LAW NO. 19,954 AMENDS LAW 18,600, AS REGARDS THE PROCEDURE FOR THE INTERDICTION OF THE MENTALLY DISABLED Having regard to the fact that the H. National Congress has given its approval to the following Bill: " Single article. Next, second, new, to Article 4 of the Law No. 18,600, on mental deficiencies: " When a person's mental disability has been registered in the National Disability Register, his father or mother may ask the judge to, with the merit of the current certification of the disability, granted in accordance with Title II of the Law No. 19.284, and after hearing the person with disabilities, decree the definitive interdiction for dementia and final name for the father or mother who had it under his permanent care. If the permanent care is exercised by the parents, the curatorship may be deferred to both. The judge will proceed with knowledge and prior personal summons and hearing of the disabled person. In the case of a parent's absence or impediment, the closest relatives may proceed in the same way, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 18a. It will apply to the disabled person, interdicing what is provided for in Articles 440 and 453 of the Civil Code for the keeping of the adult and the sink, respectively. The sum of money allocated to the disabled person for his/her personal expenses may be fixed prudentially by the same curator, according to his/her degree of disability. The person concerned may conclude contracts of employment with the authorization of the curator. " And because I have had to approve and sanction it; therefore, promulgate and take effect as the Law of the Republic. Santiago, July 1, 2004.-RICARDO LAGOS ESCOBAR, President of the Republic.-Andres Palma Irarrazaval, Minister of Planning and Cooperation.-Pedro García Aspillaga, Minister of Health.-Nicolas Eyzaguirre Guzmán, Minister of Finance. What I transcribe to you for your knowledge.-Marcelo Carvallo Ceroni, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Cooperation.