The Baker Act and Marchman Act: Understanding Florida's Involuntary Commitment Laws

Friday, November 21st

Online on ZOOM

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Description: Part one of this presentation will offer a comprehensive exploration of Florida's mental health landscape through the lens of the Baker Act. The history and evolution of the Baker Act, highlighting key legislative milestones and amendments since its inception in 1972 will be discussed. Ethical considerations form a crucial component, addressing the principles guiding mental health professionals, including confidentiality, autonomy, and the delicate balance between individual civil rights and public safety. We delve into practical aspects, covering the initiation of Baker Acts both in-person and via telehealth, emphasizing the significance of thorough assessments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethics. Practical insights provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the Baker Act process, highlighting the roles of various stakeholders such as law enforcement, mental health professionals, and emergency receiving facilities. The presentation also tackles common misconceptions, seeking to offer clarity on the legal and procedural dimensions of the Baker Act. The incorporation of case studies and real-life examples will be given to foster a deeper understanding of this critical intervention tool. 

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Describe the historical development and current legal framework of Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act, including key legislative milestones and statutory criteria for involuntary commitment.

Objective 2: Explain the ethical considerations involved in initiating involuntary mental health and substance use treatment, with attention to civil rights, confidentiality, autonomy, and public safety.

Objective 3: Differentiate the processes, procedures, and clinical decision-making pathways associated with Baker Act versus Marchman Act interventions, including initiation methods, court involvement, and treatment planning.

Objective 4: Evaluate complex case scenarios involving behavioral health crises by identifying appropriate legal interventions, assessing dangerousness, and recommending coordinated treatment responses using ASAM criteria and expert consultation when applicable.

Presenter

 

John Puls, LCSW, MCAP

Full Life Comprehensive Care

John Puls, LCSW, MCAP is a licensed clinical social worker and master’s certified addiction professional with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. He earned both his BSW and MSW from Florida Atlantic University, where he now serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work. John is also a qualified expert witness, conducting forensic evaluations in cases involving behavioral health issues. He is the cofounder of a private crisis intervention, case management, and psychotherapy practice located in Boca Raton, FL. His work focuses on bridging the gap between clinical care and community-based services, with a passion for advancing ethical, effective treatment solutions across systems.

CeBroker Tracking No. 20-1329726 This event is offered by SMHCA - Approved Continuing Education Provider - CE Broker Provider #: 50-13528.  This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW and Registered Interns.

Once payment is completed you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom Meeting ID.  TRAINING FEES (members need to be logged in to be able to register at the member rate) Completed Registrations including Payment Guarantees Participation: $10 Member $25 Nonmember $0 Student (with membership) $5 Student Nonmember (no CEUs)