The Florida Senate

397.301  Short title.

397.305  Legislative findings, intent, and purpose.

397.311  Definitions.

397.321  Duties of the department.

397.331  Definitions; legislative intent.

397.332  Office of Drug Control.

397.333  Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.

397.301  Short title.--This act may be cited as the "Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993."

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-39.

397.305  Legislative findings, intent, and purpose.--

(1)  Substance abuse is a major health problem and leads to such profoundly disturbing consequences as serious impairment, chronic addiction, criminal behavior, vehicular casualties, spiraling health care costs, AIDS, and business losses, and profoundly affects the learning ability of children within our schools and educational systems. Substance abuse impairment is a disease which affects the whole family and the whole society and requires specialized prevention, intervention, and treatment services that support and strengthen the family unit. This chapter is designed to provide for substance abuse services.

(2)  It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for a comprehensive continuum of accessible and quality substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services in the least restrictive environment of optimum care that protects and respects the rights of clients, especially for involuntary admissions, primarily through community-based private not-for-profit providers working with local governmental programs involving a wide range of agencies from both the public and private sectors.

(3)  It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure within available resources a full continuum of substance abuse services based on projected identified needs, delivered without discrimination and with adequate provision for specialized needs.

(4)  It is the goal of the Legislature to discourage substance abuse by promoting healthy lifestyles and drug-free schools, workplaces, and communities.

(5)  It is the purpose of the Legislature to integrate program evaluation efforts, adequate administrative support services, and quality assurance strategies with direct service provision requirements and to ensure funds for these purposes.

(6)  It is the intent of the Legislature to require the cooperation of departmental programs, services, and program offices in achieving the goals of this chapter and addressing the needs of clients.

(7)  It is the intent of the Legislature to provide, for substance abuse impaired adult and juvenile offenders, an alternative to criminal imprisonment by encouraging the referral of such offenders to service providers not generally available within the correctional system instead of or in addition to criminal penalties.

(8)  It is the intent of the Legislature to provide, within the limits of appropriations and safe management of the correctional system, substance abuse services to substance abuse impaired offenders who are incarcerated within the Department of Corrections, in order to better enable these inmates to adjust to the conditions of society presented to them when their terms of incarceration end.

(9)  It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for assisting substance abuse impaired persons primarily through health and other rehabilitative services in order to relieve the police, courts, correctional institutions, and other criminal justice agencies of a burden that interferes with their ability to protect people, apprehend offenders, and maintain safe and orderly communities.

(10)  It is the purpose of the Legislature to establish a clear framework for the comprehensive provision of substance abuse services in the context of a coordinated and orderly system.

(11)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the freedom of religion of all citizens shall be inviolate. Nothing in this act shall give any governmental entity jurisdiction to regulate religious, spiritual, or ecclesiastical services.

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-39.

397.311  Definitions.--As used in this chapter, except part VIII:

(1)  "Ancillary services" are services which include, but are not limited to, special diagnostic, prenatal and postnatal, other medical, mental health, legal, economic, vocational, employment, and educational services.

(2)  "Assessment" means the systematic evaluation of information gathered to determine the nature and severity of the client's substance abuse problem and the client's need and motivation for services. Assessment entails the use of a psychosocial history supplemented, as required by rule, by medical examinations, laboratory testing, and psychometric measures.

(3)  "Authorized agent of the department" means a person designated by the department to conduct any audit, inspection, monitoring, evaluation, or other duty imposed upon the department pursuant to this chapter. An authorized agent must be identified by the department as:

(a)  Qualified by the requisite expertise and experience;

(b)  Having a need to know the applicable information; and

(c)  Having the assigned responsibility to carry out the applicable duty.

(4)  "Background check" means reviewing the background of service provider personnel who have direct contact with unmarried clients under the age of 18 years or with clients who are developmentally disabled in accordance with the provisions of s. 397.451, and includes, but is not limited to, local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies, fingerprinting, statewide criminal records checks through the Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and employment history checks.

(5)  "Beyond the safe management capabilities of the service provider" refers to a client who is in need of:

(a)  Supervision;

(b)  Medical care; or

(c)  Services,

beyond that which the service provider or service component can deliver.

(6)  "Client" means a recipient of alcohol or other drug services delivered by a service provider but does not include an inmate pursuant to part VIII unless expressly so provided.

(7)  "Client identifying information" means the name, address, social security number, fingerprints, photograph, and similar information by which the identity of a client can be determined with reasonable accuracy and speed either directly or by reference to other publicly available information.

(8)  "Court" means, with respect to all involuntary proceedings under this chapter, the circuit court of the county in which the judicial proceeding is pending or where the substance abuse impaired person resides or is located, and includes any general or special master that may be appointed by the chief judge to preside over all or part of such proceeding. Otherwise, "court" refers to the court of legal jurisdiction in the context in which the term is used in this chapter.

(9)  "Department" means the Department of Children and Family Services.

(10)  "Director" means the chief administrative officer of a service provider.

(11)  "Disclose" or "disclosure" means a communication of client identifying information, the affirmative verification of another person's communication of client identifying information, or the communication of any information of a client who has been identified. Any disclosure made pursuant to this chapter must be limited to that information which is necessary to carry out the purpose of the disclosure.

(12)  "Fee system" means a method of establishing charges for services rendered, in accordance with a client's ability to pay, used by providers that receive state funds.

(13)  "For profit" means registered as for profit by the Secretary of State and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a for-profit entity.

(14)  "Habitual abuser" means a person who is brought to the attention of law enforcement for being substance impaired, who meets the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675, and who has been taken into custody for such impairment three or more times during the preceding 12 months.

(15)  "Hospital" means a hospital or hospital-based component licensed under chapter 395.

(16)  "Impaired" or "substance abuse impaired" means a condition involving the use of alcoholic beverages or any psychoactive or mood-altering substance in such a manner as to induce mental, emotional, or physical problems and cause socially dysfunctional behavior.

(17)  "Individualized treatment or service plan" means an immediate and a long-range plan for substance abuse or ancillary services developed on the basis of a client's assessed needs.

(18)  "Law enforcement officer" means a law enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10(1).

(19)  "Licensed service provider" means a public agency under this chapter, a private for-profit or not-for-profit agency under this chapter, a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, or any other private practitioner licensed under this chapter, or a hospital licensed under chapter 395, which offers substance abuse impairment services through one or more of the following licensable service components:

(a)  Addictions receiving facility, which is a community-based facility designated by the department to receive, screen, and assess clients found to be substance abuse impaired, in need of emergency treatment for substance abuse impairment, or impaired by substance abuse to such an extent as to meet the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675, and to provide detoxification and stabilization. An addictions receiving facility must be state-owned, state-operated, or state-contracted, and licensed pursuant to rules adopted by the department's Substance Abuse Program Office which include specific authorization for the provision of levels of care and a requirement of separate accommodations for adults and minors. Addictions receiving facilities are designated as secure facilities to provide an intensive level of care and must have sufficient staff and the authority to provide environmental security to handle aggressive and difficult-to-manage behavior and deter elopement.

(b)  Detoxification, which uses medical and psychological procedures and a supportive counseling regimen to assist clients in managing toxicity and withdrawing and stabilizing from the physiological and psychological effects of substance abuse impairment.

(c)  Residential treatment, which provides a structured, live-in environment within a nonhospital setting on a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week basis, and includes treatment, rehabilitation, and transitional care.

(d)  Day and night treatment, which provides a nonresidential environment with a structured schedule of treatment and rehabilitation services.

(e)  Outpatient treatment, which provides individual, group, or family counseling for clients by appointment during scheduled operating hours, with an emphasis on assessment and treatment.

(f)  Medication and methadone maintenance treatment that uses methadone or other medication as authorized by state and federal law, in conjunction with medical, rehabilitative, and counseling services in the treatment of clients who are dependent upon opioid drugs.

(g)  Prevention, which is a process involving strategies aimed at the individual, the environment, or the substance, which strategies preclude, forestall, or impede the development of substance abuse problems and promote responsible personal and social growth of individuals and families toward full human potential.

(h)  Intervention, which consists of structured services targeted toward individuals or groups at risk and focused on reducing those factors associated with the onset or the early stages of substance abuse, and related problems.

(20)  "Not for profit" means registered as not for profit by the Secretary of State and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit entity.

(21)  "Physician" means a person licensed under chapter 458 to practice medicine or licensed under chapter 459 to practice osteopathic medicine, and may include, if the context so indicates, an intern or resident enrolled in an intern or resident training program affiliated with an approved medical school, hospital, or other facility through which training programs are normally conducted.

(22)  "Preliminary screening" means the gathering of initial information to be used in determining a person's need for assessment or for referral.

(23)  "Private practitioner" means a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, a psychologist licensed under chapter 490, or a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor licensed under chapter 491.

(24)  "Program evaluation" or "evaluation" means a systematic measurement of a service provider's achievement of desired client or service outcomes.

(25)  "Qualified professional" means a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459; a professional licensed under chapter 490 or chapter 491; or a person who is certified through a department-recognized certification process for substance abuse treatment services and who holds, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree. A person who is certified in substance abuse treatment services by a state-recognized certification process in another state at the time of employment with a licensed substance abuse provider in this state may perform the functions of a qualified professional as defined in this chapter but must meet certification requirements contained in this subsection no later than 1 year after his or her date of employment.

(26)  "Quality assurance" means the objective and internal systematic monitoring of the appropriateness and quality of client care rendered by a service provider.

(27)  "Secure facility," except where the context indicates a correctional system facility, means a provider that has the authority to deter the premature departure of involuntary clients whose leaving constitutes a violation of a court order or community-based supervision as provided by law. The term "secure facility" includes addictions receiving facilities and facilities authorized by local ordinance for the treatment of habitual abusers.

(28)  "Service provider" or "provider" means a public agency, a private for-profit or not-for-profit agency, a person who is a private practitioner, or a hospital, which agency, person, or hospital is licensed under this chapter or exempt from licensure under this chapter.

(29)  "Service provider personnel" or "personnel" includes all owners, directors, staff, and volunteers, including foster parents, of a service provider.

(30)  "Stabilization" means:

(a)  Alleviation of a crisis condition; or

(b)  Prevention of further deterioration,

and connotes short-term emergency treatment.

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-39; s. 55, ch. 95-228; s. 1, ch. 98-107; s. 1, ch. 98-262; s. 107, ch. 99-8; s. 52, ch. 2000-139.

397.321  Duties of the department.--The department shall:

(1)  Develop a comprehensive state plan for the provision of substance abuse services. The plan must include:

(a)  Identification of incidence and prevalence of problems related to substance abuse.

(b)  Description of current services.

(c)  Need for services.

(d)  Cost of services.

(e)  Priorities for funding.

(f)  Strategies to address the identified needs and priorities.

(g)  Resource planning.

(2)  Ensure that a plan for substance abuse services is developed at the district level in accordance with the provisions of part IV of chapter 394.

(3)  Provide on a direct or contractual basis, within the context of funds made available by appropriation:

(a)  Public education programs and an information clearinghouse to disseminate information about the nature and effects of substance abuse.

(b)  Training for personnel who provide substance abuse services.

(c)  A data collection and dissemination system, in accordance with applicable federal confidentiality regulations.

(d)  Basic epidemiological and statistical research and the dissemination of results.

(e)  Research in cooperation with qualified researchers on services delivered pursuant to this chapter.

(4)  Establish a funding program for the dissemination of available federal, state, and private funds through contractual agreements with community-based organizations or units of state or local government which deliver local substance abuse services.

(5)  Assume responsibility for adopting rules as necessary to comply with this chapter, including other state agencies in this effort, as appropriate.

(6)  Assume responsibility for licensing and regulating licensable service components delivering substance abuse services on behalf of service providers pursuant to this chapter.

(7)  Ensure that each licensed service provider develops a system and procedures for:

(a)  Client assessment.

(b)  Individualized treatment or services planning.

(c)  Client referral.

(d)  Client progress reviews.

(e)  Client followup.

(8)  Provide for the systematic and comprehensive program evaluation of substance abuse service providers that are state-owned, state-operated, or state-contracted.

(9)  Advise the Governor in the preparation of plans to be submitted for federal funding and support.

(10)  Provide a system of documentation and reporting commensurate with the requirements of federal and other agencies providing funding to the state.

(11)  Provide, within available funds, training and technical assistance to other state agencies relative to the problem of substance abuse and develop joint agreements with other state agencies to enhance the sharing of information and services.

(12)  Develop standards for employee assistance programs for employees of state government, local governments, and private business.

(13)  Ensure that service provider personnel have background checks as required in this chapter and meet the minimum standards.

(14)  In cooperation with service providers, foster and actively seek additional funding to enhance resources for prevention, intervention, and treatment services, including but not limited to the development of partnerships with:

(a)  Private industry.

(b)  Intradepartmental and interdepartmental program offices, including, but not limited to, child care services; family safety; delinquency services; health services; economic services; and children's medical services.

(c)  State agencies, including, but not limited to, the Departments of Corrections, Education, Community Affairs, Elderly Affairs, and Insurance.

(15)  Appoint a substance abuse impairment coordinator to represent the department in efforts initiated by the statewide substance abuse impairment prevention and treatment coordinator established in s. 397.801 and to assist the statewide coordinator in fulfilling the responsibilities of that position.

(16)  Recognize a statewide certification process for addiction professionals and identify and endorse one or more agencies responsible for such certification of service provider personnel.

(17)  Provide sufficient and qualified staff to oversee all contracting, licensing, and planning functions within each of its district offices, as permitted by legislative appropriation.

(18)  Ensure that the department develops and ensures the implementation of procedures between its Substance Abuse Program Office and other departmental programs regarding the referral of substance abuse impaired persons to service providers, information on service providers, information on methods of identifying substance abuse impaired juveniles, and procedures for referring such juveniles to appropriate service providers.

(19)  Designate addictions receiving facilities for the purpose of ensuring that only qualified service providers render services within the context of a secure facility setting.

(20)  The department may establish in District 9, in cooperation with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, a pilot project to serve in a managed care arrangement non-Medicaid eligible persons who qualify to receive substance abuse or mental health services from the department. The department may contract with a not-for-profit entity to conduct the pilot project. The results of the pilot project shall be reported to the district administrator, and the secretary 18 months after the initiation. The department shall incur no additional administrative costs for the pilot project.

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-39; s. 2, ch. 97-208; s. 34, ch. 97-271; s. 6, ch. 98-152; ss. 53, 54, ch. 2000-139; s. 17, ch. 2000-349.

397.331  Definitions; legislative intent.--

(1)  As used in this act, the term:

(a)  "Substance abuse" means the use of any substance if such use is unlawful or if such use is detrimental to the user or to others, but is not unlawful.

(b)  "Substance abuse programs and services" or "drug control" applies generally to the broad continuum of prevention, intervention, and treatment initiatives and efforts to limit substance abuse and also includes initiatives and efforts by law enforcement agencies to limit substance abuse.

(2)  It is the intent of the Legislature to establish and institutionalize a rational process for long-range planning, information gathering, strategic decisionmaking, and funding for the purpose of limiting substance abuse. The Legislature finds that the creation of a state Office of Drug Control and a Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council affords the best means of establishing and institutionalizing such a process.

