Training of mental health experts.

The evaluation of defendants for competency to proceed or for sanity at the time of the commission of the offense shall be conducted in such a way as to ensure uniform application of the criteria enumerated in Rules 3.210 and 3.216, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. The department shall develop, and may contract with accredited institutions:

(1) To provide:

(a) A plan for training mental health professionals to perform forensic evaluations and to standardize the criteria and procedures to be used in these evaluations;

(b) Clinical protocols and procedures based upon the criteria of Rules 3.210 and 3.216, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure; and

(c) Training for mental health professionals in the application of these protocols and procedures in performing forensic evaluations and providing reports to the courts. Training must include, but is not limited to, information on statutes and rules related to competency restoration, evidence-based practices, and least restrictive treatment alternatives and placement options as described in s. 916.12(4)(c); and

(2) To compile and maintain the necessary information for evaluating the success of this program, including the number of persons trained, the cost of operating the program, and the effect on the quality of forensic evaluations as measured by appropriateness of admissions to state forensic facilities and to community-based care programs.