The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning mental health and substance use disorders, with a primary focus on enhancing assessment and treatment standards. It mandates the Department of Children and Families to require the use of the Daily Living Activities-20 (DLA-20) functional assessment tool for patients needing functional assessments, unless an alternative tool is specified. The bill also revises the minimum standards for mobile crisis response services, ensuring specialized training for older adults and establishing protocols for timely intervention and care coordination. Additionally, facilities are required to update treatment plans within specified timeframes and improve discharge planning to include follow-up appointments and access to prescribed medications.

Moreover, the bill emphasizes the use of person-first language and trauma-informed care in mental health services. It requires the Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Technical Assistance Center to disseminate best practices and conduct biennial reviews of school-based behavioral health access through telehealth. The establishment of the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce aims to address workforce needs by researching current demands and developing strategies to fill gaps. The bill also mandates that school districts implement mental health assistance plans that include staff training, the use of the DLA-20 assessment tool, and partnerships with community providers to improve early identification and intervention for at-risk students, thereby enhancing the mental health support system in Florida's schools.

Statutes affected:
H 1439 Filed: 394.457, 394.459, 394.467, 394.495, 394.659, 394.9086, 1004.44, 1006.041, 394.9085
H 1439 c1: 394.459, 394.468, 394.659, 1004.44, 1006.041