Mental Health Care Act, 2002 (Act No. 17 of 2002)Chapter VI : State Patients45. Leave of absence from designated health establishments |
| (1) | The head of a health establishment may, in writing, grant leave of absence to a State patient from a designated health establishment. |
| (2) | Written notice of leave of absence must state the— |
| (a) | commencement and the return date of the State patient to the health establishment and must be submitted to the head of the national department; and |
| (b) | terms and conditions to be complied with during the period of leave . |
| (3) | The head of the health establishment may, during the period of leave, if he or she has reason to believe that the State patient does not comply with the terms and conditions applicable to such leave, cancel the leave and direct as to when the State patient must return to the health establishment. |
| (4) | If the State patient fails to return to the health establishment on the return date, he or she will be deemed to have absconded. |