Issues with the Florida 'Baker Act' for Mental Health Emergencies and Policy Reform

• In Event: Standing ePanel: COVID-19 and Health Politics

Brief Overview

This study will examine the Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, also known as the "Baker Act," to determine specific issues with the law, study past bills to determine the political dynamics preventing reform, and assess prospects for policy change.

Authors

• Fatima Hussain, UCF College of Sciences

• Gunes Murat Tezcur, University of Central Florida