Florida Updates Laws For Emergency & Involuntary Crisis Services Giving Law Enforcement More Discretion
On July 1, 2024, Florida updated its guidelines for emergency and involuntary behavioral health crisis services to change the evaluation and intake processes via House Bill (HB) 7021. HB 7021 amended the Baker Act, which pertains to voluntary and involuntary mental health examination and treatment. It also amended the Marchman Act, which pertains to substance abuse prevention, detoxification, and treatment services. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health treatment services in Florida.
Through HB 7021, law enforcement has more discretion to initiate involuntary assessments, and requirements that parents be . . .