(3)  The Legislature finds that any rational and cost-effective governmental effort to address substance abuse must involve a comprehensive, integrated, and multidisciplinary approach to the problem of substance abuse.

(4)  The Legislature further finds that because state resources must be available to address an array of state needs, including the funding of drug control efforts, it is critical that:

(a)  A state drug control strategy be developed and implemented;

(b)  Decisions regarding the funding of substance abuse programs and services be based on the state drug control strategy;

(c)  The state drug control strategy be supported by the latest empirical research and data;

(d)  The state drug control strategy require performance-based measurement and accountability;

(e)  The state drug control strategy require short-term and long-term objectives;

(f)  The development and implementation of the state drug control strategy afford a broad spectrum of the public and private sectors an opportunity to comment and make recommendations; and

(g)  Because the nature and scope of the substance abuse problem transcends jurisdictional boundaries of any single government agency, the state drug control strategy be a comprehensive, integrated, and multidisciplinary response to the problem of substance abuse.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-187.

397.332  Office of Drug Control.--

(1)  The Office of Drug Control is created within the Executive Office of the Governor. The Governor shall appoint a director of the Office of Drug Control, who shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(2)  The purpose of the Office of Drug Control is to work in collaboration with the Office of Planning and Budgeting to:

(a)  Coordinate drug control efforts and enlist the assistance of the public and private sectors in those efforts, including, but not limited to, federal, state, and local agencies.

(b)  Provide information to the public about the problem of substance abuse and the substance abuse programs and services that are available.

(c)  Act as the Governor's liaison with state agencies, other state governments, the federal Office of National Drug Control Policy, federal agencies, and with the public and private sectors on matters that relate to substance abuse.

(d)  Work to secure funding and other support for the state's drug control efforts, including, but not limited to, establishing cooperative relationships among state and private agencies.

(e)  Develop a strategic program and funding initiative that links the separate jurisdictional activities of state agencies with respect to drug control. The office may designate lead and contributing agencies to develop such initiatives.

(f)  Advise the Governor and the Legislature on substance abuse trends in this state, the status of current substance abuse programs and services, the funding of those programs and services, and the status of the Office of Drug Control in developing and implementing the state drug control strategy.

(g)  Make recommendations to the Governor on measures that the director considers advisable for the effective implementation of the state drug control strategy.

(3)  On or before December 1 of each year, the director of the Office of Drug Control shall report to the Governor and the Legislature on the information and recommendations required under paragraphs (2)(f) and (g).

History.--s. 2, ch. 99-187.

397.333  Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.--

(1)(a)  The Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council is created within the Executive Office of the Governor. The director of the Office of Drug Control shall be a nonvoting, ex officio member of the advisory council and shall act as chairperson. The director of the Office of Planning and Budgeting shall be a nonvoting, ex officio member of the advisory council. The Office of Drug Control and the Office of Planning and Budgeting shall provide staff support for the advisory council.

(b)  The following state officials shall be appointed to serve on the advisory council:

1.  The Attorney General, or his or her designee.

2.  The executive director of the Department of Law Enforcement, or his or her designee.

3.  The Secretary of Children and Family Services, or his or her designee.

4.  The Secretary of Health, or his or her designee.

5.  The Secretary of Corrections, or his or her designee.

6.  The Secretary of Juvenile Justice, or his or her designee.

7.  The Commissioner of Education, or his or her designee.

8.  The executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, or his or her designee.

9.  The Adjutant General of the state as the Chief of the Department of Military Affairs, or his or her designee.

(c)  In addition, the Governor shall appoint 11 members of the public to serve on the advisory council. Of the 11 appointed members, one member must have professional or occupational expertise in drug enforcement, one member must have professional or occupational expertise in substance abuse prevention, and one member must have professional or occupational expertise in substance abuse treatment. The remainder of the members appointed should have professional or occupational expertise in, or be generally knowledgeable about, issues that relate to drug enforcement and substance abuse programs and services. The members appointed by the Governor must, to the extent possible, equitably represent all geographic areas of the state.

(d)  The President of the Senate shall appoint a member of the Senate to the advisory council and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint a member of the House of Representatives to the advisory council.

(e)  The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall appoint a member of the judiciary to the advisory council.

(f)  Members appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice shall be appointed to terms of 4 years each. However, for the purpose of providing staggered terms, of the Governor's initial appointments, five members shall be appointed to 2-year terms and six members shall be appointed to 4-year terms.

(2)(a)  Any vacancy on the advisory council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring because of death, resignation, or ineligibility for membership shall serve only for the unexpired term of the member's predecessor. A member is eligible for reappointment.

(b)  Members of the advisory council and members of workgroups appointed under subsection (4) shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061.

(c)  The advisory council shall meet at least quarterly or upon the call of the chairperson.

(3)  The advisory council shall:

(a)  Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problem of substance abuse in this state and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for developing and implementing a state drug control strategy. The advisory council shall determine the most effective means of establishing clear and meaningful lines of communication between the advisory council and the public and private sectors in order to ensure that the process of developing and implementing the state drug control strategy has afforded a broad spectrum of the public and private sectors an opportunity to comment and make recommendations.

(b)  Review and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on funding substance abuse programs and services, consistent with the state drug control strategy, as developed. The council may recommend the creation of a separate appropriations category for funding services delivered or procured by state agencies and may recommend the use of performance-based contracting as provided in s. 414.065.

(c)  Review various substance abuse programs and recommend, where needed, measures that are sufficient to determine program outcomes. The council shall review different methodologies for evaluating programs and determine whether programs within different agencies have common outcomes. The methodologies shall be consistent with those established under ¹s. 216.0166.

(d)  Review the drug control strategies and programs of, and efforts by, other states and the Federal Government and compile the relevant research.

(e)  Recommend to the Governor and Legislature applied research projects that would use research capabilities within the state, including, but not limited to, the resources of the State University System, for the purpose of achieving improved outcomes and making better-informed strategic budgetary decisions.

(f)  Recommend to the Governor and Legislature changes in law which would remove barriers to or enhance the implementation of the state drug control strategy.

(g)  Make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on the need for public information campaigns to be conducted in the state to limit substance abuse.

(h)  Ensure that there is a coordinated, integrated, and multidisciplinary response to the substance abuse problem in this state, with special attention given to creating partnerships within and between the public and private sectors, and to the coordinated, supported, and integrated delivery of multiple-system services for substance abusers, including a multiagency team approach to service delivery.

(i)  Assist communities and families in pooling their knowledge and experiences with respect to the problem of substance abuse. Forums for exchanging ideas, experiences, and practical information, as well as instruction, should be considered. For communities, such instruction may involve issues of funding, staffing, training, and neighborhood and parental involvement, and instruction on other issues. For families, such instruction may involve practical strategies for addressing family substance abuse; improving cognitive, communication, and decisionmaking skills; providing parents with techniques for resolving conflicts, communicating, and cultivating meaningful relationships with their children and establishing guidelines for their children; educating families about drug-free programs and activities in which they may serve as participants and planners; and other programs of similar instruction. To maximize the effectiveness of such forums, multiple agencies should participate.

(4)(a)  The chairperson of the advisory council shall appoint workgroups that include members of state agencies that are not represented on the advisory council and shall solicit input and recommendations from those state agencies. In addition, the chairperson may appoint workgroups as necessary from among the members of the advisory council in order to efficiently address specific issues. A representative of a state agency appointed to any workgroup shall be the head of the agency, or his or her designee. The chairperson may designate lead and contributing agencies within a workgroup.

(b)  The advisory council shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 1 of each year which contains a summary of the work of the council during that year and the recommendations required under subsection (3). Interim reports may be submitted at the discretion of the chairperson of the advisory council.

History.--s. 3, ch. 99-187.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 61, ch. 2000-371.

397.401  License required; penalty; injunction; rules waivers.

397.403  License application.

397.405  Exemptions from licensure.

397.406  Licensure and regulation of government-operated substance abuse programs.

397.407  Licensure fees.

397.409  Probationary, regular, and interim licenses; issuance and renewal.

397.411  Inspection; right of entry; records.

397.415  Denial, suspension, and revocation; other remedies.

397.416  Substance abuse treatment services; qualified professional.

397.419  Quality assurance programs.

397.427  Medication treatment service providers; rehabilitation program; needs assessment and provision of services; persons authorized to issue takeout methadone; unlawful operation; penalty.

397.431  Client responsibility for cost of substance abuse impairment services.

397.451  Background checks of service provider personnel who have direct contact with unmarried minor clients or clients who are developmentally disabled.

397.461  Unlawful activities relating to personnel; penalties.

397.471  Service provider facility standards.

397.481  Applicability of Community Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services Act.

397.401  License required; penalty; injunction; rules waivers.--

(1)  It is unlawful for any person to act as a substance abuse service provider unless it is licensed or exempt from licensure under this chapter.

(2)  A violation of subsection (1) is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3)  The department may maintain an action in circuit court to enjoin the unlawful operation of a substance abuse service provider if the department first gives the violator 14 days' notice of its intent to maintain such action and the violator fails to apply for licensure within that 14-day period. If the department determines that the health, safety, and welfare of clients is jeopardized, the department may move to enjoin the operation at any time during the 14-day period. If the service provider has already applied for licensure under this chapter and has been denied licensure, the department may move immediately to obtain an injunction.

(4)  In accordance with this subsection, the department may waive rules adopted pursuant to this chapter in order to allow service providers to demonstrate and evaluate innovative or cost-effective substance abuse services alternatives. Rules waivers may be granted only in instances where there is reasonable assurance that the health, safety, or welfare of clients will not be endangered. To apply for a rules waiver, the applicant must be a service provider licensed under this chapter and must submit to the department a written description of the concept to be demonstrated, including:

(a)  Objectives and anticipated benefits.

(b)  The number and types of clients who will be affected.

(c)  A description of how the demonstration will be evaluated.

(d)  Any other information requested by the department.

A service provider granted a rules waiver under this subsection must submit a detailed report of the results of its findings to the department within 12 months after receiving the rules waiver. Upon receiving and evaluating the detailed report, the department may renew or revoke the rules waiver or seek any regulatory or statutory changes necessary to allow other service providers to implement the same alternative service.

(5)  The department shall allow a service provider in operation at the time of adoption of any rule a reasonable period, not to exceed 1 year, to bring itself into compliance with the rule.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.403  License application.--

(1)  Applicants for a license under this chapter must apply to the department on forms provided by the department and in accordance with rules adopted by the department. Applications must include at a minimum:

(a)  Information establishing the name and address of the applicant service provider and its director, and also of each member, owner, officer, and shareholder, if any.

(b)  Information establishing the competency and ability of the applicant service provider and its director to carry out the requirements of this chapter.

(c)  Proof satisfactory to the department of the applicant service provider's financial ability and organizational capability to operate in accordance with this chapter.

(d)  Proof of liability insurance coverage in amounts set by the department by rule.

(e)  Personnel fingerprints for background checks as required by this chapter.

(f)  Proof of satisfactory fire, safety, and health inspections.

(g)  A comprehensive outline of the proposed services for:

1.  Any new applicant; or

2.  Any licensed service provider adding a new licensable service component.

(2)  The burden of proof with respect to any requirement for application for licensure as a service provider under this chapter is on the applicant.

(3)  The department shall accept proof of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO), or through any other nationally recognized certification process that is acceptable to the department and meets the minimum licensure requirements under this chapter, in lieu of requiring the applicant to submit the information required by paragraphs (1)(a)-(c).

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.405  Exemptions from licensure.--The following are exempt from the licensing provisions of this chapter:

(1)  A hospital or hospital-based component licensed under chapter 395.

¹(2)  A nursing home facility as defined in s. 400.021(12).

(3)  A substance abuse education program established pursuant to s. 233.061.

(4)  A facility or institution operated by the Federal Government.

(5)  A physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459.

(6)  A psychologist licensed under chapter 490.

(7)  A social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor licensed under chapter 491.

(8)  An established and legally cognizable church or nonprofit religious organization, denomination, or sect providing substance abuse services, including prevention services, which are exclusively religious, spiritual, or ecclesiastical in nature. A church or nonprofit religious organization, denomination, or sect providing any of the licensable service components itemized under s. 397.311(19) is not exempt for purposes of its provision of such licensable service components but retains its exemption with respect to all services which are exclusively religious, spiritual, or ecclesiastical in nature.

(9)  Facilities licensed under s. 393.063(8) that, in addition to providing services to persons who are developmentally disabled as defined therein, also provide services to persons developmentally at risk as a consequence of exposure to alcohol or other legal or illegal drugs while in utero.

(10)  DUI education and screening services required to be attended pursuant to ss. 316.192, 316.193, 322.095, 322.271, and 322.291 are exempt from licensure under this chapter. Treatment programs must continue to be licensed under this chapter.

The exemptions from licensure in this section do not apply to any facility or entity which receives an appropriation, grant, or contract from the state to operate as a service provider as defined in this chapter or to any substance abuse program regulated pursuant to s. 397.406. No provision of this chapter shall be construed to limit the practice of a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, a psychologist licensed under chapter 490, or a psychotherapist licensed under chapter 491, providing outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment to a voluntary patient, so long as the physician, psychologist, or psychotherapist does not represent to the public that he or she is a licensed service provider under this act. Failure to comply with any requirement necessary to maintain an exempt status under this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 734, ch. 95-148; s. 65, ch. 97-190; s. 208, ch. 99-13; s. 9, ch. 2000-350.

¹Note.--Section 9, ch. 2000-350, amended s. 397.405(2) without publishing the flush left language at the end of the section. Absent affirmative evidence of legislative intent to repeal it, the flush left language is published here pending clarification by the Legislature.

397.406  Licensure and regulation of government-operated substance abuse programs.--Substance abuse programs operated directly or under contract by the department, the Department of Corrections, any other state agency, or any local correctional agency or authority, which programs constitute any service provider licensable components as defined in this chapter, are subject to licensure and regulation in accordance with rules jointly developed by the department and the state or local agency operating the program. The department has authority to promulgate rules exempting such government-operated programs from specific licensure provisions of this part, including, but not limited to, licensure fees and personnel background checks, and to enforce the regulatory requirements governing such programs.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.407  Licensure fees.--

(1)  The department shall establish licensure fees by rule. The rule must prescribe a fee range that is based, at least in part, on the number and complexity of programs listed in s. 397.311(19) which are operated by a licensee. The fee range must be implemented over a 5-year period. The fee schedule for licensure of service components must be increased annually in substantially equal increments so that, by July 1, 1998, the fees from the licensure of service components are sufficient to cover at least 50 percent of the costs of regulating the service components. The department shall specify by rule a fee range and phase-in plan for privately funded licensed service providers and a fee range and phase-in plan for publicly funded licensed service providers. Fees for privately funded licensed service providers must exceed the fees for publicly funded licensed service providers. The first year phase-in licensure fees must be at least $150 per initial license. The rule must provide for a reduction in licensure fees for licensed service providers who hold more than one license.

