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The Florida Legislature closed out week 2 of the session, highlighting that healthcare issues remain a priority this year. Another round of scope debates began this week, with the House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee hearing HB 883, the bill's first committee of reference. HB 883 authorizes psychiatric nurses registered for autonomous practice to engage in the practice of psychiatric mental health services, as determined by the Board of Nursing, without an established physician protocol. The FOMA, FMA, FPS, and other physician groups opposed the bill. 

Legislators heard arguments from both sides on the issue. Although some representatives raised concerns, the bill ultimately passed with a vote of 14-3. HB 833 now faces one more committee review by the Health & Human Services Committee. The FOMA and others will continue to meet with Representative Shoaf and others to communicate our concerns regarding this language. We expect these scope bills to remain on the House agenda in the coming weeks, with further discussions on optometry, nursing, and other scope-related legislation as the session progresses. 

Michelle Mendez, DO meets with Senator Clay Yarborough

Jason D. Winn, Esq., & Sen. Tracie Davis

This week was particularly exciting for Dr. Michelle Mendez, DO (Family Medicine, Jacksonville), who served as the Doctor of the Day, sponsored by Senator Clay Yarborough. Dr. Mendez had the opportunity to assist visitors and staff at the Florida Capitol through the health clinic. Please let the FOMA office know if you are interested in serving as Doctor of the Day in future sessions. A Senator sponsors the Doctors of the Day and oversees the health clinic at the Florida Capitol, addressing various health issues ranging from shortness of breath to nausea and flu-like symptoms.

Legislative Highlights

HB 0883 – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice (Rep. Shoaf)

The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee passed HB 883 by a vote of 15‑3. HB 883 authorizes psychiatric nurses registered for autonomous practice to engage in the practice of psychiatric mental health services, as determined by the Board of Nursing, without an established physician protocol.

HB 0519 – Administration of Controlled Substances by Paramedics (Rep. Bartleman)

The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee passed HB 0519 by a vote of 14‑0. HB 0519 authorizes a practitioner to allow certified paramedics to administer controlled substances under defined conditions. It clarifies the scope of emergency care protocols regarding controlled substance administration.

HB 0597 – Diabetes Management In Schools (Rep. Smith, D)

The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee passed HB 0597 by a vote of 14‑0. HB 0597 authorizes public schools to request, store, and administer glucagon following established guidelines. The bill also sets requirements for proper storage, administration, and parental notification.

FOMA Bill Tracking

Week 3 Calendar

Senate Banking and Insurance, Room 412 K, Monday, March 17, 2025, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM

• SB 1656 – Office of Insurance Regulation (Collins)
• SB 1658 – Public Records/Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form Database (Collins)

Senate Commerce and Tourism, Room 110 S, Monday, March 17, 2025, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM

• SB 0480 – Nonprofit Agricultural Organization Medical Benefit Plans (DiCeglie)

Senate Education Pre-K – 12, Room 412 K, Monday, March 17, 2025, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM

• SB 0772 – Diabetes Management in Schools (Calatayud)

Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, Room 412 K, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 9:30 AM–11:30 AM

• SB 0398 – Awareness Program for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia-related Disorders (Burgess)
• SB 0714 – Nonopioid Advance Directives (Burton)
• SB 0734 – Actions for Recovery of Damages for Wrongful Death (Yarborough)
• SB 0756 – Health Insurance Coverage for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (Burton)

Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, Room 412 K, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

• SB 0344 – Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 (Rodriguez)

Senate Criminal Justice, Room 37 S, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 3:30 PM–5:30 PM

• SB 1268 – Department of Law Enforcement (Simon)
• SB 1360 – Controlled Substances (Leek)

Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability, Room 110 S, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 3:30 PM–5:30 PM

• SB 1710 – Prohibitions and Limitations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Medical Institutions (DiCeglie)

Senate Health Policy, Room 412 K, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 3:30 PM–5:30 PM

• SB 1060 – Medicaid Oversight (Brodeur)
• SB 0958 – Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection (Bernard)
• SB 1544 – Opticianry (Rodriguez)
• SB 0944 – Insurance Overpayment Claims Submitted to Psychologists (Davis)
• SB 1370 – Ambulatory Surgical Centers (Trumbull)
• SB 1808 – Refund of Overpayments Made by Patients (Burton)

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