(a) Video Teleconferencing Allowed. Hearings related to involuntary mental commitment, including initial commitment hearings and hearings concerning continuing involuntary commitment, may be conducted by video teleconference under the following conditions:
(1) the proposed patient must be visible and audible to the court and others physically present in the courtroom;(2) the proposed patient, if represented by counsel, must be able to communicate and consult privately with counsel during the proceeding; and(3) the court, the proposed patient, counsel for all parties, and any witness while testifying, must be visible and audible with each other simultaneously and have the ability to communicate with each other during the proceeding.(b) Recording; Minutes. The audio of the video teleconference must be recorded and minutes of the hearing must be prepared and filed in the action.
