Admission of Insane Persons to Government Facilities
- The Director of Health can admit insane persons to any government hospital or designated places for the insane.
- Admissions are conducted under terms approved by the Secretary of the Interior.
- Fees or money received for patients are credited to the Bureau of Health.
Contracting Private Institutions for Care
- When government facilities are overcrowded or due to other considerations, the Director may contract private institutions or persons for care and treatment.
- Such contracts require approval from the Secretary of the Interior.
Judicial Commitment Procedures
- If a person suspected to be insane or their guardian opposes hospitalization, the Director must petition the Court of First Instance.
- The Court must be notified at least five days before the hearing to the alleged insane person, their guardian, and appropriate relatives.
- The Court, after hearing, may order the commitment to a hospital if insanity is proven and relatives are unable to provide care.
- The Court may appoint a guardian as necessary.
- In emergencies or when court is not in session, the Director may confine persons believed to be insane without legal prejudice, beginning legal proceedings promptly.
- Municipal or city officials safeguard the property of confined persons pending guardianship appointment.
- Provincial fiscal or prosecuting attorney assists in petition preparation and court representation.
Expenses and Financial Responsibilities
- The cost of transportation and maintenance of insane patients shall be paid by the guardian from the patient's property if available.
- If the patient or responsible party cannot pay, the municipality of residence is liable for expenses.
- The Governor-General may order the Bureau of Health to cover costs.
Board of Insanity and Mental Condition Evaluations
- The Director of Health may appoint a board composed of two or more qualified physicians to evaluate patients when there is reasonable doubt about their mental condition.
- The board reports findings in writing to the court or Director.
Discharge of Patients
- The Director of Health can discharge patients deemed temporarily or permanently cured or safe for release.
- Notification is sent to the Court of First Instance if commitment was court-ordered.
Local Authority Roles in Custody and Safety
- The municipal president is responsible for providing custody for insane persons who are dangerous to themselves or others or require immediate restraint.
- Such cases must be reported immediately to the Director of Health.
Definition of Insanity
- Insanity is defined as a diseased or disordered mental condition manifesting through language or conduct.
- Characterized by functional or organic defects of the brain, including perversion, inhibition, disordered sensory or intellectual faculties, or impaired volition.