§38-9-5. Emergency protective services.

When there is brought to the attention of a county department of human resources a person who is unable, because of physical or mental disabilities, to provide for his basic needs for shelter, food, clothing or health care, and whose health or safety is in immediate danger, the department may arrange for protective services with the consent of the person. If the person is incapable of giving consent or does not consent, the department shall petition the court for an order authorizing the department to arrange for care for such person immediately. Upon a determination by the court that such care is urgently and immediately necessary to protect the health or safety of the person, an appropriate order of the court shall be issued authorizing the department to arrange for the placement of such person in an approved foster home, licensed nursing home or other similar facility immediately. At the proceeding to obtain the necessary order, any relative or other interested person may appear to oppose or join in the petition of the department. In the event of such involuntary protective placement the court shall thereafter, within 10 days, cause notice to be given, as appropriate, to the person, his spouse and other interested persons of the action of the court, the present whereabouts of the person and setting a time for a hearing on the matter of the person's need for protective placement, the appropriateness of the present placement and arrangements for future care.

(Acts 1977, No. 780, p. 1340, §9.)