(2)  The department shall assess a fee of $100 per license for the late filing of an application for renewal of a license.

(3)  Licensure and renewal fees must be deposited in the Operations and Maintenance Trust Fund to be used for the actual cost of monitoring, inspecting, and overseeing licensed service providers.

(4)  Each application for licensure or renewal must be accompanied by the required fee, except that a service provider that has an all-volunteer staff is exempt from the licensure and renewal fees.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 22, ch. 96-418; s. 57, ch. 2000-158; s. 10, ch. 2000-338.

397.409  Probationary, regular, and interim licenses; issuance and renewal.--

(1)  The department may issue probationary, regular, and interim licenses. The department shall issue one license to each facility operated by a service provider. The license must state the specific service components to be provided. A license issued to a residential facility must stipulate the maximum bed capacity of the facility at the time of licensure, and must be amended if there is a change in bed capacity, as specified by rule. The licensed service provider shall apply for a new license at least 30 days prior to the relocation of any of its facilities or licensable service components; failure to apply for a new license may result in denial of a license. Probationary and regular licenses may be issued only after all required information has been submitted. A license may not be transferred and is valid only for the premises for which it is originally issued. As used in this subsection, "transfer" includes, but is not limited to, transfer of a majority of the ownership interest in the license or transfer of responsibilities under the license to another entity by contractual arrangement.

(2)  A probationary license may be issued to a service provider applicant in the initial stages of developing services which are not yet fully operational upon completion of all application requirements itemized in s. 397.403(1)(a)-(g) and upon demonstration of the applicant's ability to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. A probationary license expires 90 days after issuance and may be reissued once for an additional 90-day period if the applicant has substantially complied with all requirements for regular licensure or has initiated action to satisfy all requirements. During the probationary period the department must monitor the delivery of services. The holder of a probationary license may be ordered to cease and desist operations at any time it is found to be substantially out of compliance with licensure standards.

(3)  A regular license may be issued:

(a)  To a new applicant at the end of the probationary period.

(b)  To a regularly licensed applicant seeking renewal.

(c)  To a facility operating under an interim license that successfully satisfies the requirements for a regular license.

In order to be issued a regular license, the applicant must be in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Standards and timeframes for issuance of regular licenses must be established by rule. An application for renewal of a regular license must be submitted to the department 60 days before the license expires.

(4)  The department may issue an interim license to a service provider for a period established by the department which does not exceed 90 days, if the department finds that:

(a)  A facility or service component of the service provider is in substantial noncompliance with licensure standards;

(b)  The service provider has failed to provide satisfactory proof of conformance to fire, safety, or health requirements; or

(c)  The service provider is involved in license suspension or revocation proceedings.

An interim license applies only to the licensable service component of the provider's services which is in substantial noncompliance with statutory or regulatory requirements. An interim license expires 90 days after it is issued; it may be reissued once for an additional 90-day period in a case of extreme hardship in which the noncompliance is not caused by the licensed service provider. If the service provider is appealing the final disposition of license suspension or revocation proceedings, the court before which the appeal is taken may order the extension of the interim license for a period of time specified in the order.

(5)  A separate license is required for each facility maintained on separate premises, even though the facility is operated under the same management. However, a separate license is not required for separate buildings on the same grounds.

(6)  The license must be displayed in a conspicuous place inside the facility.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.411  Inspection; right of entry; records.--

(1)(a)  An authorized agent of the department may enter and inspect at any time a licensed service provider to determine whether it is in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

(b)  An authorized agent of the department may, with the permission of the person in charge of the premises or pursuant to a warrant, enter and inspect any unlicensed service provider it reasonably suspects to be operating in violation of any provision of this chapter.

(c)  An application for licensure as a service provider under this chapter constitutes full permission for an authorized agent of the department to enter and inspect the premises of such service provider at any time.

(2)(a)  The department may accept, in lieu of its own inspections for licensure, the survey or inspection of an accrediting organization, if the provider is accredited and the department receives the report of the accrediting organization. The department shall develop, and adopt by rule, specific criteria for assuring that the accrediting organization has specific standards and experience related to the program area being licensed; specific criteria for accepting the standards and survey methodologies of an accrediting organization; delineations of the obligations of accrediting organizations to assure adherence to those standards; criteria for receiving, accepting, and maintaining the confidentiality of the survey and corrective action reports; and allowance for the department's participation in surveys.

(b)  The department shall conduct compliance investigations and sample validation inspections to evaluate the inspection process of accrediting organizations to ensure minimum standards are maintained as provided in Florida statute and rule. The department may conduct a fire, safety, and health inspection in calendar years in which an accrediting organization survey is not conducted and shall conduct a full state inspection, including a lifesafety inspection, if an accrediting organization survey has not been conducted within the previous 36 months. The department, by accepting the survey or inspection of an accrediting organization, does not forfeit its right to perform inspections.

(3)  Notwithstanding the confidentiality provisions of this chapter, a designated and authorized agent of the department may access the records of the clients of licensed service providers, but only for purposes of licensing, monitoring, and investigation. The department may interview clients, as specified by rule.

(4)  The authorized agents of the department shall schedule periodic inspections of licensed service providers in order to minimize costs and the disruption of services; however, such authorized agents may inspect the facilities of any licensed service provider at any time.

(5)  The department shall maintain as public information, available to any person upon request and upon payment of a reasonable charge for copying, copies of licensure reports of licensed providers.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 25, ch. 97-100.

397.415  Denial, suspension, and revocation; other remedies.--

(1)  If the department determines that an applicant or licensed service provider or licensed service component thereof is not in compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, the department may deny, suspend, revoke, or impose reasonable restrictions or penalties on the license or any portion of the license. In such case, the department:

(a)  May impose a moratorium on admissions to any component of a licensed service provider if the department determines that conditions within such component are a threat to the public health or safety.

(b)  May impose an administrative penalty of up to $500 per day against a licensed service provider operating in violation of any fire-related, safety-related, or health-related statutory or regulatory requirement. Fines collected under this paragraph must be deposited in the Substance Abuse Impairment Provider Licensing Trust Fund.

(c)  May suspend or revoke the license if, after notice, it determines that a service provider has failed to correct the substantial or chronic violation of any statutory or regulatory requirement such as impacts the quality of client care.

(2)  If a license of a facility or any service component of a facility is revoked, the service provider is barred from submitting any application for licensure of the affected facility or service component to the department for a period of 1 year after the revocation.

(3)  Proceedings for the denial, suspension, or revocation of a service provider's license must be conducted in accordance with chapter 120.

(4)  The department may maintain an action in court to enjoin the operation of any licensed or unlicensed facility in violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.416  Substance abuse treatment services; qualified professional.--

(1)  A person who holds a master's degree in a social or behavioral science in a human services discipline with a minimum of 2 years' experience in the assessment or treatment of substance abuse may perform the duties of a qualified professional with respect to substance abuse treatment services as defined in this chapter until January 1, 2001.

(2)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who was certified through a certification process recognized by the former Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services before January 1, 1995, may perform the duties of a qualified professional with respect to substance abuse treatment services as defined in this chapter, and need not meet the certification requirements contained in s. 397.311(25).

History.--s. 2, ch. 98-262.

397.419  Quality assurance programs.--

(1)  Each service provider must maintain an ongoing quality assurance program to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the appropriateness and quality of client care, to ensure that services are rendered consistent with prevailing professional standards, and to identify and resolve problems.

(2)  For each service provider, a written plan must be developed with a copy submitted to the department which addresses the minimum guidelines for the provider's quality assurance program, including, but not limited to:

(a)  Client care and services standards.

(b)  Client records maintenance procedures.

(c)  Staff development policies and procedures.

(d)  Facility safety and maintenance standards.

(e)  Peer review and utilization review procedures.

(f)  Incident reporting policies and procedures, including verification of corrective action and provision for reporting to the department within a time period prescribed by rule.

(3)  The quality assurance program is the responsibility of the director and is subject to review and approval by the governing board of the service provider.

(4)  Each director shall designate a person who is an employee of or under contract with the service provider as the provider's quality assurance manager.

(5)  Incident reporting is the affirmative duty of all staff.

(6)  A person who files an incident report may not be subjected to any civil action by virtue of that incident report.

(7)  The department may access all service provider records necessary to determine compliance with this section. Records relating solely to actions taken in carrying out this section and records obtained by the department to determine a provider's compliance with this section are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Such records are not admissible in any civil or administrative action except in disciplinary proceedings by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the appropriate regulatory board, and are not part of the record of investigation and prosecution in disciplinary proceedings made available to the public by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the appropriate regulatory board. Meetings or portions of meetings of quality assurance program committees that relate solely to actions taken pursuant to this section are exempt from s. 286.011.

(8)  The quality assurance program shall be implemented as part of the department's contract management process. The quality assurance program shall:

(a)  Track performance measures and standards established by the Legislature as part of the performance-based program budgeting process;

(b)  Provide a framework for evaluating outcomes which is separate from the performance-based program budgeting process, including:

1.  Output measures, such as capacities, technologies, and infrastructure, that make up the system of care.

2.  Process measures, such as administrative and clinical components of treatment.

3.  Outcome measures pertaining to the outcomes of services;

(c)  Provide for a system of analyzing those factors which have an effect on performance at the local level;

(d)  Provide for a system of reporting the results of quality assurance reviews; and

(e)  Incorporate best practice models for use in improving performance in those areas which are deficient.

(9)  The quality assurance program shall incorporate a peer review process into its protocol, to include:

(a)  Reviews of providers by departmental district staff and other providers.

(b)  Reviews of individual districts by other districts.

(10)  Contingent upon specific appropriation, a quality assurance coordinator position shall be established within each service district to oversee the implementation and operation of the quality assurance program.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 45, ch. 94-218; s. 1, ch. 95-407; s. 221, ch. 96-406; s. 5, ch. 99-396.

397.427  Medication treatment service providers; rehabilitation program; needs assessment and provision of services; persons authorized to issue takeout methadone; unlawful operation; penalty.--

(1)  Medication treatment service providers may not be licensed unless they provide supportive rehabilitation programs. Supportive rehabilitation programs include, but are not limited to, counseling, therapy, and vocational rehabilitation.

(2)  The department shall determine the need for establishing medication treatment service providers.

(a)  Medication treatment service providers may be established only in response to the department's determination and publication of need for additional medication treatment services.

(b)  The department shall prescribe by rule the types of medication treatment services for which it is necessary to conduct annual assessments of need. If needs assessment is required, the department shall annually conduct the assessment and publish a statement of findings which identifies each district's need.

(c)  Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the license for medication treatment programs licensed before October 1, 1990, may not be revoked solely because of the department's determination concerning the need for medication treatment services.

(3)  The department shall adopt rules necessary to administer this section, including, but not limited to, rules prescribing criteria and procedures for:

(a)  Determining the need for additional medication treatment services.

(b)  Selecting medication treatment service providers when the number of responses to a publication of need exceeds the determined need.

(c)  Administering any federally required rules, regulations, or procedures.

(4)  A service provider operating in violation of this section is subject to proceedings in accordance with this chapter to enjoin that unlawful operation.

(5)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 465.019(2), a registered nurse, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, or a licensed practical nurse working for a licensed service provider is authorized to deliver takeout methadone to persons enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program provided that:

(a)  The methadone maintenance treatment program has an appropriate valid permit issued pursuant to rules promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy;

(b)  The medication has been delivered pursuant to a valid prescription written by the program's physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459;

(c)  The medication ordered appears on a formulary and is prepackaged and prelabeled with dosage instructions and distributed from a source authorized under chapter 499;

(d)  Each licensed provider adopts written protocols which provide for supervision of the registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse by a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459 and for the procedures by which patients' medications may be delivered by the registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse. Such protocols shall be signed by the supervising physician and either the administering registered nurse, the advanced registered nurse practitioner, or the licensed practical nurse.

(e)  Each licensed service provider maintains and has available for inspection by representatives of the Board of Pharmacy all medical records and patient care protocols, including records of medications delivered to patients, in accordance with the board.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 7, ch. 98-152.

397.431  Client responsibility for cost of substance abuse impairment services.--

(1)  Prior to accepting a client for admission and in accordance with confidentiality guidelines, both the full charge for services and the fee charged to the client for such services under the provider's fee system or payment policy must be disclosed to each client or his or her authorized personal representative, or parent or legal guardian if the client is a minor who did not seek treatment voluntarily and without parental consent.

(2)  A client or his or her authorized personal representative, or parent or legal guardian if the client is a minor, is required to contribute toward the cost of substance abuse services in accordance with his or her ability to pay, unless otherwise provided by law.

(3)  The parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of a minor is not liable for payment for any substance abuse services provided to the minor without parental consent pursuant to s. 397.601(4), unless the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian participates or is ordered to participate in the services, and only for the substance abuse services rendered. If the minor is receiving services as a juvenile offender, the obligation to pay is governed by the law relating to juvenile offenders.

(4)  Service providers that do not contract for state funds to provide substance abuse services as defined in this chapter may establish their own admission policies regarding provisions for payment for services. Such policies must comply with other statutory and regulatory requirements governing state or federal reimbursements to a provider for services delivered to individual clients. As used in this subsection, the term "contract for state funds" does not include Medicaid funds.

(5)  Service providers that contract for state funds to provide substance abuse services as defined in this chapter must establish a fee system based upon a client's ability to pay and, if space and sufficient state resources are available, may not deny a client access to services solely on the basis of the client's inability to pay.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 735, ch. 95-148.

397.451  Background checks of service provider personnel who have direct contact with unmarried minor clients or clients who are developmentally disabled.--

(1)  PERSONNEL BACKGROUND CHECKS; REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS.--

(a)  Service provider personnel who have direct contact with unmarried clients under the age of 18 years or with clients who are developmentally disabled are subject to background checks, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(b)  Students in the health care professions who are interning under the actual physical presence supervision of a licensed health care professional in a service provider licensed under chapter 395, where the primary purpose of the service provider is not the treatment of unmarried minors or of persons who are developmentally disabled, are exempt from the fingerprinting and background check requirements.

(c)  Personnel working in a service provider licensed under chapter 395 who have less than 15 hours per week of direct contact with unmarried minors or with persons who are developmentally disabled, or personnel who are health care professionals licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or a board thereunder who are not employed in a service provider where the primary purpose is the treatment of unmarried minors or of persons who are developmentally disabled are exempt from the fingerprinting and background check requirements.

(d)  Members of a foster family and persons residing with the foster family who are between 12 and 18 years of age are not required to be fingerprinted but must have their backgrounds checked for delinquency records. Members of the foster family and persons residing with the foster family over 18 years of age are subject to full background checks.

(e)  A volunteer who assists on an intermittent basis for fewer than 40 hours per month and is under direct and constant supervision by persons who meet all personnel requirements of this chapter is exempt from fingerprinting and background check requirements.

(f)  Service providers that are exempt from licensing provisions of this chapter are exempt from personnel fingerprinting and background check requirements, except as otherwise provided in this section. A church or nonprofit religious organization exempt from licensure under this chapter is required to comply with personnel fingerprinting and background check requirements.

