Documents
Timeline of Legislative Changes to the Baker Act
The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly known as the Baker Act, provides emergency services to assess an individual's mental health and address immediate crises through involuntary treatment or services. Since its enacted in 1971, the Baker Act has undergone several legislative amendments to strengthen individuals' civil rights and due process protections.
Below are key legislative changes that changed how the Baker Act is implemented and enforced.
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Timeline
House Bill no. 665
1971
The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, also known as the Baker Act after state representative Maxine Baker, addressed voluntary and involuntary mental health examination and treatment procedures. It also guaranteed rights, such as to individual dignity, to those admitted or held under the Baker Act. Visit for all legislative summaries from this session.
House Bill no. 903
1996
The 1996 House Bill no. 903 required all Baker Act receiving facilities to submit documents used to initiate involuntary examination to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The Baker Act Reporting Center at 91视频was created to receive these documents on behalf of AHCA and enter data from them. Visit the to view the legislative output from the 1996 legislative session.
Senate Bill no. 1518
2013
After a pilot program in 2008, Managing Entities (MEs) were established across Florida to create more accountability and ensure quality mental health services were available. The MEs now carry out several of the functions previously carried out by the Florida Department of Children and Families, including contracting with publicly funded Baker Act receiving facilities to provide services. Visit the 2013 Senate Bill no 1518 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
Senate Bill no. 12
2016
Senate bill no. 12 impacted how people can access care, the entity responsible for receiving involuntary examination documents, and what Managing Entities are responsible for. By establishing a "no wrong door" model, it ensured that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises can access help through various entry points and be directed to appropriate services. It also changed the entity that receives the involuntary examination initiation documents from the Agency for Health Care Administration to DCF. The Baker Act Reporting Center was named in rule (65E-5 F.A.C.) to continue receiving these documents and enter data from them to report on. The bill added responsibilities for Managing Entities (ME), requiring them to meet performance standards set by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Visit the 2016 Senate Bill no 12 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
House Bill no. 1121
2017
House Bill no. 1121 required facilities to initiate an involuntary examination of a minor within 12 hours of arrival. It also created a task force to address the involuntary examination of children and make recommendations to reduce inappropriate involuntary examinations. Visit the 2017 Senate Bill no 1121 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
Senate Bill no. 7026
2018
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act created the Office of Safe Schools. Addressed the expansion of Mobile Response Teams (MRTs) and Community Action Teams (CAT). Added a requirement for a Centralized Integrated Data Repository (known as the Florida Safe Schools Portal. Visit the 2018 Senate Bill no 7026 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
Senate Bill no. 7030
2019
Implementation of recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission. Required school districts to develop a multi-tiered system of support to deliver mental health care. Visit the 2019 Senate Bill no 7030 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
House Bill no. 945
2020
Required highest utilizers of care who were 25 years of age and younger to be identified and provided services through Mobile Response Teams. Visit the 2020 Senate Bill no 945 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
Senate Bill no. 1844
2022
Allowed minors to assent to voluntary admission after a clinical review, rather than requiring a hearing about the minor's consent. Required law enforcement to use the least restrictive restraints when transporting. Visit the 2022 Senate Bill no 1844 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
House Bill no. 7021
2024
Created the Office of Children's Behavioral Health Ombudsman. Adds requirements for a comprehensive and personalized discharge process. Language changed to state that law enforcement "may," instead of "shall," initiate involuntary examinations, giving law enforcement more discretion to decide whether or not to initiate an involuntary examination. Visit the 2024 Senate Bill no 7021 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.
House Bill no. 969
2025
Requires evaluation of school mental health services and supports. Visit the 2025 Senate Bill no 969 to view the bill or to view bill text, history, and analysis.