The Commitment Process in the State of Florida

The commitment process: Things to know about the voluntary and involuntary commitment process in the state
of Florida
Presenter: Madelyn Marino
((Video ends around 37:00))
The Florida Mental Health Act of 1973, commonly referred to as the Baker Act, allows for the involuntary placement and examination of an individual who has shown evidence of mental illness, as defined by the law, and is at risk of self-neglect, is a danger to self, or a threat to others. The presentation will outline the legal requirements for voluntary and involuntary institutionalization in the state of Florida, present the legal petition process for involuntary inpatient placement of clients, and describe the requirements and process for submitting a patient to long-term treatment facilities (e.g., state hospital).