, like any other person in need of relief and care, under the public assistance laws.

     History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 145, L. 1941; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 149, L. 1953; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 152, L. 1957; amd. Sec. 32, Ch. 120, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 34, Ch. 466, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 37, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 38-506.