How is an involuntary Baker Act proceeding initiated?
  1. A law enforcement officer may take a person who appears to meet the criteria for involuntary examination into custody and deliver the person to the nearest receiving facility for an examination.
  2. A physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or clinical social worker may execute a certificate that he or she has examined a person within the preceding 48 hours and finds that the person appears to meet the criteria for involuntary examination. A law enforcement officer shall take the person named in the certificate to the nearest receiving facility for an examination.
  3. A court may enter an ex parte (on behalf of one party, without notice) order stating that the person appears to meet the criteria for involuntary examination. A law enforcement officer shall take the person into custody and deliver him or her for an examination.

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1. What is a Baker Act proceeding?
2. How are voluntary and involuntary Baker Act admissions different?
3. How is an involuntary Baker Act proceeding initiated?
4. What steps must be taken to obtain an ex parte order?
5. What happens after the order is issued?
6. How long may a person be held under an ex parte Baker Act order?
7. Where can I find more information about the Baker Act?