BAKER ACT
BAKER ACT
Our Experience
We have experience with the Baker Act, which is a law in the state of Florida that allows for involuntary psychiatric assessment of individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis and pose a threat to themselves or others. The Baker Act, also known as "5150" or "302" in other parts of the country, was enacted in 1971 to assist individuals who are actively suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing severe psychotic symptoms.
WHAT IS A BAKER ACT?
The Baker Act, officially known as the Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, is a Florida state law that serves several purposes related to mental health:
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Short-Term Inpatient Voluntary and Involuntary Examination: It allows for the emergency examination of individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. This examination can be either voluntary or involuntary.
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Inpatient Voluntary and Involuntary Admission: The Baker Act permits inpatient admission of individuals for assessment and treatment of mental illness. Again, this admission can be either voluntary or involuntary.
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Involuntary Outpatient Treatment: It also provides for involuntary outpatient treatment for mental health conditions.
WHO INITIATES BAKER ACTS?
Several different kinds of people can initiate a Baker Act:
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Doctors
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Judges
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Law enforcement officials
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Licensed mental health professionals
A person who is brought into a “receiving facility” under the Baker Act may be held for up to 72 hours. There are more than 100 such receiving facilities in the state of Florida, which may take people who have been sent to them under this law.
Receiving facilities must pass rigorous state inspections before being credentialed as Baker Act-compliant.
(National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d.)
Get Help Now: 954-232-4856
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