This bill aims to enhance mental health crisis services in Florida by integrating the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline call center into existing frameworks. It amends several sections of Florida Statutes, including s. 394.4573, to explicitly include the 988 call center as part of crisis services. The bill also revises the definition of "court" in s. 394.467, establishing that orders for continued involuntary placement by administrative law judges are final and subject to judicial review. Additionally, it mandates that clinical psychologists involved in involuntary placement determinations possess specific clinical experience and requires immediate scheduling of hearings for continued involuntary services.

Moreover, the legislation introduces new regulations for 988 call centers, requiring them to be authorized by the Department of Children and Families, which will develop rules for the authorization process and establish minimum service delivery standards. The bill also mandates a cohesive statewide plan for interoperability between 988 call centers and the 911 system. It removes the requirement for the department to determine the need for medication-assisted treatment services for opiate addiction, enhancing flexibility in service establishment. Furthermore, it updates training requirements for mental health professionals conducting forensic evaluations and emphasizes community-based treatment options, with experts required to report on the availability of acceptable treatments. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1240 Filed: 394.4573, 916.111, 916.115, 916.12, 394.674, 394.74
S 1240 c1: 394.4573, 394.4625, 394.4655, 397.68141, 916.111, 916.115, 916.12, 394.674, 394.74
S 1240 c2: 394.4573, 394.4625, 394.463, 394.4655, 916.111, 916.115, 916.12, 394.74, 397.68141
S 1240 c3: 394.4573, 394.4598, 394.4625, 394.463, 394.4655, 916.111, 916.115, 916.12, 394.674, 394.74, 397.68141