Baker Act Bill SB 1544 To Be Heard Tuesday April 8

Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners
flanp.org
April 4, 2014

Baker Act Bill SB 1544 (Braynon) will be heard Tuesday April 8

This bill will allow for ARNPS to sign certificate of involuntary examinations under the Baker Act for patients who are suicidal and homicidal. Please email or call the members of this committee to ask for their support of this bill.

Suggested letter:

Dear Senator________________________

Please vote yes on SB 1544 allowing for Nurse Practitioners (NPs)  and Physician Assistants (PAs) to sign certificates of involuntary examination for suicidal and homicidal patients. IT is imperative that we give these professionals the ability to get timely care for their patients. NPs and Pas receive extensive training in their clinical programs on the care and treatment of patients who are mentally ill. As primary care providers, they often encounter patients who are suicidal or homicidal. IF a physician is not readily available to sign the paper work, they are forced to call law enforcement to verify that a patient is suicidal. This is especially true on rural areas where the only clinical provider is an NP or PA. Please support this needed bill so we can get timely care for patients who are mentally unstable.

Sincerely, (Your Name)

Members of the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee:

• Senator Thad Altman (850) 487-5016  ALTMAN.THAD@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Alan Hays (850) 487-5011  HAYS.ALAN@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Jeff Clemens (850) 487-5027  CLEMENS.JEFF@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Charles Dean (850) 487-5005  DEAN.CHARLES@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Nancy Detert (850) 487-5028  DETERT.NANCY@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (850) 487-5040  PORTILLA.MIGUEL@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Denise Grimsley  (850) 487-5021  GRIMSLEY.DENISE@flsenate.gov 
• Senator Gerladine Thompson (850) 487-5012  THOMPSON.GERALDINE@flsenate.gov

Susan Lynch

Becomes AANP Florida State Representative

Congratulations to Susan for becoming the American Association of Nurse Practitioners State Representative. Susan is also CEO and Vice Chair of Public Affairs for FLANP. We know she will do a great job advocating for change in our state legislature.  

She asks for all of your help in working to remove the barriers to NP practice in Florida and the country. 

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