Rules of Procedure on Mental Health – 2026
Civil commitment practice: emergency detention, proceedings before the Commission on Mental Health, the court hearing on the Commission's report, trial on mental illness and dangerousness, disposition, and the periodic review of a committed person on convalescent leave. Rule 17 provides the limited discovery available in a commitment trial under D.C. Code § 21-545, running against the statutory restrictions on disclosure of mental health records.
Browse all 17 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Scope, purpose and construction
Rule 2
Emergency detention proceedings
Rule 3
Proceedings before the Commission on Mental Health
Rule 4
Court hearing on Commission on Mental Health report for hospitalization or less
Rule 5
Trial on issues of mental illness and dangerousness
Rule 6
Disposition hearing and order; decision not to renew commitment
Rule 7
Judicial review of the renewal of commitment
Rule 8
Periodic review of committed person on convalescent leave
Rule 9
Release proceedings
Rule 10
Commitment of prisoners to mental institutions
Rule 11
Return of escapee
Rule 12
General provisions
Rule 13
Time
Rule 14
Form of court filings; motions practice
Rule 15
Signing of court filings
Rule 16
Trial by jury or by the Court
Rule 17
Limited discovery in a commitment trial pursuant to D.C. Code § 21-545 (2004 Supp.)