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This report has been updated to correct information misreported on the last day of the session regarding SB 1112 - health care practitioner title protections.

Time is running out as the Florida Legislature prepares its final list of legislation to consider before passing the FY 2024-25 General Appropriations Act and adjoining Sine Die. As promised, health care was a central theme for the 2024 session, and the final week would not disappoint as the appropriations chairs agreed to a final budget plan that provides robust funding for physician-centered budget priorities. With the funding provided in SB 7016 (Live Healthy Bill), total funding for the FRAME Program (Medical Loan Reimbursement) has increased from $16 million in the current year to $30 million, and the Slots for Docs program increased from $30 million to $50 million beginning July 1, 2024. These funds will go a long way toward addressing physician workforce shortages in the State.  

Senate Minority Leader

Lauren Book & AJ Winn

During the final week, the legislature passed an FOMA priority bill, SB 362, a bill increasing the maximum reimbursement allowance under Workers’ Compensation for physicians and surgical procedures. The FOMA thanks Senator Bradley, and Rep. Daley for their hard work and commitment this session to pass this priority legislation. 

To date, the FOMA and its partners have successfully fended off measures to expand the scope of practice of APRNs, CRNAs, certified psychiatric nurses, and psychologist prescribing. All such measures stalled in committee or failed to have a hearing in committee. The FOMA also succeeded in preventing the expansion of medical liability claims to persons currently excluded from eligibility to file for damages.

SB 1112, concerning healthcare practitioner title protections, failed to make it across the finish line in the final week of the session. Although the measure passed both chambers, the House and Senate could not agree on final language concerning the extension of protections to licensed optometrists, and the bill died in returning messages to the House. In 2023, the Governor vetoed similar legislation. SB 1112 would have regulated health care practitioner titles and designations, setting specific guidelines for their use in advertisements and patient interactions. 

For a more comprehensive report on what did and did not pass, stay tuned for the FOMA’s publication of the 2024 Know the Issues.  In the interim, please Click Hereto visit the FOMA’s legislative page for more information.

Budget Highlights

Steve Winn visits with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Doug Broxson

GME

The Florida legislature approved $442 million for graduate medical education (GME), an increase of $12 million above the current year. Highlights include:

• $191 million Statewide Medicaid Residency Program 

• $52.5 distributed to the two hospitals with the largest number of graduate medical residents in a statewide supply/demand deficit;

• $55.7 million GME Startup Bonus Program

• $50 million Slots for Docs Program, an increase of $20 million above the current year  

Other Funding:

• $30 million Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program, 14 million above the current year

• $43.1 million (AHCA) increase for physicians providing pediatric services

• $100 million for High Tertiary/Statutory Teaching Hospitals

• $40 million Florida Cancer Innovation Fund



• $10 million Sickle Cell Treatment and Research

Legislative Highlights

SB 0362 Medical Treatment Under the Workers’ Compensation Law by Bradley

The FOMA is pleased to announce that the House and Senate agreed on the final terms concerning increases to the maximum reimbursement allowances (MRA) for physicians and surgical procedures under Workers' Compensation. SB 362 was amended and unanimously adopted by the House and Senate, sending the bill to the Governor for consideration.  

The bill, as amended, increases Workers' reimbursement rates for physicians to 175 percent of the reimbursement allowed under Medicare. The current statutory reimbursement rate is 110 percent of the reimbursement allowed under Medicare.

In addition, the bill increases the reimbursement for surgical procedures to 210 percent of the reimbursement allowed by Medicare. The current statutory reimbursement rate is 140 percent of the reimbursement allowed under Medicare.

HB 0159 HIV Infection Prevention Drugs by Franklin II

The legislature amended and passed HB 159 concerning HIV infection prevention drugs, sending it to the Governor for consideration.

HB 159 allows licensed pharmacists to screen adults for HIV exposure and provide the results of such screening. A pharmacist who has screened a patient for HIV must advise the patient to seek further medical consultation or treatment from a physician. The bill also establishes a process by which a pharmacist may become certified to order and dispense postexposure prophylaxis under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician.

SB 1600 Interstate Mobility by Collins

The legislature passed SB 1600 concerning interstate mobility, sending it to the Governor for consideration. SB 1600 provides for licensure by endorsement for all professions regulated by the Department of Health and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

HB 1259 Providers of Cardiovascular Services by Andrade.

The legislature passed HB 1259 concerning providers of cardiovascular services, sending it to the Governor for consideration. The bill requires AHCA to adopt rules enabling Level I Adult Cardiovascular Services programs to utilize specific medical devices and treatments.

• Allows Level I programs to perform adult percutaneous cardiac intervention without onsite cardiac surgery;

• Authorizes the use of rotational or other atherectomy devices for Level I programs;

• Permits electrophysiology procedures and treatment of chronic total occlusions for Level I programs;



• Distinguishes between Level I and Level II hospital program licensure levels, with Level II programs authorized for percutaneous cardiac intervention with onsite cardiac surgery.

SB 7072 Cancer Funding by Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

The legislature passed SB 7072 concerning cancer funding, sending it to the Governor for consideration. SB 7072 Revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program to improve cancer care and research in Florida, establishes the Cancer Connect Collaborative, and updates reporting and funding mechanisms.

• Enhances the program to promote high-quality, innovative cancer care and strengthens support for cancer centers and research;

• Creates the Cancer Connect Collaborative within the Department of Health to advise on cancer research and treatment policies;

• Details membership, meetings, and responsibilities for the collaborative, including developing a comprehensive long-range plan with stakeholder input;

• Tasks collaborative with advising on grant awards from the Cancer Innovation Fund and prioritizing projects that expand treatment in underserved areas;

• Updates reporting requirements and specifies annual report content on cancer mortality and funding, enhancing oversight and transparency;

• Revises the cancer center payment allocation to include budget narratives, caps on administrative expenses, and mandates for financial audits and outcome reporting;

• Modifies Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council membership and quorum requirements, increasing inclusiveness and representation.

FOMA Successfully Opposed

• HB 257 & SB 810 - Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

• HB 771 & SB 936 - Autonomous Practice for Certified Psychiatric Nurses

• HB 955 & SB 1282 - Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists

• HB 77, HB 129, SB 248, & SB 442 - Medical negligence. These bills would have expanded the ability to sue for medical malpractice.

FOMA Enrolled Bills - 1:00 PM, Friday, March 8

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