Bridgeway Center Statement on Baker Act

JULY 28, 2008

Prepared for Public Service Announcement:

Fort Walton Beach - Bridgeway Center Inc. is a full service Behavioral Health Center providing residents of Okaloosa County with Inpatient, Outpatient and Residential Services.

Inpatient Services is designated as a Public Baker Act Receiving Facility.  Inpatient Services either provides, or coordinates with other appropriate medical / behavioral receiving facilities to provide, voluntary or involuntary psychiatric evaluations in accordance with the provisions of the Baker Act.  

Bridgeway Center adheres to Best Practices, ensuring that individuals subject to the Baker Act are in the presence of Law Enforcement Officers prior to placement on the “Secure Inpatient Services Unit”. Bridgeway Center consistently complies with all standards of care including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Florida Statutes (F.S.S. 394.4615) governing confidentiality.