HB 1213 - Mental Health Act Revisions

• Replaces terminology throughout Florida's Mental Health Act by substituting "individual" for "person," "patient," or "client" to promote person-centered language.

• Requires physical examinations and psychiatric evaluations to be documented in clinical records for individuals held for examination or admitted for mental health treatment.

• Establishes procedures for facilities to report events placing individuals at risk of harm, including deaths, injuries from abuse or neglect, unauthorized departures, and sexual battery allegations.

• Requires facilities to provide information and assist individuals in completing advance directives for mental health care decisions.

• Modifies involuntary examination and placement procedures, including stricter timeframes for ex parte orders (based on facts from preceding 14 days), enhanced notice requirements to guardians of minors, and requirements that certificates for involuntary examination expire within 7 days or upon delivery to a facility.

• Authorizes the Department of Corrections to transport individuals being released from custody to receiving or treatment facilities for involuntary examination or placement.