# D.C. Code § 24-709: Release of patient

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-709

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 24-709
- **Heading:** Release of patient
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 24 / Chapter 7 / § 24-709

## Text

(a) When the head of the hospital to which the patient is committed finds that the patient appears to be no longer in need of confinement for treatment purposes, or has received maximum benefits, he shall give notice to the judge of the committing court, and said patient shall be delivered to the said court for such further action as the court may deem necessary and proper under the provisions of §§ 24-701 to 24-711 .
(b) The court, upon petition of the patient after confinement for 1 year, shall inquire into the refusal or failure of the head of the hospital to release him. If the court finds that the patient is no longer in need of care, treatment, guidance, or rehabilitation, or has received maximum benefits, it shall order the patient released, in accordance with the provisions of § 24-710 .

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 24-701 § 24-701. Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-701.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-702 § 24-702. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-702.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-703 § 24-703. Order of examination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-703.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-704 § 24-704. Right to counsel.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-704.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-705 § 24-705. Examinations by physicians.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-705.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-706 § 24-706. When hearing is required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-706.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-707 § 24-707. Hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-707.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-708 § 24-708. Confinement of patient.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-708.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-709 § 24-709. Release of patient.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-709.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-710 § 24-710. Periodic examination of released patients.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-710.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-711 § 24-711. Patient not deemed a criminal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-711.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-712 § 24-712. [Omitted].](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-712.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-713 § 24-713. Care and treatment of drug users; authority of Surgeon General.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-713.md)
- [D.C. Code § 24-714 § 24-714. Admittance into Public Health Service hospitals; narcotics users from District.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-714.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T24_C7_S24-709. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.