GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles signed the Marchman Act in 1993, and now his daughter, Rhea Chiles, says healthcare facilities are abusing it.

What is the Marchman Act?

Lawton Chiles became governor in 1991 before dying in office in 1998. He signed hundreds of bills, including what is known as the Marchman Act in 1993.

It was created to help people struggling with substance abuse. This allows families and friends to petition the court to assess and treat their loved one when they are refusing to seek help voluntarily.

A Marchman Act petition can be filed by a spouse, relative, or other adult with personal knowledge of the person’s substance abuse, including a doctor or nurse.

A magistrate will see if it meets certain criteria, including loss of self-co

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