FL S0476

Redefines "psychiatric nurse" to mean an advanced registered nurse practitioner with a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, national advanced practice certification as a psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nurse, and 2 years of post-master's clinical experience under physician supervision.

Authorizes psychiatric nurses performing within an established protocol with a psychiatrist to conduct required involuntary examinations at receiving facilities, in addition to physicians and clinical psychologists.

Allows psychiatric nurses at hospital or health system-owned receiving facilities to approve patient release from involuntary examination, subject to an established protocol with a psychiatrist.

Prohibits psychiatric nurses from approving patient release when the involuntary examination was initiated by a psychiatrist unless that specific psychiatrist approves the release.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.