(a) The director of any facility, in his discretion, may allow a leave of absence to any person admitted or committed whose condition is such as to warrant the action, for a period not exceeding one year, and upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe consistent with regulations of the department and the director may renew or extend a leave of absence for an additional period or periods not exceeding one year for each such renewal or extension.

(b) Leaves of absence may be terminated by the director who may, if necessary, authorize the apprehension and return of the person to whom the leave was granted, by any sheriff, constable or police officer who shall apprehend and return such person.

(c) Whenever a leave of absence is granted or extended to a period of three years and such leave is not terminated by the director as aforesaid, upon the expiration of such three year period, the person admitted or committed shall be deemed to be discharged.