West Palm Beach-based HCA Florida JFK North Hospital is facing scrutiny from local officials after it stopped accepting Baker Act hospitalized children younger than 12, The Palm Beach Post reported Dec. 10.
Under the state's Baker Act, a person can be involuntarily held for up to 72 hours if they pose a threat to themselves or others. About 100 children younger than 12 in Palm Beach County are hospitalized each year through this law. Now those children will have to be taken to facilities in other counties to receive inpatient mental healthcare.
"This is very serious," county Commissioner Maria Sachs said at a recent commission meeting. "... Why would they deny our children this very important service?"
The hospital said in a Dec. 2 statement shared with the Post that it would focus on patients ages 12-17 as it "is the largest population amongst youth needing this level of support." As of Dec. 1, the hospital is evaluating children — but not offering mental health inpatient care.
JFK North officials also said they will "work closely with our Palm Beach community behavioral health providers and nearby hospitals in Broward, Martin, and St. Lucie counties that offer similar behavioral health services to support a seamless transition to meet the needs of children and their families throughout the region. We will always treat anyone of any age who comes to our ER in need of medical care."