FL H0335

Redefines "psychiatric nurse" to require an advanced practice registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing and national advanced practice certification as a psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse.

Authorizes psychiatric nurses to conduct involuntary examinations of patients at receiving facilities within an established protocol with a psychiatrist.

Allows psychiatric nurses employed by hospital or health system-owned receiving facilities to approve patient releases, provided the nurse operates within an established protocol with a psychiatrist or an attending emergency department physician with mental health experience.

Prohibits psychiatric nurses from approving patient release if the involuntary examination was initiated by a psychiatrist, unless the initiating psychiatrist approves the release.

Becomes effective July 1, 2015.