FL S1492

Expands the definition of "qualified professional" to include psychiatrists, physician assistants in psychiatry, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric nurses, replacing narrower requirements that specific actions be performed only by psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses practicing under established protocols

Restructures involuntary commitment procedures by requiring the state attorney, rather than facility administrators or service providers, to serve as the real party in interest in involuntary treatment proceedings, and mandates public defender appointment within 1 court working day of petition filing for unrepresented respondents

Creates detailed involuntary outpatient services framework under s. 394.4655, allowing courts to order up to 6 months of outpatient treatment with individualized services plans, court retention of jurisdiction for modifications or extensions, and provisions for criminal county courts to order outpatient services in misdemeanor cases while prohibiting incarceration for noncompliance

Defines key terms including "neglect or refuse to care for himself or herself" and "real and present threat of substantial harm," and specifies that inability to access treatment due to provider capacity limits, insurance delays, or reasonable medication disagreements does not constitute refusal of treatment

Revises involuntary admission criteria for both mental health (chapter 394) and substance abuse (chapter 397) proceedings, aligning harm standards to require evidence of "recent behavior causing, attempting, or threatening" serious harm, and mandates discharge plans include referrals to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Elderly Affairs, and Department of Veterans' Affairs when applicable