Section 12-15-70

Ordering, conduct and certification of findings of mental and physicalexaminations of children; proceedings as to minors or children believed tobe mentally ill or retarded generally; ordering of treatment or care for childrenfound in need of medical treatment, dental care, etc., and payment therefor;granting by court of authority to order emergency medical care for children.

The juvenile court in its discretion may, either before or afterhearing, cause any child within its jurisdiction to be given a physical ormental examination or both by a competent physician, psychiatrist, psychologistor other qualified examiner, under the supervision of a physician, psychiatristor psychologist who shall certify to the examiner's findings in writing, oran examiner approved by the Department of Mental Health, to be designatedby the court having jurisdiction of the child and the physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or mental examiner shall certifyto the court the condition in which the child is found.

If upon such examination or upon procedure as provided in Section12-15-90, the court has reason to believe that a minor or child is mentallyill or mentally retarded, as defined in this chapter, the court shall proceedin the manner set out in Section 12-15-90.

Upon examination, if it appears that the child is in need of surgery,medical treatment or care, hospital care or dental care, the court may causethe child to be treated by a competent physician, surgeon or dentist or placedin a public hospital or other institution for training or care or in an approvedprivate home, hospital or institution, which will receive it for like purposes.The expense of such treatment shall be a valid charge against the county unlessotherwise provided for.

The court may grant authority to order emergency medical care toany such person, agency or department charged with the detention, temporaryshelter care or other care of a child within its jurisdiction.

(Acts 1975, No. 1205, p. 2384, §5-136.)