Bill > H0645

This bill authorizes physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to execute certificates under certain conditions for involuntary examinations under the Baker Act. The Baker Act is the Florida law that provides for the involuntary examination and inpatient placement of individuals with mental illnesses who are deemed a danger to themselves or others. This bill expands the list of healthcare professionals who can initiate an involuntary examination to include physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners, in addition to physicians, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers. The bill also makes other minor updates to related statutes to reflect these changes.

Health and Social Services, Justice

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/645