FL S1740

Requires veterans involuntarily examined under the Baker Act (mental health) to be released to a United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospital to ensure coordinated treatment.

Requires veterans involuntarily assessed under the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act to be released to a United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospital to ensure coordinated treatment.

Amends section 394.463, Florida Statutes, to add veteran release to VA hospitals as an option during the involuntary examination period (up to 72 hours).

Amends section 397.6758, Florida Statutes, to specify that veterans must be released to VA hospitals rather than other facilities during involuntary assessment or treatment.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.