Session Description: This workshop addresses the scope of Florida's Marchman Act (Chapter 397, F.S.) and highlights changes to the law that were enacted in 2016. This course is designed to help behavioral health professionals understand their role and responsibilities in initiating Marchman Act petitions, the legal procedures involved, and the strengths and limitations of the involuntary assessment and treatment process. We will also examine Florida's Baker Act law (Chapter 394) and addresses: who qualifies for Baker Act services, the different methods used to initiate services at a Baker Act facility, the services that individuals can receive, and discharge procedures. There will be discussion of Florida’s system of Baker Act receiving facilities for persons who are experiencing mental health crises and identifies the typical processes that occur during inpatient care in a Baker Act receiving facility - from admission to discharge. This course addresses specific forms, required time frames for actions, and schedules for specific notifications.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
understand their role and responsibilities in initiating Marchman Act petitions
the strengths and limitations of the involuntary assessment and treatment process
who qualifies for Baker Act services, the different methods used to initiate services at a Baker Act facility, the services that individuals can receive, and discharge procedures