The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly referred to as the Baker Act, focuses on crisis services for individuals with Mental Illness, much like an emergency department is for individuals experiencing a Medical Emergency. The Act was named after Maxine Baker, former Miami State representative who sponsored the Act in 1972. People who require the use of the Baker Act have often lost the power of self-control, and they are likely to inflict harm to themselves and or others. It is important that the Baker Act only be used in situations where the person has a Mental Illness and meets all the remaining criteria for voluntary or involuntary admission. It does not substitute for any other law that may permit the provision of medical or substance abuse care to persons who lack the capacity to request such care. Many often ask what is the Criteria for a Baker Act, allow for us break it down .An individual may be taken to a receiving facility for involuntary examination under the Baker Act if, there is reason to believe he/she/they/them has a mental illness and due to the mental illness, the individual has refused or is unable to determine if examination is necessary; and either without care or treatment, the individual is unlikely to care for themselves which can result in substantial harm to their well-being, and it is not evident that harm can be avoided through familial intervention or other services or It is likely based on recent behavior, that without treatment the individual will pose a serious threat to themselves and or others

The Marchman Act, officially the "Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993", is a Florida law that provides a means of involuntary and voluntary assessment and stabilization and treatment of a person allegedly abusing alcohol or drugs. The Marchman Act provides for voluntary admissions and involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment of adults and youth who are severely impaired due to substance abuse. Prior to October 1, 1993, substance abuse was addressed by chapters 396 and 397. Chapter 396 was primarily concerned with alcoholism while chapter 397, was more concerned with drug dependency. As of October 1, 1993, the new chapter 397, called the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act, superseded chapters 396 and 397. Unlike the prior chapters the new chapter 397, dubbed the “Marchman Act”, does not distinguish between drug dependency and alcoholism using the term “substance abuse in the State of Florida. Under the involuntary status there must be a good faith reason to believe the person is using “substance abuse” or is impaired. Because of such impairment: 1. Has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use. 2. Has inflicted, or threatened or attempted to inflict, or unless admitted is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself or herself or another. 3. Is in need of substance abuse services and, by reason of substance abuse impairment, of they/them his or her judgments has been so impaired that the person is incapable of appreciating a need for such services and of making a rational decision in regard thereto; however, mere refusal to receive such services does not constitute evidence of lack of judgment with respect to a need for such services.