florida legislative priorities - 2021

The FLMHAC caucuses annually to prioritize legislation that will improve the mental health landscape in the state of Florida. The following are legislative priorities we are actively promoting in our state. 

Health insurance companies must provide equitable benefits and coverage for behavioral health conditions as other medical conditions.

The laws governing involuntary examinations and treatment can be improved to provide more immediate response to individuals in need of critical services.

We support expansion of Medicaid benefits to all uninsured low-income Floridians to broaden access to behavioral health care. 

We support programs that divert people with mental illness out of jail and prison.

Florida has a critical shortage of hospital beds for people needing intensive mental health care.

Individuals living with serious mental illness need access to safe, affordable and supportive housing to enable them to live productive and independent lives.

Evidence-based treatment of individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis can dramatically decrease the chance of life-time disability.