Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 7309

The Governor may refer the case of a patient in a hospital to the Board for its investigation. The Board shall investigate the case and by its order grant such relief as each case requires. If the Board is without power to grant the necessary relief it shall cause proceedings to be commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction at the expense of the State, in order to obtain the necessary relief and promote the ends of justice and humanity.