(g)  Personnel employed by the Department of Corrections in a substance abuse service component who have direct contact with unmarried inmates under the age of 18 or with inmates who are developmentally disabled are exempt from the fingerprinting and background check requirements of this section.

(2)  EMPLOYMENT HISTORY CHECKS; CHECKS OF REFERENCES.--The department shall assess employment history checks and checks of references for all directors, and the directors shall assess employment history checks and checks of references for each employee who has direct contact with unmarried clients under the age of 18 years or with clients who are developmentally disabled.

(3)  MINIMUM BACKGROUND CHECK STANDARDS.--The department shall require employment screening pursuant to chapter 435, using level 2 standards for screening set forth in that chapter, of service provider personnel who have direct contact with unmarried clients under the age of 18 years or with clients who are developmentally disabled.

(4)  PERSONNEL EXEMPT FROM BEING REFINGERPRINTED OR RECHECKED.--Service provider personnel who have been fingerprinted or had their backgrounds checked pursuant to chapter 393, chapter 394, chapter 402, or chapter 409, or this section, and teachers who have been fingerprinted pursuant to chapter 231, who have not been unemployed for more than 90 days thereafter and who, under the penalty of perjury, attest to the completion of such fingerprinting or background checks and to compliance with the provisions of this section and the standards contained in chapter 435 and this section, are not required to be refingerprinted or rechecked in order to comply with service provider personnel fingerprinting or background check requirements.

(5)  EXEMPTIONS FROM DISQUALIFICATION.--

(a)  The department may grant to any service provider personnel an exemption from disqualification from working with children or the developmentally disabled as provided in s. 435.07.

(b)  Since rehabilitated substance abuse impaired persons are effective in the successful treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse impaired adolescents, for service providers which treat adolescents 13 years of age and older, service provider personnel whose background checks indicate crimes under s. 817.563, s. 893.13, or s. 893.147 may be exempted from disqualification from employment pursuant to this paragraph.

(6)  PAYMENT FOR PROCESSING OF FINGERPRINTS AND STATE CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS.--The employing service provider or the personnel who are having their backgrounds checked are responsible for paying the costs of processing fingerprints and criminal records checks.

(7)  DISQUALIFICATION FROM RECEIVING STATE FUNDS.--State funds may not be disseminated to any service provider owned or operated by an owner or director who has been convicted of, has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or has had adjudication withheld for, a violation of s. 893.135 pertaining to trafficking in controlled substances, or a violation of the law of another state, the District of Columbia, the United States or any possession or territory thereof, or any foreign jurisdiction which is substantially similar in elements and penalties to a trafficking offense in this state, unless the owner's or director's civil rights have been restored.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 20, ch. 94-134; s. 20, ch. 94-135; s. 46, ch. 94-218; s. 16, ch. 95-152; s. 13, ch. 95-158; s. 36, ch. 95-228; s. 2, ch. 95-407; s. 126, ch. 95-418; s. 9, ch. 96-268; s. 222, ch. 96-406; s. 10, ch. 99-188; s. 12, ch. 2000-320.

397.461  Unlawful activities relating to personnel; penalties.--It is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to:

(1)  Inaccurately disclose by false statement, misrepresentation, impersonation, or other fraudulent means, or fail to disclose, in any application for voluntary or paid employment, any fact which is material in making a determination as to the person's qualifications to be an owner, a director, a volunteer, or other personnel of a service provider;

(2)  Operate or attempt to operate as a service provider with personnel who are in noncompliance with the minimum standards contained in this chapter; or

(3)  Use or release any criminal or juvenile information obtained under this chapter for any purpose other than background checks of personnel for employment.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39; s. 69, ch. 2000-349.

397.471  Service provider facility standards.--

(1)  Each service provider must ensure:

(a)  Sufficient numbers and types of qualified personnel on duty and available to provide necessary and adequate client safety and care.

(b)  Adequate space for each client of a residential facility.

(c)  Adequate infection control, housekeeping, and sanitation.

(d)  Adequate disaster planning policies and procedures.

(2)  The State Fire Marshal shall, in cooperation with the department, establish and enforce minimum firesafety standards, which standards must be included in the rules adopted by the department.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.481  Applicability of Community Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services Act.--All service providers as defined in and governed by this chapter are also subject to part IV of chapter 394, the Community Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services Act.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-39.

397.501  Rights of clients.

397.581  Unlawful activities relating to client assessment and treatment; penalties.

397.501  Rights of clients.--Clients receiving substance abuse services from any service provider are guaranteed protection of the rights specified in this section, unless otherwise expressly provided, and service providers must ensure the protection of such rights.

(1)  RIGHT TO INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY.--The individual dignity of the client must be respected at all times and upon all occasions, including any occasion when the client is admitted, retained, or transported. Substance abuse clients who are not accused of a crime or delinquent act may not be detained or incarcerated in jails, detention centers, or training schools of the state, except for purposes of protective custody in strict accordance with this chapter. A client may not be deprived of any constitutional right.

(2)  RIGHT TO NONDISCRIMINATORY SERVICES.--

(a)  Service providers may not deny a client access to substance abuse services solely on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual preference, human immunodeficiency virus status, prior service departures against medical advice, disability, or number of relapse episodes. Service providers may not deny a client who takes medication prescribed by a physician access to substance abuse services solely on that basis. Service providers who receive state funds to provide substance abuse services may not, provided space and sufficient state resources are available, deny a client access to services based solely on inability to pay.

(b)  Each client in treatment must be afforded the opportunity to participate in the formulation and periodic review of his or her individualized treatment or service plan to the extent of his or her ability to so participate.

(c)  It is the policy of the state to use the least restrictive and most appropriate services available, based on the needs and the best interests of the client and consistent with optimum care of the client.

(d)  Each client must be afforded the opportunity to participate in activities designed to enhance self-image.

(3)  RIGHT TO QUALITY SERVICES.--

(a)  Each client must be delivered services suited to his or her needs, administered skillfully, safely, humanely, with full respect for his or her dignity and personal integrity, and in accordance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

(b)  These services must include the use of methods and techniques to control aggressive client behavior that poses an immediate threat to the client or to other persons. Such methods and techniques include the use of restraints, the use of seclusion, the use of time-out, and other behavior management techniques. When authorized, these methods and techniques may be applied only by persons who are employed by service providers and trained in the application and use of these methods and techniques. The department must specify by rule the methods that may be used and the techniques that may be applied by service providers to control aggressive client behavior and must specify by rule the physical facility requirements for seclusion rooms, including dimensions, safety features, methods of observation, and contents.

(4)  RIGHT TO COMMUNICATION.--

(a)  Each client has the right to communicate freely and privately with other persons within the limitations imposed by service provider policy.

(b)  Because the delivery of services can only be effective in a substance abuse free environment, close supervision of each client's communications and correspondence is necessary, particularly in the initial stages of treatment, and the service provider must therefore set reasonable rules for telephone, mail, and visitation rights, giving primary consideration to the well-being and safety of clients, staff, and the community. It is the duty of the service provider to inform the client and his or her family if the family is involved at the time of admission about the provider's rules relating to communications and correspondence.

(5)  RIGHT TO CARE AND CUSTODY OF PERSONAL EFFECTS OF CLIENTS.--A client has the right to possess clothing and other personal effects. The service provider may take temporary custody of the client's personal effects only when required for medical or safety reasons, with the reason for taking custody and a list of the personal effects recorded in the client's clinical record.

(6)  RIGHT TO EDUCATION OF MINORS.--Each minor client in a residential service component is guaranteed education and training appropriate to his or her needs. The service provider shall coordinate with local education agencies to ensure that education and training is provided to each minor client in accordance with other applicable laws and regulations and that parental responsibilities related to such education and training are established within the provisions of such applicable laws and regulations. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to relieve any local education authority of its obligation under law to provide a free and appropriate education to every child.

(7)  RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF CLIENT RECORDS.--

(a)  The records of service providers which pertain to the identity, diagnosis, and prognosis of and service provision to any individual client are confidential in accordance with this chapter and with applicable federal confidentiality regulations and are exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. Such records may not be disclosed without the written consent of the client to whom they pertain except that appropriate disclosure may be made without such consent:

1.  To medical personnel in a medical emergency.

2.  To service provider personnel if such personnel need to know the information in order to carry out duties relating to the provision of services to a client.

3.  To the secretary of the department or the secretary's designee, for purposes of scientific research, in accordance with federal confidentiality regulations, but only upon agreement in writing that the client's name and other identifying information will not be disclosed.

4.  In the course of review of records on service provider premises by persons who are performing an audit or evaluation on behalf of any federal, state, or local government agency, or third-party payor providing financial assistance or reimbursement to the service provider; however, reports produced as a result of such audit or evaluation may not disclose client names or other identifying information and must be in accord with federal confidentiality regulations.

5.  Upon court order based on application showing good cause for disclosure. In determining whether there is good cause for disclosure, the court shall examine whether the public interest and the need for disclosure outweigh the potential injury to the client, to the service provider-client relationship, and to the service provider itself.

(b)  The restrictions on disclosure and use in this section do not apply to communications from provider personnel to law enforcement officers which:

1.  Are directly related to a client's commission of a crime on the premises of the provider or against provider personnel or to a threat to commit such a crime; and

2.  Are limited to the circumstances of the incident, including the client status of the individual committing or threatening to commit the crime, that individual's name and address, and that individual's last known whereabouts.

(c)  The restrictions on disclosure and use in this section do not apply to the reporting of incidents of suspected child abuse and neglect to the appropriate state or local authorities as required by law. However, such restrictions continue to apply to the original substance abuse client records maintained by the provider, including their disclosure and use for civil or criminal proceedings which may arise out of the report of suspected child abuse and neglect.

(d)  Any answer to a request for a disclosure of client records which is not permissible under this section or under the appropriate federal regulations must be made in a way that will not affirmatively reveal that an identified individual has been, or is being diagnosed or treated for substance abuse. The regulations do not restrict a disclosure that an identified individual is not and never has been a client.

(e)1.  Since a minor acting alone has the legal capacity to voluntarily apply for and obtain substance abuse treatment, any written consent for disclosure may be given only by the minor client. This restriction includes, but is not limited to, any disclosure of client identifying information to the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a minor client for the purpose of obtaining financial reimbursement.

2.  When the consent of a parent, legal guardian, or custodian is required under this chapter in order for a minor to obtain substance abuse treatment, any written consent for disclosure must be given by both the minor and the parent, legal guardian, or custodian.

(f)  An order of a court of competent jurisdiction authorizing disclosure and use of confidential information is a unique kind of court order. Its only purpose is to authorize a disclosure or use of client identifying information which would otherwise be prohibited by this section. Such an order does not compel disclosure. A subpoena or a similar legal mandate must be issued in order to compel disclosure. This mandate may be entered at the same time as, and accompany, an authorizing court order entered under this section.

(g)  An order authorizing the disclosure of client records may be applied for by any person having a legally recognized interest in the disclosure which is sought. The application may be filed separately or as part of a pending civil action in which it appears that the client records are needed to provide evidence. An application must use a fictitious name, such as John Doe or Jane Doe, to refer to any client and may not contain or otherwise disclose any client identifying information unless the client is the applicant or has given a written consent to disclosure or the court has ordered the record of the proceeding sealed from public scrutiny.

(h)  The client and the person holding the records from whom disclosure is sought must be given adequate notice in a manner which will not disclose client identifying information to other persons, and an opportunity to file a written response to the application, or to appear in person, for the limited purpose of providing evidence on the statutory and regulatory criteria for the issuance of the court order.

(i)  Any oral argument, review of evidence, or hearing on the application must be held in the judge's chambers or in some manner which ensures that client identifying information is not disclosed to anyone other than a party to the proceeding, the client, or the person holding the record, unless the client requests an open hearing. The proceeding may include an examination by the judge of the client records referred to in the application.

(j)  A court may authorize the disclosure and use of client records for the purpose of conducting a criminal investigation or prosecution of a client only if the court finds that all of the following criteria are met:

1.  The crime involved is extremely serious, such as one which causes or directly threatens loss of life or serious bodily injury, including but not limited to homicide, sexual assault, sexual battery, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and child abuse and neglect.

2.  There is reasonable likelihood that the records will disclose information of substantial value in the investigation or prosecution.

3.  Other ways of obtaining the information are not available or would not be effective.

4.  The potential injury to the client, to the physician-client relationship and to the ability of the program to provide services to other clients is outweighed by the public interest and the need for the disclosure.

(8)  RIGHT TO COUNSEL.--Each client must be informed that he or she has the right to be represented by counsel in any involuntary proceeding for assessment, stabilization, or treatment and that he or she, or if the client is a minor his or her parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian, may apply immediately to the court to have an attorney appointed if he or she cannot afford one.

(9)  RIGHT TO HABEAS CORPUS.--At any time, and without notice, a client involuntarily retained by a provider, or the client's parent, guardian, custodian, or attorney on behalf of the client, may petition for a writ of habeas corpus to question the cause and legality of such retention and request that the court issue a writ for the client's release.

(10)  LIABILITY AND IMMUNITY.--

(a)  Service provider personnel who violate or abuse any right or privilege of a client under this chapter are liable for damages as determined by law.

(b)  All persons acting in good faith, reasonably, and without negligence in connection with the preparation or execution of petitions, applications, certificates, or other documents or the apprehension, detention, discharge, examination, transportation, or treatment of a person under the provisions of this chapter shall be free from all liability, civil or criminal, by reason of such acts.

History.--s. 4, ch. 93-39; s. 736, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 95-407; s. 223, ch. 96-406; s. 2, ch. 98-107.

397.581  Unlawful activities relating to client assessment and treatment; penalties.--

(1)  Knowingly furnishing false information for the purpose of obtaining emergency or other involuntary admission for any person is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 and by a fine not exceeding $5,000.

(2)  Causing or otherwise securing, or conspiring with or assisting another to cause or secure, without reason for believing a person to be impaired, any emergency or other involuntary procedure for the person is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 and by a fine not exceeding $5,000.

(3)  Causing, or conspiring with or assisting another to cause, the denial to any person of any right accorded pursuant to this chapter is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 and by a fine not exceeding $5,000.

History.--s. 4, ch. 93-39.

397.601  Voluntary admissions.

397.601  Voluntary admissions.--

(1)  A person who wishes to enter treatment for substance abuse may apply to a service provider for voluntary admission.

(2)  Within the financial and space capabilities of the service provider, a person must be admitted to treatment when sufficient evidence exists that the person is impaired by substance abuse and the medical and behavioral conditions of the person are not beyond the safe management capabilities of the service provider.

(3)  The service provider must emphasize admission to the service component that represents the least restrictive setting that is appropriate to the person's treatment needs.

(4)(a)  The disability of minority for persons under 18 years of age is removed solely for the purpose of obtaining voluntary substance abuse impairment services from a licensed service provider, and consent to such services by a minor has the same force and effect as if executed by a client who has reached the age of majority. Such consent is not subject to later disaffirmance based on minority.

(b)  Except for purposes of law enforcement activities in connection with protective custody, the disability of minority is not removed if there is an involuntary admission for substance abuse services, in which case parental participation may be required as the court finds appropriate.

