Sec 36-536. Service of petition; counsel for proposed patient; notice

A. At least seventy-two hours before the court conducts the hearing on the petition for court-ordered treatment, a copy of the petition, affidavits in support of the petition and the notice of the hearing shall be served on the patient, who shall be informed of the purpose of the hearing and advised of the patient's right to consult counsel. If the patient has not employed counsel, counsel shall be appointed by the court at least three days before the hearing. If at the time of the petition for evaluation the patient had counsel, the same attorney should, if possible, be appointed to represent the patient at the hearing for court-ordered treatment.

B. The notice provisions of this section cannot be waived.

C. The notice of the hearing shall fix the time and place for the hearing, which shall be held in the courtroom or other place within the county that the court may designate to insure humane treatment with due regard to the comfort and safety of the patient and others.

D. The person who serves the notice of hearing must file a proof of service with the court that specifies the date, time and manner of service.