88Discharge of independent patients

(1) The medical officer or mental health professional in charge of a mental health establishment shall discharge from the mental health establishment any person admitted under section 86 as an independent patient immediately on request made by such person or if the person disagrees with his admission under section 86 subject to the provisions of sub-section (3).

(2) Where a minor has been admitted to a mental health establishment under section 87 and attains the age of eighteen years during his stay in the mental health establishment, the medical officer in charge of the mental health establishment shall classify him as an independent patient under section 86 and all provisions of this Act as applicable to independent patient who is not minor, shall apply to such person.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, a mental health professional may prevent discharge of a person admitted as an independent person under section 86 for a period of twenty-four hours so as to allow his assessment necessary for admission under section 89 if the mental health professional is of the opinion that—

(a) such person is unable to understand the nature and purpose of his decisions and requires substantial or very high support from his nominated representative; or

(b) has recently threatened or attempted or is threatening or attempting to cause bodily harm to himself; or

(c) has recently behaved or is behaving violently towards another person or has caused or is causing another person to fear bodily harm from him; or

(d) has recently shown or is showing an inability to care for himself to a degree that places the individual at risk of harm to himself.

(4) The person referred to in sub-section (3) shall be either admitted as a supported patient under section 89, or discharged from the establishment within a period of twenty-four hours or on completion of assessments for admission for a supported patient under section 89, whichever is earlier.