The Baker Act went into effect in Florida as a result of numerous concerns about the civil rights of people in psychiatric hospitals. When you or someone you love is confined for involuntary psychiatric examination, they have rights and the length of time they may be held is limited. While I am an attorney, I also am a psychologist, I have also had experience as part of the medical staff of numerous hospitals.
Additionally, I worked for the public defender's office which typically receives automatic appointments for patients under the Baker Act when a facility files a petition for involuntary treatment. Thanks to my extensive background with the Baker Act, I have an in-depth knowledge of the rights of patients and their families.
Additionally, I worked for the public defender's office which typically receives automatic appointments for patients under the Baker Act when a facility files a petition for involuntary treatment. Thanks to my extensive background with the Baker Act, I have an in-depth knowledge of the rights of patients and their families.
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The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 referred to as the "Baker Act, " allows for examination and hospitalization of an individual on an involuntary basis. The Baker Act may be used by a physician, a mental health professional, a judge, or a law enforcement officer under very specific conditions.
Using the guidelines of the Baker Act, the person to be admitted must be judged to potentially have a problem with mental illness and because of that, (s)he is dangerous.Florida Department of Children and Families has specified more than 100 facilities statewide to which a person may be admitted once it has been determined they have no medical issues which could be causing the psychiatric problems.
Using the guidelines of the Baker Act, the person to be admitted must be judged to potentially have a problem with mental illness and because of that, (s)he is dangerous.Florida Department of Children and Families has specified more than 100 facilities statewide to which a person may be admitted once it has been determined they have no medical issues which could be causing the psychiatric problems.
Medical professionals must work under specific guidelines when a patient is admitted for a psychiatric examination under Florida's Baker Act. Patients can remain hospitalized for a period up to 72 hours but once that time has expired, unless the patient is facing a criminal charge, they may only be held in the facility on a voluntary basis or if a judge approves after a hearing.
Facilities and mental health professionals have an obligation to maintain patient records so they are not accessible to persons who are not authorized to view them. However, police reports ("incident report") referencing a detainee's referral for mental health examination is public information. Police records may contain references to a Baker Act admission.
Steve is excellent in assisting folks who are involved in Baker Act/Mental Health type proceedings and issues. Highly recommended as he knows his stuff! Dr. Talmage call me regarding a client of mine who has been Baker acted. I was impressed with his extreme degree of professionalism, personality, knowledge and experience in this field.
Clients of our firm will have a personalized client portal set up for them. It's accessible 24/7 online and provides a secure environment for us to share case information, billing information, and communicate with you, our clients. Instead of relying on scattered channels of communication (email, phone, text message, snail mail), the client portal becomes our one-and-only platform for communication.
Reviews (10)
Auriell Singletary
Nov 21, 2021
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Steve Talmadge Jr. was empathetic and caring from the moment we spoke. He took the time to explain the process, how facilities try to take advantage of people, and our potential obstacles with getting my wife discharged. I was able to use this information to my advantage and get my wife home quickly and safely. It was a hard battle with the hospital and Steve stood by me each step of the way. If you need help getting yourself or a loved one out of this terrible Baker Act system I implore you to reach out to this firm. I'm eternally grateful for his help.
Cory Provost
Jul 26, 2021
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Talmadge emailed me after I left a detailed explanation about a serious case of wrongful admittance to a psychiatric facility saying they were not doing new cases and did not follow up with whether or not my case was valid nor refer to me to someone who could help.
How are citizens supposed to acquire justice if the system is not designed to help?
Here's a snapshot of my explanation as proof that I received a reply email from him... I will edit this submission in the future as further proof that I cannot get a reasonable response from him.
How are citizens supposed to acquire justice if the system is not designed to help?
Here's a snapshot of my explanation as proof that I received a reply email from him... I will edit this submission in the future as further proof that I cannot get a reasonable response from him.
Tapaswini Weaver
Dec 16, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Mr. Talmadge showed great knowledge regarding his area of expertise and is very prompt in responding. He stayed up to date with our legal issues and helped my family and I navigate through a difficult situation. I highly recommend Mr. Talmadge.
Mr. Talmadge showed great knowledge regarding his area of expertise and is very prompt in responding. He stayed up to date with our legal issues and helped my family and I navigate through a difficult situation. I highly recommend Mr. Talmadge.
Justin Drach
Nov 29, 2020
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Laurie Anspach
Sep 11, 2020
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Mr. Talmadge is a very experienced attorney and his area of expertise is the Baker Act law. This law is extremely lengthy and has many provisions that protect patients’ rights. The only problem is that if the individual and their family don’t know the law then they don’t know their rights are being violated. Mr. Talmadge is extremely effective in asserting the rights of the patients and families and he is extremely effective in filing complaints with appropriate state agencies when the law has been violated!
Tracy R.
Sep 06, 2020
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I highly recommend this law firm. Stephen Talmadge provided a lifeline for our family during an excruciatingly difficult time; we found him forthright, knowledgeable and trustworthy in all of our dealing with him. Mr. Talmadge helped us methodically work through our complaints and was able to get responses that we were unable to obtain on our own. Everything associated with a loved one being involuntarily baker acted is traumatic and scary as hell. Stephen Talmadge will help you navigate this foreign and inhospitable landscape.
Steven Twohig
Aug 19, 2020
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Janice Opalec
Aug 16, 2020
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Scott Murphy
Jun 26, 2020
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The Law Office Of Joseph Fasone
Jun 12, 2020
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