The director, on the recommendation of the superintendent, and on the application of the relatives or friends of a patient who is not cured and who cannot be safely allowed to go at liberty, may release the patient when fully satisfied that the relatives or friends will provide and maintain all necessary supervision, care, and restraint over the patient. If the patient being released was involuntarily hospitalized, the consent of the district court which ordered the patient’s hospitalization placement shall be obtained in advance in substantially the manner prescribed by section 229.14.