§43A-8-106.

§43A-8-106.
   
   The responsibility for prescribing the treatment of any patient
   admitted either voluntarily or by commitment, and for determining his
   eligibility for discharge, shall be that of the attending physician.
   In the event the petitioner, relative, or guardian wishes to change
   the attending physician, a written statement releasing the attending
   physician of record and naming a new qualified attending physician
   must be submitted to the court, accompanied by a written statement
   from the new attending physician agreeing to assume the
   responsibilities provided by law. In the event the attending physician
   wishes to withdraw from the case, he shall notify the court and the
   petitioner, relative, or guardian in writing. The petitioner,
   relative, or guardian shall forthwith appoint a new attending
   physician in the manner set forth above.
   
   In the event the petitioner, relative, or guardian does not appoint a
   new attending physician within a reasonable length of time, then a new
   attending physician will be appointed by the judge of the committing
   court. The new attending physician must be a qualified staff member of
   the private hospital or institution wherein the patient is
   hospitalized, and must file a written statement with the committing
   court agreeing to assume the responsibilities provided by law.
   
   The attending physician may discharge a patient or grant leave to a
   patient only as provided in this act. The attending physician may
   discharge a patient at any time as follows:
   
   (1) A patient who, in the judgment of the attending physician, is
   recovered.
   
   (2) A patient who is not recovered but, in the judgment of the
   attending physician, will not benefit by further treatment in a
   private hospital or institution.
   
   A visiting or convalescent leave status may be granted a patient for a
   period not exceeding six (6) months to any patient upon authorization
   of the attending physician. Neither the attending physician nor the
   private hospital or institution shall be responsible for the patient
   or any act of the patient, while on visiting or convalescent leave
   status. If at the end of said six (6) months period the patient has
   not returned as an inpatient to the private hospital or institution
   for further treatment, he shall be automatically discharged from the
   books of said private hospital or institution. The committing court
   shall be notified by a written sealed communication of said discharge.