FL S1584

Department of Children and Families must create a work group to evaluate and recommend improvements to the Baker Act's operational effectiveness.

Work group must make recommendations on initial assessment timeframes, use of advanced registered nurse practitioners to rescind commitments, telemedicine for patient evaluation and care, and the 7-day follow-up care requirement.

Work group membership consists of 16+ stakeholders including representatives from hospitals, crisis stabilization units, law enforcement, judiciary, public defenders, state attorneys, physicians, nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Work group members must be appointed by June 1, 2014, with the first meeting by July 1, 2014, draft recommendations reviewed by September 1, 2014, and a final report submitted by November 1, 2014.

Final report must be submitted to the Secretaries of Children and Families and Agency for Health Care Administration, and the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, including findings and recommended statutory and rule changes.