History.--s. 5, ch. 93-39.

397.675  Criteria for involuntary admissions, including protective custody, emergency admission, and other involuntary assessment, involuntary treatment, and alternative involuntary assessment for minors, for purposes of assessment and stabilization, and for involuntary treatment.

397.6751  Service provider responsibilities regarding involuntary admissions.

397.6752  Referral of involuntarily admitted client for voluntary treatment.

397.6758  Release of client from protective custody, emergency admission, involuntary assessment, involuntary treatment, and alternative involuntary assessment of a minor.

397.6759  Parental participation in treatment.

397.675  Criteria for involuntary admissions, including protective custody, emergency admission, and other involuntary assessment, involuntary treatment, and alternative involuntary assessment for minors, for purposes of assessment and stabilization, and for involuntary treatment.--A person meets the criteria for involuntary admission if there is good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired and, because of such impairment:

(1)  Has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use; and either

(2)(a)  Has inflicted, or threatened or attempted to inflict, or unless admitted is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself or herself or another; or

(b)  Is in need of substance abuse services and, by reason of substance abuse impairment, his or her judgment has been so impaired that the person is incapable of appreciating his or her need for such services and of making a rational decision in regard thereto; however, mere refusal to receive such services does not constitute evidence of lack of judgment with respect to his or her need for such services.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 737, ch. 95-148.

397.6751  Service provider responsibilities regarding involuntary admissions.--

(1)  It is the responsibility of the service provider to:

(a)  Ensure that a person who is admitted to a licensed service component meets the admission criteria specified in s. 397.675;

(b)  Ascertain whether the medical and behavioral conditions of the person, as presented, are beyond the safe management capabilities of the service provider;

(c)  Provide for the admission of the person to the service component that represents the least restrictive available setting that is responsive to the person's treatment needs;

(d)  Verify that the admission of the person to the service component does not result in a census in excess of its licensed service capacity;

(e)  Determine whether the cost of services is within the financial means of the person or those who are financially responsible for the person's care; and

(f)  Take all necessary measures to ensure that each client in treatment is provided with a safe environment, and to ensure that each client whose medical condition or behavioral problem becomes such that he or she cannot be safely managed by the service component is discharged and referred to a more appropriate setting for care.

(2)(a)  When, in the judgment of the service provider, the person who is being presented for involuntary admission should not be admitted because of his or her failure to meet admission criteria, because his or her medical or behavioral conditions are beyond the safe management capabilities of the service provider, or because of a lack of available space, services, or financial resources to pay for his or her care, the service provider, in accordance with federal confidentiality regulations, must attempt to contact the referral source, which may be a law enforcement officer, physician, parent, legal guardian if applicable, court and petitioner, or other referring party, to discuss the circumstances and assist in arranging for alternative interventions.

(b)  When the service provider is unable to reach the referral source, the service provider must refuse admission and attempt to assist the person in gaining access to other appropriate services, if indicated.

(c)  Upon completing these efforts, the service provider must, within one workday, report in writing to the referral sources, in compliance with federal confidentiality regulations:

1.  The basis for the refusal to admit the person, and

2.  Documentation of the service provider's efforts to contact the referral source and assist the person, when indicated, in gaining access to more appropriate services.

(3)  When, in the judgment of the service provider, the medical conditions or behavioral problems of an involuntary client become such that they cannot be safely managed by the service component, the service provider must discharge the client and attempt to assist him or her in securing more appropriate services in a setting more responsive to his or her needs. Upon completing these efforts, the service provider must, within 72 hours, report in writing to the referral source, in compliance with federal confidentiality regulations:

(a)  The basis for the client's discharge, and

(b)  Documentation of the service provider's efforts to assist the person in gaining access to appropriate services.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 738, ch. 95-148.

397.6752  Referral of involuntarily admitted client for voluntary treatment.--Upon giving his or her written informed consent, an involuntarily admitted client may be referred to a service provider for voluntary admission when the service provider determines that the client no longer meets involuntary criteria.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 739, ch. 95-148.

397.6758  Release of client from protective custody, emergency admission, involuntary assessment, involuntary treatment, and alternative involuntary assessment of a minor.--A client involuntarily admitted to a licensed service provider may be released without further order of the court only by a qualified professional in a hospital, a detoxification facility, an addictions receiving facility, or any less restrictive treatment component. Notice of the release must be provided to the applicant in the case of an emergency admission or an alternative involuntary assessment for a minor, or to the petitioner and the court if the involuntary assessment or treatment was court ordered. In the case of a minor client, the release must be:

(1)  To the client's parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian or the authorized designee thereof;

(2)  To the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to s. 39.401; or

(3)  To the Department of Juvenile Justice pursuant to s. 984.13.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 35, ch. 98-280.

397.6759  Parental participation in treatment.--A parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian who seeks involuntary admission of a minor pursuant to ss. 397.675-397.6977 is required to participate in all aspects of treatment as determined appropriate by the director of the licensed service provider.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.677  Protective custody; circumstances justifying.

397.6771  Protective custody with consent.

397.6772  Protective custody without consent.

397.6773  Dispositional alternatives after protective custody.

397.6774  Department to maintain lists of licensed facilities.

397.6775  Immunity from liability.

397.677  Protective custody; circumstances justifying.--A law enforcement officer may implement protective custody measures as specified in this part when a minor or an adult who appears to meet the involuntary admission criteria in s. 397.675 is:

(1)  Brought to the attention of law enforcement; or

(2)  In a public place.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6771  Protective custody with consent.--A person in circumstances which justify protective custody, as described in s. 397.677, may consent to be assisted by a law enforcement officer to his or her home, to a hospital, or to a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility, whichever the officer determines is most appropriate.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 740, ch. 95-148.

397.6772  Protective custody without consent.--

(1)  If a person in circumstances which justify protective custody as described in s. 397.677 fails or refuses to consent to assistance and a law enforcement officer has determined that a hospital or a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility is the most appropriate place for the person, the officer may, after giving due consideration to the expressed wishes of the person:

(a)  Take the person to a hospital or to a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility against the person's will but without using unreasonable force; or

(b)  In the case of an adult, detain the person for his or her own protection in any municipal or county jail or other appropriate detention facility.

Such detention is not to be considered an arrest for any purpose, and no entry or other record may be made to indicate that the person has been detained or charged with any crime. The officer in charge of the detention facility must notify the nearest appropriate licensed service provider within the first 8 hours after detention that the person has been detained. It is the duty of the detention facility to arrange, as necessary, for transportation of the person to an appropriate licensed service provider with an available bed. Persons taken into protective custody must be assessed by the attending physician within the 72-hour period and without unnecessary delay, to determine the need for further services.

(2)  The nearest relative of a minor in protective custody must be notified by the law enforcement officer, as must the nearest relative of an adult, unless the adult requests that there be no notification.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 741, ch. 95-148.

397.6773  Dispositional alternatives after protective custody.--

(1)  A client who is in protective custody must be released by a qualified professional when:

(a)  The client no longer meets the involuntary admission criteria in s. 397.675(1);

(b)  The 72-hour period has elapsed; or

(c)  The client has consented to remain voluntarily at the licensed service provider.

(2)  A client may only be retained in protective custody beyond the 72-hour period when a petition for involuntary assessment or treatment has been initiated. The timely filing of the petition authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the client pending further order of the court.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 742, ch. 95-148.

397.6774  Department to maintain lists of licensed facilities.--The department shall provide each municipal and county public safety office with a list of licensed hospitals, detoxification facilities, and addictions receiving facilities, including the name, address, and phone number of, and the services offered by, the licensed service provider.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6775  Immunity from liability.--A law enforcement officer acting in good faith pursuant to this part may not be held criminally or civilly liable for false imprisonment.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.679  Emergency admission; circumstances justifying.

397.6791  Emergency admission; persons who may initiate.

397.6793  Physician's certificate for emergency admission.

397.6795  Transportation-assisted delivery of persons for emergency assessment.

397.6797  Dispositional alternatives after emergency admission.

397.679  Emergency admission; circumstances justifying.--A person who meets the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675 may be admitted to a hospital or to a licensed detoxification facility or addictions receiving facility for emergency assessment and stabilization, or to a less intensive component of a licensed service provider for assessment only, upon receipt by the facility of the physician's certificate and the completion of an application for emergency admission.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6791  Emergency admission; persons who may initiate.--The following persons may request an emergency admission:

(1)  In the case of an adult, the certifying physician, the person's spouse or guardian, any relative of the person, or any other responsible adult who has personal knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment.

(2)  In the case of a minor, the minor's parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6793  Physician's certificate for emergency admission.--

(1)  The physician's certificate must include the name of the person to be admitted, the relationship between the person and the physician, the relationship between the applicant and the physician, any relationship between the physician and the licensed service provider, and a statement that the person has been examined and assessed within 5 days of the application date, and must include factual allegations with respect to the need for emergency admission, including:

(a)  The reason for the physician's belief that the person is substance abuse impaired; and

(b)  The reason for the physician's belief that because of such impairment the person has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse; and either

(c)1.  The reason the physician believes that the person has inflicted or is likely to inflict physical harm on himself or herself or others unless admitted; or

2.  The reason the physician believes that the person's refusal to voluntarily receive care is based on judgment so impaired by reason of substance abuse that the person is incapable of appreciating his or her need for care and of making a rational decision regarding his or her need for care.

(2)  The physician's certificate must recommend the least restrictive type of service that is appropriate for the person. The certificate must be signed by the physician.

(3)  A signed copy of the physician's certificate shall accompany the person, and shall be made a part of the person's clinical record, together with a signed copy of the application. The application and physician's certificate authorize the involuntary admission of the person pursuant to, and subject to the provisions of ss. 397.679-397.6797.

(4)  The physician's certificate must indicate whether the person requires transportation assistance for delivery for emergency admission and specify, pursuant to s. 397.6795, the type of transportation assistance necessary.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 743, ch. 95-148.

397.6795  Transportation-assisted delivery of persons for emergency assessment.--An applicant for a person's emergency admission, or the person's spouse or guardian, a law enforcement officer, or a health officer may deliver a person named in the physician's certificate for emergency admission to a hospital or a licensed detoxification facility or addictions receiving facility for emergency assessment and stabilization.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6797  Dispositional alternatives after emergency admission.--Within 72 hours after an emergency admission to a hospital or a licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility, the client must be assessed by the attending physician to determine the need for further services. Within 5 days after an emergency admission to a nonresidential component of a licensed service provider, the client must be assessed by a qualified professional to determine the need for further services. Based upon that assessment, a qualified professional of the hospital, detoxification facility, or addictions receiving facility, or a qualified professional if a less restrictive component was used, must either:

(1)  Release the client and, where appropriate, refer the client to other needed services; or

(2)  Retain the client when:

(a)  The client has consented to remain voluntarily at the licensed provider; or

(b)  A petition for involuntary assessment or treatment has been initiated, the timely filing of which authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the client pending further order of the court.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6798  Alternative involuntary assessment procedure for minors.

397.6799  Disposition of minor client upon completion of alternative involuntary assessment.

397.6798  Alternative involuntary assessment procedure for minors.--

(1)  In addition to protective custody, emergency admission, and involuntary assessment and stabilization, an addictions receiving facility may admit a minor for involuntary assessment and stabilization upon the filing of an application to an addictions receiving facility by the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian. The application must establish the need for involuntary assessment and stabilization based on the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675. Within 72 hours after involuntary admission of a minor, the minor must be assessed to determine the need for further services. Assessments must be performed by a qualified professional. If, after the 72-hour period, it is determined by the attending physician that further services are necessary, the minor may be kept for a period of up to 5 days, inclusive of the 72-hour period.

(2)  An application for alternative involuntary assessment for a minor must establish the need for immediate involuntary admission and contain the name of the minor to be admitted, the name and signature of the applicant, the relationship between the minor to be admitted and the applicant, and factual allegations with respect to:

(a)  The reason for the applicant's belief that the minor is substance abuse impaired; and

(b)  The reason for the applicant's belief that because of such impairment the minor has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse; and either

(c)1.  The reason the applicant believes that the minor has inflicted or is likely to inflict physical harm on himself or herself or others unless admitted; or

2.  The reason the applicant believes that the minor's refusal to voluntarily receive substance abuse services is based on judgment so impaired by reason of substance abuse that he or she is incapable of appreciating his or her need for such services and of making a rational decision regarding his or her need for services.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 744, ch. 95-148.

397.6799  Disposition of minor client upon completion of alternative involuntary assessment.--A minor who has been assessed pursuant to s. 397.6798 must, within the time specified, be released or referred for further voluntary or involuntary treatment, whichever is most appropriate to the needs of the minor.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.681  Involuntary petitions; general provisions; court jurisdiction and right to counsel.

397.681  Involuntary petitions; general provisions; court jurisdiction and right to counsel.--

(1)  JURISDICTION.--The courts have jurisdiction of involuntary assessment and stabilization petitions and involuntary treatment petitions for substance abuse impaired persons, and such petitions must be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located. The chief judge may appoint a general or special master to preside over all or part of the proceedings. The alleged impaired person is named as the respondent.

(2)  RIGHT TO COUNSEL.--A respondent has the right to counsel at every stage of a proceeding relating to a petition for his or her involuntary assessment and a petition for his or her involuntary treatment for substance abuse impairment. A respondent who desires counsel and is unable to afford private counsel has the right to court-appointed counsel and to the benefits of s. 57.081. If the court believes that the respondent needs the assistance of counsel, the court shall appoint such counsel for the respondent without regard to the respondent's wishes. If the respondent is a minor not otherwise represented in the proceeding, the court shall immediately appoint a guardian ad litem to act on the minor's behalf.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 745, ch. 95-148.

397.6811  Involuntary assessment and stabilization.

397.6814  Involuntary assessment and stabilization; contents of petition.

397.6815  Involuntary assessment and stabilization; procedure.

397.6818  Court determination.

397.6819  Involuntary assessment and stabilization; responsibility of licensed service provider.

397.6821  Extension of time for completion of involuntary assessment and stabilization.

397.6822  Disposition of client after involuntary assessment.

397.6811  Involuntary assessment and stabilization.--A person determined by the court to appear to meet the criteria for involuntary admission under s. 397.675 may be admitted for a period of 5 days to a hospital or to a licensed detoxification facility or addictions receiving facility, for involuntary assessment and stabilization or to a less restrictive component of a licensed service provider for assessment only upon entry of a court order or upon receipt by the licensed service provider of a petition. Involuntary assessment and stabilization may be initiated by the submission of a petition to the court.

(1)  If the person upon whose behalf the petition is being filed is an adult, a petition for involuntary assessment and stabilization may be filed by the respondent's spouse or guardian, any relative, a private practitioner, the director of a licensed service provider or the director's designee, or any three adults who have personal knowledge of the respondent's substance abuse impairment.

(2)  If the person upon whose behalf the petition is being filed is a minor, a petition for involuntary assessment and stabilization may be filed by a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or licensed service provider.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 746, ch. 95-148.

