46-14-202. Examination of defendant. (1) If the defendant or the defendant's counsel files a written motion requesting an examination or if the issue of the defendant's fitness to proceed is raised by the district court, prosecution, or defense counsel, the district court shall appoint at least one qualified psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist or shall request the superintendent of the Montana state hospital to designate at least one qualified psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist, which designation may be or include the superintendent, to examine and report upon the defendant's mental condition.
     (2) The court may order the defendant to be committed to a hospital or other suitable facility for the purpose of the examination for a period not exceeding 60 days or a longer period as the court determines to be necessary for the purpose and may direct that a qualified psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist retained by the defendant be permitted to witness and participate in the examination.
     (3) In the examination, any method may be employed that is accepted by the medical or psychological profession for the examination of those alleged to be suffering from mental disease or defect.
     (4) If the defendant is indigent or the examination occurs at the request of the prosecution, the cost of the examination must be paid by the county or the state, or both, according to procedures established under 3-5-902(1).

     History: En. 95-505 by Sec. 1, Ch. 196, L. 1967; amd. Sec. 88, Ch. 120, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 95-505(1), (2); amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 713, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 616, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 361, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 680, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 127, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 152, Ch. 800, L. 1991.