Examinations; adjudications; laws applicable; expense of care and treatment

§ 21–906. Examinations; adjudications; laws applicable; expense of care and treatment (a) The Superintendent of Saint Elizabeths Hospital shall promptly examine a person committed as provided by sections 21—902 and 21–903, and, if not found to be mentally ill, shall forthwith discharge him, or, if found to be mentally ill, shall return him to the State of his residence or to his relatives, if practicable. (b) Proceedings for the adjudication of a person referred to by subsection (a) of this section, or of a person admitted to the hospital pursuant to section 21–904, as a mentally ill person, and for the appointment of a committee of his person or property, may be instituted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or by a party interested. The laws of the District of Columbia apply to the proceedings. This chapter does not impose upon the District of Columbia the expense of care and treatment of a person apprehended, detained, or committed under this chapter, unless the person is a resident of the District of Columbia as defined by subsection (b) of section 21–551.