This bill amends various sections of Florida law concerning mental health and substance abuse treatment, particularly focusing on involuntary treatment processes and the roles of qualified professionals. A significant change is the allowance for a qualified professional's opinion to be the basis for appointing a guardian advocate, replacing the previous requirement for a psychiatrist's input. The bill also removes the obligation for courts to appoint public defenders for indigent individuals during involuntary treatment hearings and streamlines the criteria for involuntary examinations and treatment, including provisions for electronic communication regarding admissions. Additionally, it introduces new definitions for "involuntary inpatient placement" and "involuntary outpatient services," clarifying the conditions under which these services can be provided.

Further amendments enhance patient rights, such as allowing reasonable access to clinical records unless deemed harmful by a qualified professional, with the duration for restricted access reduced from 7 days to 3 days. The bill also emphasizes timely assessments and hearings, requiring cases to be dismissed if a respondent is not assessed within a specified timeframe. It establishes that the court retains jurisdiction over outpatient treatment cases and mandates that hearings on involuntary services petitions occur within five court working days of filing. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health services while ensuring the rights of individuals undergoing involuntary treatment are protected.

Statutes affected:
S 1492 Filed: 27.51, 27.511, 394.4599, 394.4615, 394.4655, 394.467, 394.468, 394.4785, 394.495, 394.496, 394.676, 394.875, 397.416, 397.501, 397.675, 397.681, 397.697, 397.6971, 397.6975, 397.6977, 394.9085, 397.6798, 790.065