CS/HB 829 Summary

• Authorizes physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to initiate involuntary examinations under the Baker Act for persons believed to have mental illness, in addition to existing authorized professionals.

• Requires physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to complete at least 40 clock hours of training on the Florida Mental Health Act or mental health, pass a relevant national certification exam, or complete an approved 40-clock-hour course before executing examination certificates.

• Mandates biannual completion of 2 hours of continuing education concerning the Florida Mental Health Act for physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners who execute examination certificates.

• Reorders and amends the definitions section of Florida Statute 394.455 and updates multiple statute references to reflect the Department of Children and Families (replacing Family Services references).

• Becomes effective July 1, 2014.