Petition to Commission; copy to person affected

§ 21–541. Petition to Commission; copy to person affected (a) Proceedings for the judicial hospitalization of a person in the District of Columbia may be commenced by the filing of a petition with the Commission on Mental Health by his spouse, parent, or legal guardian, by a physician, by a duly accredited officer or agent of the Department of Public Health, or by an officer authorized to make arrests in the District of Columbia. The petition shall be accompanied by: (1) a certificate of a physician stating that he has examined the person and is of the opinion that the person is mentally ill, and because of the illness is likely to injure himself or other persons if allowed to remain at liberty; or 79 Stat. 755 (2) a sworn written statement by the petitioner that: (A) the petitioner has good reason to believe that the person is mentally ill, and, because of the illness, is likely to injure himself or other persons if allowed to remain at liberty; and (B) the person has refused to submit to examination by a physician. (b) Within three days after the Commission receives a petition filed under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall send a copy of the petition by registered mail to the person with respect to whom it was filed.