Enacted in 1971, the Florida Mental Health Act, commonly known as the "Baker Act," helps protect the rights of the mentally ill who could be a danger to themselves or the public.

The act is considered an alternative to mental health care, as opposed to committing people to institutions during an incident such as George Anthony's suicide scare.

Under the Baker Act, a judge, police officer or doctor must first decide the person is potentially ill enough to require the involuntary medical exam.

A person can be kept for observation up to 72 hours for evaluation under the act.

The Baker Act was named for Florida state Rep. Maxine Baker, who had a strong interest in mental health issues and served as chairwoman of a state House committee on mental health.

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