131Notification of certain leave and unlawful absences

131 Notification of certain leave and unlawful absences

(1)  This section applies if a patient –

(a) is about to take leave of absence from an approved hospital or SHMU; or

(b) has contravened a condition of a leave of absence from an approved hospital or SMHU; or

(c) has absconded from an approved hospital or SMHU.

(2)  In a case to which subsection (1)(a) applies where the patient raises no objection, the controlling authority is to make a reasonable attempt to notify (as far in advance as practicable) at least one interested person of the impending leave of absence.

(3)  In a case to which subsection (1)(b) or (c) applies, the controlling authority is to make a reasonable attempt to notify at least one interested person of the unlawful absence or contravention.

(4)  However, the controlling authority need not comply with this section regarding any matter if the controlling authority has, under another provision of this Act, already given notice of the same matter to someone who is an interested person within the meaning of this section.

(5)  In this section –

abscond means being absent without leave of absence or overstaying a leave of absence;

interested person means –

(a) a representative of the patient; or

(b) a support person of the patient; or

(c) any other person who the controlling authority reasonably regards as having a proper interest in the patient's welfare;

patient means, as the context requires, an involuntary patient or forensic patient.