House Bill 1355 amends various sections of Florida law concerning mental health and substance abuse treatment, focusing on the processes for involuntary treatment and the roles of professionals involved. The bill allows a "qualified professional" to provide opinions for court petitions regarding guardian advocates, rather than limiting this role to psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses. It also removes the requirement for the court to appoint a public defender for indigent individuals during hearings on these petitions. Additionally, the bill streamlines the criteria for involuntary examinations and treatment, introduces a "services plan" to be developed in consultation with the respondent, and emphasizes the right to counsel throughout the involuntary treatment process.

Further provisions include the establishment of clear procedures for involuntary outpatient services, the requirement for timely assessments and hearings, and the need for documentation regarding treatment consent. The bill also modifies the notification process for involuntary admissions, reduces the restriction period for patient access to clinical records, and clarifies the responsibilities of various parties involved in the treatment process. Overall, HB 1355 aims to enhance the legal framework governing mental health and substance abuse treatment in Florida while ensuring the rights and needs of individuals are adequately addressed.

Statutes affected:
H 1355 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