The Florida Senate

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.