Sec. 13.26.241. Evaluations; right to remain silent; respondent's attorney or expert.

252 words·~1 min read·/ak/title-13/chapter-26/13-26-241

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)A ward or respondent has the right to refuse to respond to questions in the course of examinations and evaluations. However, the ward or respondent may be required to submit to interviews for the purpose of ascertaining whether the ward or respondent lacks the capacity to make informed decisions about care and treatment services.

(b)Statements of a ward or respondent in the course of evaluations, examinations, and treatment under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316 are privileged, confidential, and not admissible without the ward's or respondent's consent in any civil or criminal proceeding other than proceedings under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316. A ward or respondent at all times has the right to refuse to answer questions if the answers may tend to incriminate the ward or respondent.

(c)During an interview or a testing conducted under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316, a ward or respondent has the right to be accompanied by an attorney or expert of the ward's or respondent's own choosing.

(d)The court, if requested by a ward or respondent in preparation for and in connection with a hearing held under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316, shall appoint an expert having expertise in regard to the alleged or admitted incapacity to examine the respondent and testify on the respondent's behalf. The request shall be filed in court at least five days before the hearing. An expert appointed under this subsection may be the same expert appointed under AS 13.26.226 (c).