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 legislation also revises mobile crisis response service standards to include specialized training for older adults and establishes protocols for timely crisis intervention. Additionally, it requires facilities to update treatment plans within specified timeframes and outlines discharge planning requirements, including follow-up appointments and medication management. The bill emphasizes person-first language and trauma-informed care, mandates biennial reviews of school-based behavioral health access through telehealth, and tasks the Department of Children and Families with identifying needs for short-term residential treatment facilities.

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 recruitment and retention strategies. It requires a report analyzing substance abuse and mental health services provided through publicly funded programs to be submitted to state leaders by June 30, 2026. The bill also amends laws related to school-based mental health assistance programs, requiring comprehensive plans that include staff training, direct employment of mental health providers, and partnerships with local services. It specifies the use of the DLA-20 assessment tool and outlines policies for timely mental health screenings and interventions for students. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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