Final answer:
The Baker Act protects both voluntary and involuntary patients in Florida, allowing emergency mental health services for individuals unable to recognize their need for treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that only people on involuntary status are protected by the Baker Act is false. The Baker Act is a Florida law that enables families and loved ones to provide emergency mental health services and temporary detention for people who are impaired because of their mental illness, and who are unable to determine their needs for treatment. The protection under the Baker Act applies to both voluntary and involuntary patients.
Voluntary admission means that a person 18 years of age or older has applied themselves for admission to a treatment facility. Involuntary admission, which is probably what is being referred to here, occurs when a court determines an individual's incapacity to recognize their need for treatment, and mandates intervention on the person's behalf. Therefore, the Baker Act's provisions extend beyond just those who are on involuntary status.