33-6-804 - Examination prior to release Petition for commitment.

33-6-804. Examination prior to release Petition for commitment.

(a)  Not more than one (1) year nor less than six (6) months prior to the non-parole release of any person convicted of a sex crime, an examination of the person shall be made by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed senior psychological examiner, licensed psychological examiner, clinical nurse specialist in psychiatry, licensed professional counselor, or licensed clinical social worker from the department of correction.

(b)  The examiner shall determine whether the person has a mental illness and, because of that illness, poses a likelihood of serious harm under § 33-6-501, and is in need of care and treatment in a mental hospital or treatment resource, as defined in § 33-1-101.

(c)  If the examiner determines that the person has a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance and poses a likelihood of serious harm because of the illness, the director of the correctional facility shall, before the time for the release of the person, petition where the facility is located for judicial commitment under chapter 6, part 5, of this title to a hospital or treatment resource designated by the commissioner.

[Acts 1957, ch. 288, § 5; 1974, ch. 802, § 53; 1975, ch. 248, § 1; 1977, ch. 386, § 2; 1981, ch. 224, § 27; 1983, ch. 323, § 24; T.C.A., § 33-1305; Acts 1986, ch. 595, § 2; 1989, ch. 311, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 33-6-305; Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 1; 2001, ch. 334, § 7; 2002, ch. 730, § 47.]