397.6814  Involuntary assessment and stabilization; contents of petition.--A petition for involuntary assessment and stabilization must contain the name of the respondent; the name of the applicant or applicants; the relationship between the respondent and the applicant; the name of the respondent's attorney, if known, and a statement of the respondent's ability to afford an attorney; and must state facts to support the need for involuntary assessment and stabilization, including:

(1)  The reason for the petitioner's belief that the respondent is substance abuse impaired; and

(2)  The reason for the petitioner's belief that because of such impairment the respondent has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse; and either

(3)(a)  The reason the petitioner believes that the respondent has inflicted or is likely to inflict physical harm on himself or herself or others unless admitted; or

(b)  The reason the petitioner believes that the respondent's refusal to voluntarily receive care is based on judgment so impaired by reason of substance abuse that the respondent is incapable of appreciating his or her need for care and of making a rational decision regarding that need for care. If the respondent has refused to submit to an assessment, such refusal must be alleged in the petition.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 747, ch. 95-148.

397.6815  Involuntary assessment and stabilization; procedure.--Upon receipt and filing of the petition for the involuntary assessment and stabilization of a substance abuse impaired person by the clerk of the court, the court shall ascertain whether the respondent is represented by an attorney, and if not, whether, on the basis of the petition, an attorney should be appointed; and shall:

(1)  Provide a copy of the petition and notice of hearing to the respondent; the respondent's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, in the case of a minor; the respondent's attorney, if known; the petitioner; the respondent's spouse or guardian, if applicable; and such other persons as the court may direct, and have such petition and notice personally delivered to the respondent if he or she is a minor. The court shall also issue a summons to the person whose admission is sought and conduct a hearing within 10 days; or

(2)  Without the appointment of an attorney and, relying solely on the contents of the petition, enter an ex parte order authorizing the involuntary assessment and stabilization of the respondent. The court may order a law enforcement officer or other designated agent of the court to take the respondent into custody and deliver him or her to the nearest appropriate licensed service provider.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 748, ch. 95-148.

397.6818  Court determination.--At the hearing initiated in accordance with s. 397.6811(1), the court shall hear all relevant testimony. The respondent must be present unless the court has reason to believe that his or her presence is likely to be injurious to him or her, in which event the court shall appoint a guardian advocate to represent the respondent. The respondent has the right to examination by a court-appointed qualified professional. After hearing all the evidence, the court shall determine whether there is a reasonable basis to believe the respondent meets the involuntary admission criteria of s. 397.675.

(1)  Based on its determination, the court shall either dismiss the petition or immediately enter an order authorizing the involuntary assessment and stabilization of the respondent; or, if in the course of the hearing the court has reason to believe that the respondent, due to mental illness other than or in addition to substance abuse impairment, is likely to injure himself or herself or another if allowed to remain at liberty, the court may initiate involuntary proceedings under the provisions of part I of chapter 394.

(2)  If the court enters an order authorizing involuntary assessment and stabilization, the order shall include the court's findings with respect to the availability and appropriateness of the least restrictive alternatives and the need for the appointment of an attorney to represent the respondent, and may designate the specific licensed service provider to perform the involuntary assessment and stabilization of the respondent. The respondent may choose the licensed service provider to deliver the involuntary assessment where possible and appropriate.

(3)  If the court finds it necessary, it may order the sheriff to take the respondent into custody and deliver him or her to the licensed service provider specified in the court order or, if none is specified, to the nearest appropriate licensed service provider for involuntary assessment.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 749, ch. 95-148.

397.6819  Involuntary assessment and stabilization; responsibility of licensed service provider.--A licensed service provider may admit a client for involuntary assessment and stabilization for a period not to exceed 5 days. The client must be assessed without unnecessary delay by a qualified professional. If an assessment is performed by a qualified professional who is not a physician, the assessment must be reviewed by a physician prior to the end of the assessment period.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6821  Extension of time for completion of involuntary assessment and stabilization.--If a licensed service provider is unable to complete the involuntary assessment and, if necessary, stabilization of a client within 5 days after the court's order, it may, within the original time period, file a written request for an extension of time to complete its assessment, and shall, in accordance with confidentiality requirements, furnish a copy to all parties. With or without a hearing, the court may grant additional time, not to exceed 7 days after the date of the renewal order, for the completion of the involuntary assessment and stabilization of the client. The original court order authorizing the involuntary assessment and stabilization, or a request for an extension of time to complete the assessment and stabilization that is timely filed pursuant to this section, constitutes legal authority to involuntarily hold the client for a period not to exceed 10 days in the absence of a court order to the contrary.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6822  Disposition of client after involuntary assessment.--Based upon the involuntary assessment, a qualified professional of the hospital, detoxification facility, or addictions receiving facility, or a qualified professional when a less restrictive component has been used, must:

(1)  Release the client and, where appropriate, refer the client to another treatment facility or service provider, or to community services;

(2)  Allow the client, if the client has consented, to remain voluntarily at the licensed provider; or

(3)  Retain the client when a petition for involuntary treatment has been initiated, the timely filing of which authorizes the service provider to retain physical custody of the client pending further order of the court.

Adhering to federal confidentiality regulations, notice of disposition must be provided to the petitioner and to the court.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.693  Involuntary treatment.

397.695  Involuntary treatment; persons who may petition.

397.6951  Contents of petition for involuntary treatment.

397.6955  Duties of court upon filing of petition for involuntary treatment.

397.6957  Hearing on petition for involuntary treatment.

397.697  Court determination; effect of court order for involuntary substance abuse treatment.

397.6971  Early release from involuntary substance abuse treatment.

397.6975  Extension of involuntary substance abuse treatment period.

397.6977  Disposition of client upon completion of involuntary substance abuse treatment.

397.693  Involuntary treatment.--A person may be the subject of a petition for court-ordered involuntary treatment pursuant to this part, if that person meets the criteria for involuntary admission provided in s. 397.675 and:

(1)  Has been placed under protective custody pursuant to s. 397.677 within the previous 10 days;

(2)  Has been subject to an emergency admission pursuant to s. 397.679 within the previous 10 days;

(3)  Has been assessed by a qualified professional within 5 days;

(4)  Has been subject to involuntary assessment and stabilization pursuant to s. 397.6818 within the previous 12 days; or

(5)  Has been subject to alternative involuntary admission pursuant to s. 397.6822 within the previous 12 days.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.695  Involuntary treatment; persons who may petition.--

(1)  If the respondent is an adult, a petition for involuntary treatment may be filed by the respondent's spouse or guardian, any relative, a service provider, or any three adults who have personal knowledge of the respondent's substance abuse impairment and his or her prior course of assessment and treatment.

(2)  If the respondent is a minor, a petition for involuntary treatment may be filed by a parent, legal guardian, or service provider.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 750, ch. 95-148.

397.6951  Contents of petition for involuntary treatment.--A petition for involuntary treatment must contain the name of the respondent to be admitted; the name of the petitioner or petitioners; the relationship between the respondent and the petitioner; the name of the respondent's attorney, if known, and a statement of the petitioner's knowledge of the respondent's ability to afford an attorney; the findings and recommendations of the assessment performed by the qualified professional; and the factual allegations presented by the petitioner establishing the need for involuntary treatment, including:

(1)  The reason for the petitioner's belief that the respondent is substance abuse impaired; and

(2)  The reason for the petitioner's belief that because of such impairment the respondent has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse; and either

(3)(a)  The reason the petitioner believes that the respondent has inflicted or is likely to inflict physical harm on himself or herself or others unless admitted; or

(b)  The reason the petitioner believes that the respondent's refusal to voluntarily receive care is based on judgment so impaired by reason of substance abuse that the respondent is incapable of appreciating his or her need for care and of making a rational decision regarding that need for care.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 751, ch. 95-148.

397.6955  Duties of court upon filing of petition for involuntary treatment.--Upon the filing of a petition for the involuntary treatment of a substance abuse impaired person with the clerk of the court, the court shall immediately determine whether the respondent is represented by an attorney or whether the appointment of counsel for the respondent is appropriate. The court shall schedule a hearing to be held on the petition within 10 days. A copy of the petition and notice of the hearing must be provided to the respondent; the respondent's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, in the case of a minor; the respondent's attorney, if known; the petitioner; the respondent's spouse or guardian, if applicable; and such other persons as the court may direct, and have such petition and order personally delivered to the respondent if he or she is a minor. The court shall also issue a summons to the person whose admission is sought.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 752, ch. 95-148.

397.6957  Hearing on petition for involuntary treatment.--

(1)  At a hearing on a petition for involuntary treatment, the court shall hear and review all relevant evidence, including the review of results of the assessment completed by the qualified professional in connection with the respondent's protective custody, emergency admission, involuntary assessment, or alternative involuntary admission. The respondent must be present unless the court finds that his or her presence is likely to be injurious to himself or herself or others, in which event the court must appoint a guardian advocate to act in behalf of the respondent throughout the proceedings.

(2)  The petitioner has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence:

(a)  The respondent is substance abuse impaired, and

(b)  Because of such impairment the respondent has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse; and either

1.  The respondent has inflicted or is likely to inflict physical harm on himself or herself or others unless admitted; or

2.  The respondent's refusal to voluntarily receive care is based on judgment so impaired by reason of substance abuse that the respondent is incapable of appreciating his or her need for care and of making a rational decision regarding that need for care.

(3)  At the conclusion of the hearing the court shall either dismiss the petition or order the respondent to undergo involuntary substance abuse treatment, with the respondent's chosen licensed service provider to deliver the involuntary substance abuse treatment where possible and appropriate.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 753, ch. 95-148.

397.697  Court determination; effect of court order for involuntary substance abuse treatment.--

(1)  When the court finds that the conditions for involuntary substance abuse treatment have been proved by clear and convincing evidence, it may order the respondent to undergo involuntary treatment by a licensed service provider for a period not to exceed 60 days. If the court finds it necessary, it may direct the sheriff to take the respondent into custody and deliver him or her to the licensed service provider specified in the court order, or to the nearest appropriate licensed service provider, for involuntary treatment. When the conditions justifying involuntary treatment no longer exist, the client must be released as provided in s. 397.6971. When the conditions justifying involuntary treatment are expected to exist after 60 days of treatment, a renewal of the involuntary treatment order may be requested pursuant to s. 397.6975 prior to the end of the 60-day period.

(2)  In all cases resulting in an order for involuntary substance abuse treatment, the court shall retain jurisdiction over the case and the parties for the entry of such further orders as the circumstances may require. The court's requirements for notification of proposed release must be included in the original treatment order.

(3)  An involuntary treatment order authorizes the licensed service provider to require the client to undergo such treatment as will benefit him or her, including treatment at any licensable service component of a licensed service provider.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 754, ch. 95-148.

397.6971  Early release from involuntary substance abuse treatment.--

(1)  At any time prior to the end of the 60-day involuntary treatment period, or prior to the end of any extension granted pursuant to s. 397.6975, a client admitted for involuntary treatment may be determined eligible for discharge to the most appropriate referral or disposition for the client when:

(a)  The client no longer meets the criteria for involuntary admission and has given his or her informed consent to be transferred to voluntary treatment status;

(b)  If the client was admitted on the grounds of likelihood of infliction of physical harm upon himself or herself or others, such likelihood no longer exists; or

(c)  If the client was admitted on the grounds of need for assessment and stabilization or treatment, accompanied by inability to make a determination respecting such need, either:

1.  Such inability no longer exists; or

2.  It is evident that further treatment will not bring about further significant improvements in the client's condition;

(d)  The client is no longer in need of services; or

(e)  The director of the service provider determines that the client is beyond the safe management capabilities of the provider.

(2)  Whenever a qualified professional determines that a client admitted for involuntary treatment is ready for early release for any of the reasons listed in subsection (1), the service provider shall immediately discharge the client, and must notify all persons specified by the court in the original treatment order.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 755, ch. 95-148.

397.6975  Extension of involuntary substance abuse treatment period.--

(1)  Whenever a service provider believes that a client who is nearing the scheduled date of release from involuntary treatment continues to meet the criteria for involuntary treatment in s. 397.693, a petition for renewal of the involuntary treatment order may be filed with the court at least 10 days prior to the expiration of the court-ordered treatment period. The court shall immediately schedule a hearing to be held not more than 15 days after filing of the petition. The court shall provide the copy of the petition for renewal and the notice of the hearing to all parties to the proceeding. The hearing is conducted pursuant to s. 397.6957.

(2)  If the court finds that the petition for renewal of the involuntary treatment order should be granted, it may order the respondent to undergo involuntary treatment for a period not to exceed an additional 90 days. When the conditions justifying involuntary treatment no longer exist, the client must be released as provided in s. 397.6971. When the conditions justifying involuntary treatment continue to exist after 90 days of additional treatment, a new petition requesting renewal of the involuntary treatment order may be filed pursuant to this section.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.6977  Disposition of client upon completion of involuntary substance abuse treatment.--At the conclusion of the 60-day period of court-ordered involuntary treatment, the client is automatically discharged unless a motion for renewal of the involuntary treatment order has been filed with the court pursuant to s. 397.6975.

History.--s. 6, ch. 93-39.

397.701  Local ordinances affecting impairment and public impairment offenses forbidden.

397.702  Authorization of local ordinances for treatment of habitual abusers in licensed secure facilities.

397.701  Local ordinances affecting impairment and public impairment offenses forbidden.--A county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state may not, except pursuant to the provisions of s. 397.702, adopt a local law, ordinance, resolution, or regulation having the force of law which provides that impairment in public in and of itself, or being found in enumerated places in an impaired condition, is an offense, a violation, or the subject of civil or criminal sanctions or penalties of any kind. This section does not affect offenses involving the operation of motor vehicles, machinery, or other hazardous equipment.

History.--s. 7, ch. 93-39.

397.702  Authorization of local ordinances for treatment of habitual abusers in licensed secure facilities.--

(1)  Due to the severity in certain areas of the state of chronic and habitual public impairment which infringes upon the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens, counties and municipalities are authorized to adopt ordinances in strict compliance with this section, notwithstanding the provisions of s. 397.701.

(2)  Ordinances for the treatment of habitual abusers must provide:

(a)  For the construction and funding, either individually or jointly with other counties or municipalities, of a licensed secure facility to be used exclusively for the treatment of habitual abusers who meet the criteria in paragraph (b).

(b)  That when seeking treatment of a habitual abuser, the county or municipality, through an officer or agent specified in the ordinance, must file with the court a petition which alleges the following information about the alleged habitual abuser (the respondent):

1.  The name, address, age, and gender of the respondent.

2.  The name of any spouse, adult child, other relative, or guardian of the respondent, if known to the petitioner, and the efforts by the petitioner, if any, to ascertain this information.

3.  The name of the petitioner, the name of the person who has physical custody of the respondent, and the current location of the respondent.

4.  That the respondent has been taken into custody for impairment in a public place, or has been arrested for an offense committed while impaired, three or more times during the preceding 12 months.

5.  Specific facts indicating that the respondent meets the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675.

6.  Whether the respondent was advised of his or her right to be represented by counsel and to request that the court appoint an attorney if he or she is unable to afford one, and whether the respondent indicated to petitioner his or her desire to have an attorney appointed.

