Anne Langley

Anatomy of a Baker Act: Week 4

How is the term “Mental Illness” defined in Florida? Please read the following quotation from the form, Report of Law Enforcement Officer Initiating Involuntary Examination: “Mental illness” means an impairment of the mental or emotional processes that exercise conscious control of one’s actions or of the ability to perceive or understand reality, which impairment substantially …

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Personal Belongings on Mental Health Units: What Can Patients Take with Them?

Many facilities only allow patients to wear paper clothing which is provided to patients upon arrival, along with facility approved personal care items which are kept locked in the nurses’ station when not being used. The safety of each patient, staff member, and visitor is priority. Some low acuity or long-term facilities are more flexible; …

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Final Week: Education for Legal Professionals Regarding Mental Health Records in Florida

Welcome to our final week! This post will wrap up our series by sharing common forms which are included in mental health records. This applies to adults being treated in acute inpatient mental health units (crisis stabilization/Baker Act receiving facilities). Admission Form: Voluntary Admission Form (signed by patient) or Involuntary Admission Form Baker Act (completed …

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Mental Health Records in Florida: Are You Looking for a Request for Discharge or Habeus Corpus?

Week 5 of Educational Series on Mental Health Records in Florida: Request for Discharge verses Habeas Corpus When either an emancipated minor or adult patient in a mental health facility in Florida desires to be discharged, there are 2 options for them, depending upon their admission/commitment status. For voluntarily admitted patients, a “Request for Discharge” …

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Week 4 of Educational Series on Mental Health in Florida: Understanding the Duty to Warn

         When a person expresses intent to harm someone, mental health providers are required to notify the intended victim(s). This requires the disclosure of this information to the person at risk. This does not, however, allow providers to disclose other information, such as the patient’s diagnosis or treatment; the patient still has rights to privacy …

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