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1. What is the Marchman Act?

Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes is know as the, Hal S Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993. It provides for the involuntary or voluntary assessment and stabilization of a person allegedly abusing substances like drugs or alcohol, and provides for treatment of substance abuse.

2. What is a voluntary Marchman Act admission?

A voluntary admission occurs when a person seeks treatment for substance abuse and applies to a service provider to receive such treatment.

3. What is an involuntary admission for assessment and stabilization?

- An involuntary admission occurs when there is good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired, and because of such impairment, the person has lost the power of self control with respect to substance use.
- Has inflicted or attempted/threatened to inflict, or, unless admitted for treatment, is likely to inflict, physical harm to him/herself or another.
- The person's judgment has been so impaired because of substance abuse that he/she is incapable of appreciating the need for substance abuse services and to make a rational decision regarding substance abuse services.

4. Who files the Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization?

The petition may be filed by the person's spouse, guardian, any relative, a private practitioner, the director of a licensed service provider or designee, or any person with personal knowledge of the person. For a minor, the petition may be filed by a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or licensed service provider. The petitioner must have recently observed the behavior of the person who is the subject of the petition.

5. What do I need to bring with me to the Clerk's Office to file a petition to have a person evaluated?

You will need to bring picture identification and an address/location for the person (who must reside or currently be located in this county). You should arrive at the Clerk’s Office prior to 4 p.m. to allow time for the processing of the paperwork and routing to the judge. The Clerk’s Office closes at 5 p.m.

6. What happens after I file the petition?

The court will review the petition and decided whether or not to enter an order authorizing the involuntary stabilization and assessment of the person. If authorized, the order will be brought to the Civil Process Division of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the person will be served and transported to the

The receiving facility is LifeStream Citrus County Access Center located at:
6 Regina Blvd Ste 12
Beverly Hills FL 34465

The person will then be transported to the LifeStream facility in Leesburg located at: 2020 Tally Rd., Leesburg, FL 34748

7. Where can I find more information about the Marchman Act?

The Marchman Act can be found in Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes.