Section 17
Leave of absence
The Medical Director may, if he considers it to be in the best interest of the patient, allow an involuntary patient to be absent for a period of not more than one month, subject to such conditions as the Medical Director considers appropriate, from the psychiatric hospital into which he is admitted.
(2)
The Medical Director may extend the period of absence by further leave not exceeding one month in the absence of the patient.
(3)
If it appears to the Medical Director that it is necessary to do so in the interest of the patient’s health or safety or for the protection of other persons, or if the patient is in breach of any condition imposed under subsection (1), he may revoke the leave of absence allowed to an involuntary patient and require the patient to return to the psychiatric hospital.