53-21-118. Right to examination by professional person of own choosing. (1) The respondent, the respondent's attorney, or the friend of respondent appointed by the court may secure a professional person of the individual's own choice to examine the respondent and to testify at the hearing before the court or jury as to the results of the professional person's examination.

(2) If the person wishing to secure the testimony of a professional person is unable to do so because of financial reasons and if the respondent joins in the request for the examination, the court shall appoint a professional person other than the professional person requesting the commitment to perform the examination. Whenever possible, the court shall allow the respondent a reasonable choice of an available professional person qualified to perform the requested examination who will be compensated from the public funds of the county where the respondent resides.