Release of voluntary patients

§ 21–512. Release of voluntary patients (a) A voluntary patient, admitted to a hospital pursuant to section 21–511 may, at any time, if he is 18 years of age or over, obtain his release from the hospital by filing a written request with the chief of service. Within a period of 48 hours after the receipt of the request, the chief of service shall release the patient making the request. A voluntary patient under 18 years of age, so admitted, may, at any time, obtain his release from the hospital in the same manner, upon the written request of his spouse, parent, or legal guardian. (b) When the chief of service determines that a voluntary patient hospitalized pursuant to section 21–511 has recovered or that continued hospitalization of the patient is no longer beneficial to him, or advisable, the chief of service may release him from the hospital.