[§560:5-607] Hearing. (a) The court shall set a hearing on the petition upon receipt of the recommendations of the reproductive rights [protection] committee and shall order that notice of the time and place of hearing be provided to the ward, the guardian, and the guardian ad litem for the ward and such other persons as the court may designate.

(b) The ward is entitled to be present at the hearing, and to see and hear all evidence bearing on the petition. The ward is entitled to be represented by an attorney, in addition to the court-appointed guardian ad litem, to present evidence, to cross examine witnesses including any person submitting a report, and members of the reproductive rights [protection] committee. The ward may be absent from the hearing if the ward is unwilling or is unable to participate. [L 1986, c 81, pt of §2]