SB 2678 - Florida Mental Health Act Revisions

• Replaces terminology throughout Florida's Mental Health Act by substituting "individual" for "person," "patient," and "client" to standardize language

• Adds new definitions including "adult," "minor," "advance directive," "government facility," "involuntary examination," and "involuntary placement" to clarify key concepts

• Revises involuntary examination procedures requiring ex parte orders be based on specific facts occurring within 14 days, sets certificate validity periods, and establishes 72-hour holding limits with mandatory disposition options

• Requires facilities to report adverse events (deaths, injuries, unauthorized departures, sexual battery allegations) to the department and mandates provision of advance directive information to individuals

• Modifies involuntary outpatient and inpatient placement procedures including attorney representation requirements, state attorney participation in hearings, guardian advocate appointment standards, and independent expert examination rights