Baker Act
Baker Act
Baker Act (/ˈbeɪkər ækt/), officially known as the Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, is a Florida statute (Florida Statute 394.451-394.47891) that allows for involuntary examination (also known as "Baker Act") of an individual.
Etymology
The act is named after Maxine Baker, former state representative of Florida who had a strong interest in mental health issues, and sponsored the Act.
Definition
The Baker Act allows for involuntary examination, and can be initiated by judges, law enforcement officials, physicians, or mental health professionals. There must be evidence that the person:
- possibly has a mental illness (as defined in the Baker Act).
- is in danger of becoming a harm to self, harm to others, or is self-neglectful (as defined in the Baker Act).
Procedures
The procedures for the Baker Act can be initiated by:
- Any mental health professional: This includes a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatric nurse, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or a licensed clinical mental health counselor.
- A judge: In response to a filing by a law enforcement officer, doctor, or mental health professional.
- Law enforcement officers.
Related Terms
- Involuntary commitment: A legal process through which an individual with symptoms of severe mental illness is court-ordered into treatment in a hospital (inpatient) or in the community (outpatient).
- Mental Health: The level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. It is the state of someone who is "functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment".
- Florida Statutes: The laws and regulations enacted by the Florida Legislature.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Baker Act
- Wikipedia's article - Baker Act
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