(a) A respondent who is delivered under AS 47.30.700 - 47.30.705 to an evaluation facility, except for delivery to a crisis stabilization center as defined in AS 47.32.900, for emergency examination and treatment shall be examined and evaluated as to mental and physical condition by a mental health professional and by a physician within 24 hours after arrival at the facility. A respondent who is delivered under AS 47.30.705 to a crisis stabilization center shall be examined by a mental health professional as defined in AS 47.30.915 within three hours after arriving at the center.
(b) If the mental health professional who performs the emergency examination has reason to believe that the respondent is (1) mentally ill and that condition causes the respondent to be gravely disabled or to present a likelihood of serious harm to self or others, and (2) is in need of care or treatment, the mental health professional may hospitalize the respondent, or arrange for hospitalization, on an emergency basis. If a judicial order has not been obtained under AS 47.30.700, the mental health professional shall apply for an ex parte order authorizing hospitalization for evaluation.