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Lawmakers Want Review Of ‘Baker Act’
February 1, 2015
Two South Florida lawmakers have filed bills that would require a review of Florida’s “Baker Act,” which allows for the involuntary commitment of people who have mental illnesses and are considered dangers to themselves or others.
The proposals, filed by Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach, and Rep. Lori Berman, D-Lantana, will be considered during the legislative session that starts in March. Under the proposals, the Florida Department of Children and Families would create a workgroup that would study issues such as lengthening the amount of time in conducting initial assessments of people subject to the Baker Act.
Also, the panel would consider issues such as using telemedicine for patient evaluation, case management and ongoing care. Telemedicine involves using the Internet and other technology to provide health-care services remotely. The workgroup, which would include a wide range of members, would be required to submit a final report by Nov. 1.
In a prepared statement Monday, Abruzzo said the proposal is aimed at curbing a cycle of commitment and treatment. “There are far too many people who are caught up in a revolving door of treatment and release with no long-term plan for turning things around,” Abruzzo said. “We need to review and revise the law to offer greater options and better outcomes.”
by The News Service of Florida
Comments
3 Responses to “Lawmakers Want Review Of ‘Baker Act’”
Telemedicine would help with quicker eval of patients in the emergency departments and rural areas. To many times the ED is bogged down with waiting for a mental health professional to arrive, since they usually cover all the hospitals. For many patients the emergency department or prison system is the only way they can get the care they need. More availability to care needs to be addressed and providers are needed.
As a person who works in the mental healthcare field, I pray that additional funding would come with any additional mandated treatment. Mental illness is the worst affliction one can have.
Long overdue.