FL H0037

Authorizes physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to initiate involuntary examinations under the Baker Act for persons believed to have mental illness.

Adds physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to the list of qualified professionals who may execute certificates for involuntary examination, alongside physicians, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.

Requires professionals executing involuntary examination certificates to have examined the person within the preceding 48 hours and must detail observations supporting their conclusion.

Receiving facilities must send copies of certificates to the Agency for Health Care Administration on the next working day.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.