Initiation of involuntary placement proceedings with respect to a mentally ill inmate scheduled for release.

(1) If an inmate who is receiving mental health treatment in the department is scheduled for release through expiration of sentence or any other means, but continues to be mentally ill and in need of care and treatment, as defined in s. 945.42, the warden is authorized to initiate procedures for involuntary placement pursuant to s. 394.467, 60 days prior to such release.

(2) In addition, the warden may initiate procedures for involuntary examination pursuant to s. 394.463 for any inmate who has a mental illness and meets the criteria of s. 394.463(1).

(3) The warden shall file petitions for involuntary inpatient placement for inmates scheduled to be released in the court in the county where the inmate is located. Upon filing, the clerk of the court shall provide copies to the Department of Children and Families, the inmate, and the state attorney and public defender of the judicial circuit in which the inmate is located. A fee may not be charged for the filing of a petition under chapter 394. Within 1 court working day after the filing of a petition for involuntary inpatient placement, the court shall appoint the public defender to represent the inmate who is the subject of the petition, unless the inmate is otherwise represented by counsel. The clerk of the court shall immediately notify the public defender of such appointment. Any attorney representing the inmate shall have access to the inmate, witnesses, and records relevant to the presentation of the patient’s case and shall represent the interests of the inmate, regardless of the source of payment to the attorney. The state attorney for the circuit in which the inmate is located shall represent the state, rather than the petitioning warden, as the real party in interest in the proceeding. The remainder of the proceedings shall be governed by chapter 394.

(4) After considering the public safety and security concerns presented by transporting the inmate or in conducting onsite hearings, the court may order that the hearing be conducted by electronic means or in person at the facility or at another location designated by the court. If the hearing is ordered by the court to be conducted at a location other than the facility, the department is authorized to transport the inmate to the location of the hearing.

(5) The department may transport an individual who is being released from its custody to a receiving or mental health treatment facility for involuntary examination or placement. Such transport shall be made to a facility that is specified by the Department of Children and Families as able to meet the specific needs of the individual. If the Department of Children and Families does not specify a facility, transport shall be made to the nearest receiving facility.