Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that amends and modernizes state mental health and substance abuse laws in Florida.

Highlights:

• Appropriates $50 million to amend and modernize state mental health laws in Florida (Sec. 2-53).

• Reduces barriers to make it easier to get someone involuntary or voluntary mental health and substance abuse treatment by addressing the pain points in the process (Sec. 2-53)

• Specifies that committing an individual for treatment from start to finish involves many different sectors of society, including (Sec. 2-53): 

• Courts;

• Schools;

• Police officers;

• Community mental health programs; and

• Family members.

• Requires that many of these groups work together to improve the accessibility, availability, and quality of behavioral health services for state agencies and contractors to (Sec. 2-53):

• Provide more analysis on factors that contribute to the need for services; and 

• Create more streamlined court procedures.

• Expands the group of medical professionals that can recommend or sign off on treatment (Sec. 2-53).

• Requires more detailed medical notes about the commitment as well as personalized discharge plans.

• Authorizes treatment to criminals with behavioral health disorders via telemedicine (Sec. 2-53).

• Requires an involuntary examination to include consideration of the patient’s treatment history at the facility and any information regarding the patient’s condition and behavior provided by knowledgeable individuals (Sec. 2-53).

• Specifies that if the patient has been examined repeatedly over a short period of time, then it could be considered evidence they were an immediate harm to themselves, which is a qualifier for involuntary commitment (Sec. 2-53).

• Requires that when a repeat patient is discharged, the facility must review their past discharge plans outlining the patient’s follow-up care and address problems experienced with their implementation (Sec. 2-53).

• Expands the criteria for committing someone for treatment beyond when a person is an immediate threat to themselves or others (Sec. 2-53).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect July 1, 2024 (Sec. 54).

Full Bill Text