The Baker Act went into effect in Florida as a result of numerous concerns about the civil rights of people in psychiatric hospitals. When you or someone you love is confined for involuntary psychiatric examination, they have rights and the length of time they may be held is limited. While I am an attorney, I also am a psychologist, I have also had experience as part of the medical staff of numerous hospitals.
Additionally, I worked for the public defender's office which typically receives automatic appointments for patients under the Baker Act when a facility files a petition for involuntary treatment. Thanks to my extensive background with the Baker Act, I have an in-depth knowledge of the rights of patients and their families.
Additionally, I worked for the public defender's office which typically receives automatic appointments for patients under the Baker Act when a facility files a petition for involuntary treatment. Thanks to my extensive background with the Baker Act, I have an in-depth knowledge of the rights of patients and their families.
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Hospitalization
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The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 referred to as the "Baker Act, " allows for examination and hospitalization of an individual on an involuntary basis. The Baker Act may be used by a physician, a mental health professional, a judge, or a law enforcement officer under very specific conditions.
Using the guidelines of the Baker Act, the person to be admitted must be judged to potentially have a problem with mental illness and because of that, (s)he is dangerous.Florida Department of Children and Families has specified more than 100 facilities statewide to which a person may be admitted once it has been determined they have no medical issues which could be causing the psychiatric problems.
Using the guidelines of the Baker Act, the person to be admitted must be judged to potentially have a problem with mental illness and because of that, (s)he is dangerous.Florida Department of Children and Families has specified more than 100 facilities statewide to which a person may be admitted once it has been determined they have no medical issues which could be causing the psychiatric problems.
Complaints about Medical Professionals
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Medical professionals must work under specific guidelines when a patient is admitted for a psychiatric examination under Florida's Baker Act. Patients can remain hospitalized for a period up to 72 hours but once that time has expired, unless the patient is facing a criminal charge, they may only be held in the facility on a voluntary basis or if a judge approves after a hearing.
Records
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Facilities and mental health professionals have an obligation to maintain patient records so they are not accessible to persons who are not authorized to view them. However, police reports ("incident report") referencing a detainee's referral for mental health examination is public information. Police records may contain references to a Baker Act admission.
Testimonials
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Steve is excellent in assisting folks who are involved in Baker Act/Mental Health type proceedings and issues. Highly recommended as he knows his stuff! Dr. Talmage call me regarding a client of mine who has been Baker acted. I was impressed with his extreme degree of professionalism, personality, knowledge and experience in this field.
Client Portal Guide
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Clients of our firm will have a personalized client portal set up for them. It's accessible 24/7 online and provides a secure environment for us to share case information, billing information, and communicate with you, our clients. Instead of relying on scattered channels of communication (email, phone, text message, snail mail), the client portal becomes our one-and-only platform for communication.
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