Section 33-3-615 - Testimony of professionals - Depositions or affidavits

(a) The testimony of a certifying professional may be made by deposition or affidavit only with the consent of the defendant's counsel. If the testimony is given by deposition or affidavit, the court shall make a specific finding of fact that the defendant or the defendant's counsel has consented, and the defendant's right of cross-examination of the certifying professional shall be preserved.(b) If consent is not given for testimony by deposition or affidavit, a professional who would be qualified as a certifying professional under the commitment statute may testify instead of a certifying professional if the person has examined the defendant within ten (10) days of the hearing, and the person shall testify as to each point of the commitment statute.Acts 1983, ch. 323, § 9; T.C.A., § 33-374; Acts 1984, ch. 922, §§ 16, 22; 2000, ch. 947, § 1.