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The legislature completed its final week of interim meetings. It will take a week off before returning to Tallahassee on March 4, 2025, for the official start of the 2025 Legislative Session, which is also the final day for members to file bills. To date, the FOMA is tracking a total of 178 healthcare-related bills. 

This week, the Senate and House health care committees heard and passed several bills out of their first referenced committee. Among the bills considered are measures relating to pharmacy collaborative practice concerning chronic medical conditions, streamlining step therapy under Medicaid for drugs treating serious mental illnesses, and legislation limiting exposure to surgical smoke. 

Utimeir Sworn into Office as Attorney Generral

On Monday, February 17, 2025, James Uthmeier was officially sworn in as Florida Attorney General.   Uthmeier, the Governor's former Chief of Staff, was appointed by Governor DeSantis to replace Ashley Moody, who was recently appointed to serve in the US Senate.

FSU Student Intern, Kara Fetchero, Sen Clay Yarbough, & FSU Student Intern Holden Mendez

Attorney General James Utimeir

Legislative Highlights

HB 0103 and SB 152 - Protection from Surgical Smoke

The House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee and the Senate Health Policy Committee passed HB 0103 and SB 152 (identical bills) relating to protection from surgical smoke. This legislation requires Florida hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to use smoke evacuation systems to reduce surgical smoke exposure during specific procedures by January 1, 2026.

SB 294 - Collaborative Pharmacy Practice for Chronic Health Conditions

The Senate Health Policy Committee passes SB 294. This legislation revises the definition of “chronic health condition” in collaborative pharmacy practice by excluding certain heart-related conditions. It specifies that conditions like arthritis, asthma, COPD, Type 2 diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and obesity are included. SB 294 excludes Heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac rhythm disorders.

SB 264 - Step-therapy Protocols

The Senate Health Policy Committee passed SB 264 relating to step therapy. SB 264 streamlines Medicaid access to medications for serious mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, bypassing step-therapy prior authorizations under specific conditions. The bill mandates immediate approval if alternatives are ineffective, or documentation shows medical necessity.

FOMA Bill Tracking

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