The medical director of a state hospital for the developmentally disabled may grant a leave of absence to any developmentally disabled patient or judicially committed patient, except as provided in Section 7350, under general conditions prescribed by the State Department of Developmental Services.

The State Department of Developmental Services may continue to render services to patients placed on leave of absence prior to July 1, 1969, to the extent such services are authorized by law in effect immediately preceding July 1, 1969.