(c)  That the court with jurisdiction to make the determination authorized by this section shall hear the petition on an emergency basis as soon as practicable but not later than 10 days after the date the petition was filed. If the allegations of the petition indicate that the respondent has requested the appointment of an attorney, or otherwise indicate the absence of any competent person to speak at the hearing on behalf of the respondent, the court shall immediately appoint an attorney to represent the respondent pursuant to s. 397.501(8), and shall provide notice of the hearing to the attorney. When the court sets a hearing date the petitioner shall provide notice of the hearing and a copy of the petition to all of the persons named in the petition pursuant to subparagraph (b)2., and to such other persons as may be ordered by the court to receive notice.

(d)  That, upon the court's determination that the allegations of the petition as stated in paragraph (b) are established, the respondent is a habitual abuser and must be detained at the licensed secure facility for a period of up to 90 days as determined by the court for the purpose of participating in a treatment program.

(e)  That, if the client still meets the criteria for involuntary admission in s. 397.675 at or near the expiration of the treatment period ordered by the court pursuant to paragraph (d), the agent of the county or municipality may file another habitual abuser petition pursuant to paragraph (b) for a period not exceeding 180 days for each such petition.

(f)  That a person who is reasonably suspected of meeting the criteria in paragraph (b) may be detained at a licensed service provider or at a licensed secure facility for a period not exceeding 96 hours for purposes of the preparation and filing of the petition.

(3)  When a petition is filed under an ordinance authorized by this section, alleging a reasonable suspicion that the respondent meets the criteria in paragraph (2)(b), the department and any licensed service provider director with relevant information must, upon the court's request and in accordance with federal confidentiality regulations, furnish the court with all information necessary to determine the accuracy of the allegations.

(4)  This section does not affect the operation under contract of any licensed secure correctional facility or licensed service provider at a secure correctional facility which is not operating pursuant to an ordinance adopted under authorization of this section.

History.--s. 7, ch. 93-39; s. 756, ch. 95-148.

397.705  Referral of substance abuse impaired offenders to service providers.

397.706  Screening, assessment, and disposition of juvenile offenders.

397.705  Referral of substance abuse impaired offenders to service providers.--

(1)  AUTHORITY TO REFER.--If any offender, including but not limited to any minor, is charged with or convicted of a crime, the court or criminal justice authority with jurisdiction over that offender may require the offender to receive services from a service provider licensed under this chapter. If referred by the court, the referral shall be in addition to final adjudication, imposition of penalty or sentence, or other action. The court may consult with or seek the assistance of a service provider concerning such a referral. Assignment to a service provider is contingent upon availability of space, budgetary considerations, and manageability of the offender.

(2)  REFERRAL AND TREATMENT.--

(a)  An order referring an offender under subsection (1) must be in writing and must be signed by the referral source. The order must specify the name of the offender, the name and address of the service provider to which the offender is referred, the date of the referral, the duration of the offender's sentence, and all conditions stipulated by the referral source. The total amount of time the offender is required to receive treatment may not exceed the maximum length of sentence possible for the offense with which the offender is charged or convicted. A copy of the order must be delivered to the service provider.

(b)  The director may refuse to admit any offender referred to the service provider under subsection (1). The director's refusal to admit the offender must be communicated immediately and in writing within 72 hours to the referral source, stating the basis for such refusal.

(c)  The director may, after consulting with the referral source, discharge any offender referred to the service provider under subsection (1) when, in the judgment of the director, the offender is beyond the safe management capabilities of the service provider. The director must orally communicate a decision to discharge an offender to the offender and to the referral source, immediately, and must communicate the decision in writing within 72 hours thereafter, stating the basis for the determination that the offender is beyond the safe management capabilities of the facility.

(d)  When an offender successfully completes treatment or when the time period during which the offender is required to receive treatment expires, the director shall communicate such fact to the referral source.

History.--s. 8, ch. 93-39; s. 38, ch. 97-194.

397.706  Screening, assessment, and disposition of juvenile offenders.--

(1)  The substance abuse treatment needs of juvenile offenders and their families must be identified and addressed through diversionary programs and adjudicatory proceedings pursuant to chapter 984 or chapter 985.

(2)  The juvenile and circuit courts, in conjunction with department district administration, shall establish policies and procedures to ensure that juvenile offenders are appropriately screened for substance abuse problems and that diversionary and adjudicatory proceedings include appropriate conditions and sanctions to address substance abuse problems. Policies and procedures must address:

(a)  The designation of local service providers responsible for screening and assessment services and dispositional recommendations to the department and the court.

(b)  The means by which juvenile offenders are processed to ensure participation in screening and assessment services.

(c)  The role of the court in securing assessments when juvenile offenders or their families are noncompliant.

(d)  Safeguards to ensure that information derived through screening and assessment is used solely to assist in dispositional decisions and not for purposes of determining innocence or guilt.

(3)  Because resources available to support screening and assessment services are limited, the judicial circuits and department district administration must develop those capabilities to the extent possible within available resources according to the following priorities:

(a)  Juvenile substance abuse offenders.

(b)  Juvenile offenders who are substance abuse impaired at the time of the offense.

(c)  Second or subsequent juvenile offenders.

(d)  Minors taken into custody.

(4)  The court may require juvenile offenders and their families to participate in substance abuse assessment and treatment services in accordance with the provisions of chapter 984 or chapter 985 and may use its contempt powers to enforce its orders.

History.--s. 8, ch. 93-39; s. 36, ch. 98-280.

397.752  Scope of part.

397.753  Definitions.

397.754  Duties and responsibilities of the Department of Corrections.

397.752  Scope of part.--An inmate's substance abuse service records are confidential in accordance with s. 397.501(7). No other provision of parts I-VII of this chapter applies to inmates except as indicated by the context or specified.

History.--s. 9, ch. 93-39.

397.753  Definitions.--As used in this part:

(1)  "Department" means the Department of Corrections.

(2)  "Inmate" means any person committed by a court of competent jurisdiction to the custody of the Department of Corrections, including transfers from federal and state agencies under the Interstate Corrections Compact.

(3)  "Inmate substance abuse services" means any service component as defined in s. 397.311 provided directly by the Department of Corrections and licensed and regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to s. 397.406, or provided through contractual arrangements with a service provider licensed pursuant to part II; or any self-help program or volunteer support group operating for inmates.

History.--s. 9, ch. 93-39; s. 108, ch. 99-8.

397.754  Duties and responsibilities of the Department of Corrections.--The Department of Corrections shall:

(1)  To the fullest extent possible provide inmates upon arrival at a Department of Corrections reception center for initial processing with an assessment of substance abuse service needs.

(2)  Provide inmates who are admitted to inmate substance abuse services with an individualized treatment plan which is developed on the basis of assessed need for services and which includes measurable goals and specifies the types of services needed to meet those goals.

(3)  To the fullest extent possible provide inmates with individualized services.

(4)  Develop and maintain systematic methods of research, evaluation, and monitoring of the appropriateness and quality of substance abuse programs.

(5)  Provide inmates who have participated in substance abuse programs within 1 month of the date of their final release from the correctional facility in which they are incarcerated with information regarding options for continuing substance abuse services in the community and with referrals for such services as appropriate or upon the inmate's request.

(6)  In cooperation with other agencies, actively seek to enhance resources for the provision of treatment services for inmates and to develop partnerships with other state agencies, including but not limited to the Departments of Children and Family Services, Education, Community Affairs, and Law Enforcement.

(7)  To the extent of available funding, provide training to employees whose duties involve the provision of inmate substance abuse services.

(8)  The department shall by rule set forth procedures with respect to individual dignity, nondiscriminatory services, quality services, communication for inmates who receive treatment for substance abuse, and confidentiality requirements in accordance with federal law.

History.--s. 9, ch. 93-39; s. 109, ch. 99-8.

397.801  Substance abuse impairment coordination.

397.811  Juvenile substance abuse impairment coordination; legislative findings and intent.

397.821  Juvenile substance abuse impairment prevention and early intervention councils.

397.801  Substance abuse impairment coordination.--

(1)  The Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Education, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Law Enforcement each shall appoint a policy level staff person to serve as the agency substance abuse impairment coordinator. The responsibilities of the agency coordinator include interagency and intraagency coordination, collection and dissemination of agency-specific data relating to substance abuse impairment, and participation in the development of the state comprehensive plan for substance abuse impairment.

(2)  The department shall establish, within each of its service districts, the full-time position of substance abuse impairment prevention coordinator, to be filled by a person with expertise in the area of substance abuse impairment. The primary responsibility of this person is to develop and implement activities which foster the prevention of substance abuse impairment.

History.--s. 10, ch. 93-39; s. 110, ch. 99-8; s. 5, ch. 99-187.

397.811  Juvenile substance abuse impairment coordination; legislative findings and intent.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes that a substance abuse impairment crisis is destroying our youth and is the underlying cause of many juveniles entering the juvenile justice system, and that substance abuse impairment contributes to the crime rate, the school dropout rate, youth suicide, teenage pregnancy, AIDS, and substance-exposed newborns. The economic cost of substance abuse impairment to the state drains existing resources, and the cost to victims, both economic and psychological, is traumatic and tragic. The Legislature also recognizes that substance abuse impairment is a community problem, a family problem, a societal problem, and a judicial problem and that there is a critical need to address this emergency immediately. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that scarce funds be invested in prevention and early intervention programs.

(2)  It is the intent of the Legislature to provide authority for the department to expand existing services to juveniles, to contract with community-based substance abuse service providers for the provision of specialized services, and to have prototype models developed prior to statewide implementation.

History.--s. 10, ch. 93-39; s. 5, ch. 99-187.

397.821  Juvenile substance abuse impairment prevention and early intervention councils.--

(1)  Each judicial circuit as set forth in s. 26.021 may establish a juvenile substance abuse impairment prevention and early intervention council composed of at least 12 members, including representatives from law enforcement, the department, school districts, state attorney and public defender offices, the circuit court, the religious community, substance abuse impairment professionals, child advocates from the community, business leaders, parents, and high school students. However, those circuits which already have in operation a council of similar composition may designate the existing body as the juvenile substance abuse impairment prevention and early intervention council for the purposes of this section. Each council shall establish bylaws providing for the length of term of its members, but the term may not exceed 4 years. The district administrator, as defined in s. 20.19, and the chief judge of the circuit court shall each appoint six members of the council. The district administrator shall appoint a representative from the department, a school district representative, a substance abuse impairment treatment professional, a child advocate, a parent, and a high school student. The chief judge of the circuit court shall appoint a business leader and representatives from the state attorney's office, the public defender's office, the religious community, the circuit court, and law enforcement agencies.

(2)  The purpose of each council is to identify the needs of its community in the area of juvenile substance abuse impairment prevention and early intervention. In order to carry out its responsibilities, the council shall assess the need for substance abuse impairment prevention and early intervention service providers, identify priorities for providers and services, propose methods of coordination of services to ensure effectiveness and avoid duplication and fragmentation, and develop recommendations to address the identified needs.

(3)  The council shall provide recommendations to the Program Director for Substance Abuse annually for consideration for inclusion in the district alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health plans.

History.--s. 10, ch. 93-39; s. 67, ch. 94-209; s. 4, ch. 99-187; s. 55, ch. 2000-139.

397.901  Prototype juvenile addictions receiving facilities.

397.92  Children's substance abuse services system; goals.

397.93  Children's substance abuse services; target populations.

397.94  Children's substance abuse services; information and referral network.

397.95  Children's substance abuse services; services provided by licensed providers.

397.951  Treatment and sanctions.

397.96  Case management for complex substance abuse cases.

397.97  Children's substance abuse services; demonstration models.

397.98  Children's substance abuse services; utilization management.

397.99  School substance abuse prevention partnership grants.

397.997  Prevention resources; Internet website.

397.998  Drug-free communities support match grants.

397.901  Prototype juvenile addictions receiving facilities.--

(1)  Prototype juvenile addictions receiving facilities may be designated to provide substance abuse impairment treatment services and community-based detoxification, stabilization, and short-term treatment and medical care to juveniles found to be impaired, in need of emergency treatment as a consequence of being impaired, or incapable of making an informed decision about their need for care.

(2)(a)  The department shall designate and initiate prototype juvenile addictions receiving facilities in geographic areas where the substance abuse impairment crisis places juveniles and their families at the greatest risk because of an unfavorable combination of social, environmental, and economic conditions which include such factors as poverty, a high crime rate, a high incidence of substance abuse impairment, and a high dropout rate. To receive funding under this section, a prospective service provider must demonstrate:

1.  Its capacity to administer and coordinate the programs and services in a comprehensive manner and render a flexible range of services.

2.  Its capacity to identify and serve those juveniles least able to access existing service providers and ancillary services.

3.  Its capacity to administer and coordinate the services in an intensive and continuous manner.

4.  The proximity of its facilities to juveniles and their families to be served by the service provider, or its ability to provide offsite services to such persons.

5.  Its ability to use existing federal, state, and local governmental programs and services during implementation.

6.  Its ability to coordinate activities and services with existing public, private, state, and local agencies and programs intended to assist juveniles and their families.

7.  How its plan will involve participants and community representatives in the planning and operation of the service provider.

8.  Its ability to participate in the assessment component required in this chapter.

9.  Its consistency with the stated legislative intent.

(b)  While a flexible range of services is essential, the following services are the core group of services:

1.  Treatment services.

2.  Education services.

3.  Family services.

Additional services may include mental health services, housing assistance, transportation, and nutrition services.

(c)  The department may implement the prototype juvenile addictions receiving facilities component of the emergency assessment and specialized treatment services within resources appropriated for this purpose. Using the criteria provided in this section, the department shall evaluate and select the service providers and sites to be funded initially.

(3)  Cities and counties may appropriate funds to support all or any portion of the cost of services and construction for community-based service providers under subsection (2) not met through state or federal funds. Communities desiring to apply for the designation of the most intensive level of care must use local funds for any facility modifications necessary, unless they are one of the prototype juvenile addictions receiving facilities.

(4)  The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. The rules must be written by the department's Substance Abuse Program Office and must specify criteria for staffing and services delineated for the provision of graduated levels of care from nonintensive to environmentally secure for the handling of aggressive and difficult-to-manage behavior and the prevention of elopement.

History.--s. 11, ch. 93-39; s. 56, ch. 2000-139; s. 11, ch. 2000-337.

397.92  Children's substance abuse services system; goals.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the children's substance abuse services system achieve the following performance outcomes for children who are eligible for services:

(a)  Identification of the presenting problems and conditions of substance abuse through the use of valid assessment.

(b)  Improvement in the child's ability to function in the family with minimum supports.

(c)  Improvement in the child's ability to function in school with minimum supports.

(d)  Improvement in the child's ability to function in the community with minimum supports.

(e)  Improvement in the child's ability to live drug-free.

(f)  Reduction of behaviors and conditions that may be linked to substance abuse, such as unintended pregnancy, delinquency, sexually transmitted diseases, and smoking, and other negative behaviors.

(g)  Increased return of children in state custody, drug-free, to their homes, or the placement of such children, drug-free, in an appropriate setting.

