Section 16
Leave of absence
(1)
The officer in charge or any officer authorised by him may, if he considers it to be in the best interest of the patient, grant leave of absence to an involuntary patient allowing him to be absent from the psychiatric facility for a period of not more than one month, subject to such conditions as he considers appropriate.
(2)
The officer in charge or any officer authorised by him may extend such leave of absence for a further period not exceeding 2 weeks if he is satisfied that the patient is not in need of any further care or treatment in the psychiatric facility, after conducting such examination on him as he may consider necessary.
(3)
The officer in charge or any officer authorised by him may revoke any leave of absence granted to an involuntary patient and require him to return to the psychiatric facility if —
(a)
the patient is in breach of any condition imposed under subsection (1); or
(b)
it appears to the officer in charge or any officer authorised by him that it is necessary in the interest of the patient’s health or safety or for the protection of other persons.