Section 31-14-7. Results of hearing; commitment to hospital or facility; dismissal of petition and release from custody; costs of transportation; review of commitment order

   (a) Upon the hearing set in the order, if the court finds that the person has active tuberculosis, is violating the rules and regulations promulgated by the department or the orders issued by the county board of health after having been directed by the county board of health or the department to comply with such rules, regulations, or orders, presents a substantial risk of exposing other persons to an imminent danger of infection, and there is no less restrictive available alternative to involuntary treatment at a hospital or facility approved by the department for the care of tubercular patients, then the court shall issue an order committing the defendant to the custody of the sheriff of the county or the sheriff's deputies to be delivered to the designated hospital or facility, where the defendant shall be admitted for care and treatment not to exceed two years. If the court does not find that the above standards are met, then the court shall dismiss the petition and the defendant shall be released from custody if taken into custody pursuant to Code Section 31-14-5. The costs of transporting such person to the hospital or facility shall be paid out of county funds.

(b) An order for commitment shall be subject to review at the instance of either party by appeal.

Ga. L. 1953, Nov.-Dec. Sess., p. 348, §§ 9, 10; Code 1933, §§ 88-709, 88-710, enacted by Ga. L. 1964, p. 499, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 620, § 2; Ga. L. 1995, p. 1231, § 2; Ga. L. 2005, p. 1513, § 1/SB 56.