(2)  Pursuant to ¹s. 216.0166, the department shall annually develop performance outcomes and performance measures to assess the performance of the children's substance abuse services system in achieving the intent of this section.

History.--s. 7, ch. 99-396.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 61, ch. 2000-371.

397.93  Children's substance abuse services; target populations.--The target populations for children's substance abuse services are children at risk for substance abuse and children with substance abuse problems.

(1)  Children at risk for substance abuse include:

(a)  Children who are at risk due to regular or periodic exposure to negative factors related to family, community, school, self, or peers. Children in this category are typically placed in special prevention programs which are often school-based and which emphasize the importance of protective factors to reduce risk.

(b)  Children who are at risk due to experimental and social use of substances. Children in this category are typically placed in early intervention programs which may occur in the community or school.

(2)  Children with substance abuse problems include:

(a)  Children who use substances on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Children in this category typically need outpatient counseling and in some cases more structured day or night treatment.

(b)  Children with a substance dependency or addiction. Children in this category typically need structured day or night treatment or more intensive and longer term residential treatment, with some severe cases initially in need of detoxification and stabilization.

History.--s. 8, ch. 99-396.

397.94  Children's substance abuse services; information and referral network.--

(1)  Each service district of the department shall develop a plan for and implement a districtwide comprehensive children's substance abuse information and referral network to be operational by July 1, 2000.

(2)  The district shall determine the most cost-effective method for delivering this service and may select a new provider or utilize an existing provider or providers with a record of success in providing information and referral services.

(a)  The plan must provide assurances that the information and referral network will include a resource directory that contains information regarding the children's substance abuse services available, including, but not limited to:

1.  Public and private resources by service component, including resources for involuntary admissions under s. 397.675.

2.  Hours of operation and hours during which services are provided.

3.  Ages of persons served.

4.  Description of services.

5.  Eligibility requirements.

6.  Fee schedules.

(b)  Maintain and annually update information regarding private practitioners in the community who provide substance abuse services to children.

(c)  Develop and implement procedures for documenting requests for services, including, but not limited to:

1.  Number of calls by type of service requested, if any;

2.  Ages of children for whom services are requested; and

3.  Disposition on all referrals, including location of resource if referred for face-to-face screening.

(d)  Develop and implement procedures for sharing information with participating community agencies and resources.

(3)  In planning the information and referral network, the district shall consider the establishment of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number to call for information and a public service campaign to inform the public about the information and referral service.

History.--s. 9, ch. 99-396; s. 2, ch. 2000-337.

397.95  Children's substance abuse services; services provided by licensed providers.--Each service district of the department shall ensure that all screening, intake, assessment, enrollment, service planning, and case management services provided under this part are provided by children's substance abuse services providers licensed under part II of this chapter and in accordance with standards set forth in department rules.

History.--s. 10, ch. 99-396.

397.951  Treatment and sanctions.--The Legislature recognizes that the integration of treatment and sanctions greatly increases the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment. It is the responsibility of the department and the substance abuse treatment provider to employ the full measure of sanctions available to require participation and completion of treatment to ensure successful outcomes for children in substance abuse treatment.

(1)  Pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the department shall ensure that substance abuse treatment providers develop and manage treatment plans that are appropriate to the severity of the substance abuse problem and tailored to the individual needs of the child.

(2)  The department shall ensure that substance abuse treatment providers employ any and all appropriate available sanctions necessary to engage, motivate, and maintain a child in treatment, including, but not limited to, provisions in law that:

(a)  Provide for parental participation in treatment for involuntary admission to treatment, as provided in part IV of this chapter.

(b)  Provide for law enforcement authorities to assume custody of a child who is substance abuse impaired and allow placement of a child into the care of a hospital, substance abuse detoxification facility, or addiction receiving facility, as specified in part V of this chapter.

(c)  Provide parental authority to involuntarily admit a child for assessment to an addiction receiving facility, as specified in part V of this chapter.

(d)  Provide parents and substance abuse providers with civil involuntary procedures to secure court-ordered assessment and treatment for children, as specified in part V of this chapter.

(e)  Authorize the court or any criminal justice authority with jurisdiction over a child charged or convicted of a crime to require that the delinquent or offender receive substance abuse services under part VII of this chapter.

(f)  Provide authority of the court and contempt powers to require parental participation in the treatment of a delinquent or offender pursuant to s. 397.706.

(g)  Authorize the court to mandate services for children and their families in dependency proceedings under chapter 39, and children and families in need of services under chapter 984.

(h)  Provide that the use, possession, or sale of controlled substances, as defined in chapter 893, or possession of electronic telephone pagers, by any student while such student is upon school property or in attendance at a school function is grounds for disciplinary action by the school and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed pursuant to s. 232.26.

(i)  Provide that, pursuant to s. 322.056, for any person under 18 years of age who is found guilty of or delinquent for a violation of s. 562.11(2), s. 562.111, or chapter 893, and is eligible by reason of age for a driver's license or driving privilege, the court shall direct the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to revoke or to withhold issuance of his or her driver's license or driving privilege for a period of:

1.  Not less than 6 months and not more than 1 year for the first violation.

2.  Two years, for a subsequent violation.

History.--s. 11, ch. 99-396.

397.96  Case management for complex substance abuse cases.--

(1)  Contingent upon specific appropriations, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide for a more intensive level of case management for complex cases involving children who need substance abuse services. Such services shall be directed toward children receiving services from several agencies or programs to address the complex problems created by substance abuse, dependency, or addiction.

(2)  The department shall determine when a child receiving children's substance abuse services under this part shall have a case manager.

(3)  For the purposes of this section, "case management" means those activities aimed at:

(a)  Implementing a treatment plan;

(b)  Advocacy;

(c)  Linking services providers to a child and family;

(d)  Monitoring services delivery; and

(e)  Collecting information to determine the effect of services and treatment.

(4)  The case manager shall periodically review services utilization to ascertain compliance with plans approved by the planning team.

(5)  The department shall establish by rule standards to coordinate case management activities from various referral points, in order to minimize fragmentation and duplication and promote stability of case managers assigned to a child and family. In the attempt to minimize duplication, it is the intent of the Legislature that a child have no more than one case manager.

History.--s. 12, ch. 99-396.

397.97  Children's substance abuse services; demonstration models.--

(1)  CREATION; PURPOSE.--There is created the Children's Network of Care Demonstration Models to operate, for 4 years, for children who are at risk of substance abuse or who have substance abuse problems. The purpose of the demonstration models is to encourage collaboration among the department, the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Justice, local government agencies, and any other interested party, through a partnership agreement entered into to provide a locally organized network of care for children and their families. The demonstration models must:

(a)  Be implemented using existing funds;

(b)  Center on the child and his or her family;

(c)  Promote integration and coordination of services;

(d)  Provide for accountable outcomes; and

(e)  Emphasize the provision of services in the least restrictive, most appropriate setting, utilizing uniform placement criteria established in rule of the department.

(2)  GOAL.--The goal of the Children's Network of Care Demonstration Models is to create an effective interagency strategy for delivering substance abuse services to the target populations through a local network of service providers. The specific objectives of this strategy are to:

(a)  Develop standardized forms and uniform procedures which shall be used for screening, intake, assessment, enrollment, service planning, case management, and utilization management;

(b)  Eliminate duplication of services;

(c)  Employ natural supports in the family and the community to help meet the service needs of the child who is at risk of substance abuse or has a substance abuse problem;

(d)  Improve interagency planning efforts through greater collaboration between public and private community-based agencies;

(e)  Test creative and flexible strategies for financing the care of children who are at risk of substance abuse or have a substance abuse problem; and

(f)  Share information about the child with appropriate community agencies.

(3)  PURCHASE OF SERVICES; OPERATION CRITERIA.--

(a)  Each demonstration model shall be governed by a multiagency consortium of state and county agencies or other public agencies, or a community-based, not-for-profit substance abuse or behavioral health network designated by the department, hereafter referred to as the purchasing agent, which shall purchase individualized services for children who are at risk of substance abuse or have a substance abuse problem. Services shall be based on client need rather than on traditional services limited to narrowly defined cost centers or appropriations categories. Approval to operate as a Children's Network of Care Demonstration Model shall be given by the secretary of the department and shall be based on criteria developed by the department.

(b)  The local purchasing agent is responsible for designing a well-defined network of experienced substance abuse services providers. At a minimum, the consortium shall:

1.  Specify the capacity and composition of the provider network;

2.  Approve providers for the network;

3.  Ensure enrollees' access to network services;

4.  Subcontract with providers;

5.  Establish qualification standards for provider staff; and

6.  Monitor providers' performance.

(4)  COLLABORATION.--Demonstration models established under this section may enter into collaborative partnership with demonstration models established pursuant to s. 394.498.

History.--s. 13, ch. 99-396.

397.98  Children's substance abuse services; utilization management.--

(1)  Utilization management shall be an integral part of each Children's Network of Care Demonstration Model as described under s. 397.97. The utilization management process shall include procedures for analyzing the allocation and use of resources by the purchasing agent. Such procedures shall include:

(a)  Monitoring the appropriateness of admissions to residential services or other levels of care as determined by the department.

(b)  Monitoring the duration of care.

(c)  Developing profiles of network providers which describe their patterns of delivering care.

(d)  Authorizing care for high-cost services.

(2)  The procedures shall be established by the purchasing agent in consultation with the department and are subject to approval by the secretary of the department. The implementation of utilization management within the demonstration models shall be contingent upon the availability of funds.

History.--s. 14, ch. 99-396.

397.99  School substance abuse prevention partnership grants.--

(1)  GRANT PROGRAM.--

(a)  In order to encourage the development of effective substance abuse prevention and early intervention strategies for school-age populations, the school substance abuse prevention partnership grant program is established.

(b)  The department shall administer the program in cooperation with the Department of Education and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(2)  APPLICATION PROCEDURES; FUNDING REQUIREMENTS.--

(a)  Schools, or community-based organizations in partnership with schools, may submit a grant proposal for funding or continued funding to the department by March 1 of each year. The department shall establish grant application procedures which ensure that grant recipients implement programs and practices that are effective. The department shall include the grant application document on an Internet website.

(b)  Grants may fund programs to conduct prevention activities serving students who are not involved in substance use, intervention activities serving students who are experimenting with substance use, or both prevention and intervention activities, if a comprehensive approach is indicated as a result of a needs assessment.

(c)  Grants may target youth, parents, and teachers and other school staff, coaches, social workers, case managers, and other prevention stakeholders.

(d)  Performance measures for grant program activities shall measure improvements in student attitudes or behaviors as determined by the department.

(e)  At least 50 percent of the grant funds available for local projects must be allocated to support the replication of prevention programs and practices that are based on research and have been evaluated and proven effective. The department shall develop related qualifying criteria.

(f)  In order to be considered for funding, the grant application shall include the following assurances and information:

1.  A letter from the administrators of the programs collaborating on the project, such as the school principal, community-based organization executive director, or recreation department director, confirming that the grant application has been reviewed and that each partner is committed to supporting implementation of the activities described in the grant proposal.

2.  A rationale and description of the program and the services to be provided, including:

a.  An analysis of prevention issues related to the substance abuse prevention profile of the target population.

b.  A description of other primary substance use and related risk factors.

c.  Goals and objectives based on the findings of the needs assessment.

d.  The selection of programs or strategies that have been shown to be effective in addressing the findings of the needs assessment.

e.  A method of identifying the target group for universal prevention strategies, and a method for identifying the individual student participants in selected and indicated prevention strategies.

f.  A description of how students will be targeted.

g.  Provisions for the participation of parents and guardians in the program.

h.  An evaluation component to measure the effectiveness of the program in accordance with performance-based program budgeting effectiveness measures.

i.  A program budget, which includes the amount and sources of local cash and in-kind resources committed to the budget and which establishes, to the satisfaction of the department, that the entity will make a cash or in-kind contribution to the program of a value that is at least 25 percent of the amount of the grant.

(g)  The department shall consider the following in awarding such grants:

1.  The number of youths that will be targeted.

2.  The validity of the program design to achieve project goals and objectives that are clearly related to performance-based program budgeting effectiveness measures.

3.  The desirability of funding at least one approved project in each of the department's service districts.

(3)  The department shall coordinate the review of grant applications with the Department of Education and the Department of Juvenile Justice and shall make award determinations no later than June 30 of each year. All applicants shall be notified by the department of its final action.

(4)  Each entity that is awarded a grant as provided for in this section shall submit performance and output information as determined by the department.

(5)  The department shall establish rules as necessary to implement this section.

History.--s. 15, ch. 99-396.

397.997  Prevention resources; Internet website.--

(1)  The department shall develop a publicly available substance abuse prevention Internet website. The information on the Internet website shall target youth and their parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.

(2)  The Internet website shall incorporate, at a minimum, the following components;

(a)  The nature of Florida's current youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use concerns;

(b)  The health, social, and legal effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use on individuals, families, schools, and the economy;

(c)  National, state, and local substance abuse prevention and treatment resources; and

(d)  Classroom, home, and individual instructional activities and games geared to teach targeted youth about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use, refusal and other prevention skills, and how to get help for someone using drugs.

History.--s. 16, ch. 99-396.

397.998  Drug-free communities support match grants.--

(1)  PURPOSE.--The purposes of drug-free communities match grants are to:

(a)  Assist community coalitions in an effort to secure federal drug-free communities support program grants under Pub. L. No. 105-20.

(b)  Reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, to reduce substance abuse among adults.

(c)  Enable community coalitions to strengthen collaboration efforts among public and private agencies to reduce substance abuse among youth.

(2)  APPLICATION PROCESS.--

(a)  Contingent upon specific appropriations, the department shall establish a program to provide drug-free communities match grants.

(b)  The grants shall be used for all or part of the match required for community coalitions to secure a federal drug-free communities support program grant.

(3)  ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.--

(a)  Community coalitions whose members have worked together on substance abuse reduction initiatives for a period of not less than 6 months are eligible to apply for match grant funds.

(b)  The coalition must represent the targeted community and include at least one representative of each of the following groups: local Department of Children and Family Services official; youth; parents; business community; media; schools; organizations serving youth; law enforcement agencies; religious or fraternal organizations; civic and volunteer groups; health care professionals; other local or tribal governmental agencies with an expertise in the field of substance abuse, including, if applicable, the state authority with primary authority for substance abuse; and other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse.

(c)  To demonstrate that the coalition meets the stated criteria, the applicant must submit examples or formal agreements, such as memorandums of understanding, previous newsletters or publications, or other examples of print media coverage that are dated within 6 months prior to submittal of the application.

(4)  RELEASE OF FUNDS.--Match grant funds shall be released as required by federal regulations to community coalitions upon documentation that a community coalition has been awarded a drug-free communities support program grant.

(5)  IN-KIND MATCH.--The department may provide other in-kind services or goods allowed by federal regulations in lieu of money, to achieve the purpose of this section.

(6)  RULES.--The department is authorized to adopt rules specifically to address procedures necessary to administer the drug-free communities match grants as provided in this section.

History.--s. 17, ch. 99-396.