Rule 6 Disposition hearing and order; decision not to renew commitment

(a) Disposition. The disposition hearing shall be held immediately after the final hearing or trial provided for by Rule 4 of these Rules unless continued for good cause shown. The Court may receive evidence and, consistent with its determination of the least restrictive alternative and the best interests of the person and the public, may order the respondent committed for a period of one year to the Department, a hospital, or any other facility or mental health provider.

(b) Copy of disposition order. Upon entry of the dispositional order, a copy of the order shall be furnished to the respondent, a member of his or her family, his or her attorney, any relatives of the respondent who have been ordered to pay any portion of the cost of the respondent’s care, and the person or agency in whose custody or under whose supervision the respondent has been placed, if any.

(c) Notification of right to appeal. After entry of a final order in a case which has gone to trial, the Court shall advise the respondent of his or her right to appeal within 30 days in accordance with the Rules of the D.C. Court of Appeals.

(d) Notification of decision not to seek renewal of commitment. The Department or the mental health provider to which a respondent has been committed, pursuant to D.C. Code § 21-545 or § 21-545.01 (2004 Supp.), shall notify the Court of a decision not to seek renewal of the respondent’s commitment. Notice of a decision not to seek renewal of commitment shall be in writing and filed with the Court within the last 30 days of the period of commitment. A copy of the notice shall be mailed by the Department or the mental health provider to the person who was committed and to the person’s attorney.