The Florida Senate

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.