FL H0325

Physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners are authorized to initiate involuntary examinations (Baker Act) for persons believed to have mental illness, joining physicians, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers who already had this authority

Healthcare professionals initiating an involuntary examination must have examined the person within the preceding 48 hours and execute a certificate stating the person appears to meet criteria for involuntary examination

Adds statutory definitions for "physician assistant" and "advanced registered nurse practitioner" to Florida's mental health law (Chapter 394)

Conforms cross-references in multiple Florida statutes related to child welfare, Medicaid enrollment, and public guardianship to account for the renumbered definitions

Effective date: July 1, 2016