(1) Based on its determination, the court shall either dismiss the petition or immediately enter an order authorizing the involuntary assessment and stabilization of the respondent; or, if in the course of the hearing the court has reason to believe that the respondent, due to mental illness other than or in addition to substance abuse impairment, is likely to injure himself or herself or another if allowed to remain at liberty, the court may initiate involuntary proceedings under the provisions of part I of chapter 394.

(2) If the court enters an order authorizing involuntary assessment and stabilization, the order shall include the court’s findings with respect to the availability and appropriateness of the least restrictive alternatives and the need for the appointment of an attorney to represent the respondent, and may designate the specific licensed service provider to perform the involuntary assessment and stabilization of the respondent. The respondent may choose the licensed service provider to deliver the involuntary assessment where possible and appropriate.

(3) If the court finds it necessary, it may order the sheriff to take the respondent into custody and deliver him or her to the licensed service provider specified in the court order or, if none is specified, to the nearest appropriate licensed service provider for involuntary assessment.

(4) The order is valid only for the period specified in the order or, if a period is not specified, for 7 days after the order is signed.

History.—s. 6, ch. 93-39; s. 749, ch. 95-148; s. 33, ch. 2016-241.