The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance mental health and substance use disorder services, focusing on assessment and treatment standards. It mandates the use of the Daily Living Activities-20 (DLA-20) functional assessment tool for patients requiring functional assessments, unless an alternative is specified. The bill also revises minimum standards for mobile crisis response services, ensuring specialized training for older adults and establishing protocols for timely crisis intervention. Facilities must update treatment plans every 30 days and ensure comprehensive discharge planning, including follow-up appointments and medication access. Additionally, it emphasizes person-first language and trauma-informed care, requires biennial reviews of school-based behavioral health access via telehealth, and mandates the dissemination of evidence-based practices by the Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Technical Assistance Center.

Moreover, the bill establishes the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce to research and address the needs of the behavioral health workforce, promote educational opportunities, and develop innovative projects for recruitment and retention. It requires school districts to implement comprehensive mental health assistance plans, including staff training, direct employment of mental health providers, and partnerships with local services. The bill specifies the use of the DLA-20 assessment tool for evaluating students' mental health needs and outlines procedures for timely access to services, while also addressing the involuntary examination of minors within specified timeframes. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services for students and the broader community in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1620 Filed: 394.457, 394.459, 394.468, 394.495, 394.659, 394.9086, 1004.44, 1006.041, 394.9085
S 1620 c1: 394.457, 394.459, 394.495, 394.659, 394.9086, 1004.44, 1006.041, 394.9085
S 1620 c2: 394.459, 394.468, 394.659, 1004.44, 1006.041
S 1620 e1: 394.459, 394.468, 394.659, 1006.041
S 1620 e2: 394.459, 394.468, 394.659, 1004.44, 1006.041
S 1620 er: 394.459, 394.468, 394.659, 1004.44, 1006.041