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Panhandle Medical Center Barred From Baker Act Clients

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The Associated Press

Published: August 5, 2008

FORT WALTON BEACH - A medical center that allowed a patient to escape twice before he killed a sheriff's deputy has been ordered to stop admitting the mentally ill who have been involuntarily committed.

The Florida Department of Children & Families issued the order against the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center late last week after an official raised concerns a high number of patients admitted under the state's Baker Act were escaping from the facility and not being reported to the state.

Less than two weeks ago, patient Mark Rohlman escaped twice and then fatally shot Okaloosa County sheriff's Deputy Anthony Forgione before committing suicide.

A DCF spokeswoman said Monday that the medical center has been cooperating with the agency.

Under the Baker Act, mentally ill people can be involuntarily detained under certain circumstances.

In its letter to the medical center's administrator, Wayne Campbell, the DCF also cited concerns about the safety of patients brought to the facility for involuntary examination petitions.

An investigation by the Agency for Healthcare Administration uncovered "findings of immediate jeopardy," according to Campbell's letter.

In addition, the DCF said that statements made by the hospital's director of risk management after Forgione's slaying had demonstrated "a fundamental lack of knowledge regarding the responsibilities and authority of Designated Receiving Facilities to provide a safe and secure environment for individuals requiring a mental health evaluation."

The hospital must create a corrective action plan for the moratorium to be lifted.

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