Baker Act
Florida's involuntary psychiatric examination law allowing 72-hour holds for individuals deemed dangerous.
Full Definition
The Baker Act, formally known as the Florida Mental Health Act, is state legislation that allows for the involuntary examination and short-term detention of individuals who appear to have mental illness and pose a danger to themselves or others. Named after state representative Maxine Baker, the law permits law enforcement, mental health professionals, and physicians to initiate a 72-hour hold for psychiatric evaluation. The act includes specific procedural safeguards and requires documentation of attempts at voluntary admission before involuntary measures are taken.
Usage
Usage note: Specific to Florida; editors should not use as generic term for involuntary holds in other states.
In Context
- "The patient was brought to the emergency department under the Baker Act following threats of self-harm." — Emergency department note
- "Baker Act procedures require specific documentation within the first 24 hours of admission." — Legal compliance manual