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2025 Legislative Update
March 07, 2025
Paul D. Seltzer, DO, Legislative Chair
Stephen R. Winn, ED
Michelle W. Larson, Assoc. ED
Jason D. Winn, Esq.
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On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Florida Legislature officially kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session. Governor DeSantis delivered the 2025 State of the State, emphasizing Florida's leadership in immigration reforms, economic growth, and individual freedoms. Significant progress was noted in reducing insurance rates, investing in teacher salaries, and maintaining fiscal discipline. The Governor also called for legislation to curb escalating property taxes, acknowledging homeowner frustrations and underscoring the need for constitutional protections to provide meaningful relief.
Legislators heard several health care bills in committee, including measures relating to scope of practice and medical malpractice expansion. The FOMA opposes scope-of-practice expansion that compromises patient access to quality health care and legislation to broaden who can file medical malpractice claims. The FOMA's legislative team is working with our advocacy partners to educate legislators on why these measures are not in the best interest of Florida patients. For more information, please see the Legislative Highlights section below.
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Rep. Michael A. Caruso & Jason D. Winn, Esq | | |
SB 294 - Collaborative Pharmacy Practice for Chronic Health Conditions
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services unanimouly passed 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.
The bill has one remaining committee: the Senate Rules Committee.
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HB 0649 Autonomous Practice by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee passed HB 649 by a 12-6 vote. HB 649 exempts autonomous advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) certified as CRNAs from requiring onsite medical direction when administering anesthesia, subject to facility protocols. It permits CRNAs to assess patient health risks, determine anesthesia type, order pre-anesthetic medication, and administer anesthesia techniques, whether they operate under a protocol or not. Autonomous APRNs may also provide primary care, place venous and arterial lines, admit and discharge patients, and sign documents typically reserved for physicians, with certain exceptions.
The bill has one remaining committee: the House Health & Human Services Committee.
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SB 0734 - Wrongful Death Actions
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 734 by a 9-2 vote. SB 734 revises wrongful death provisions in Florida, removing restrictions that prevent adult children and the parents of adult children from recovering certain damages in medical negligence cases.
The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee unanimously passed a similar measure: HB 6017 Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in Death.
The Senate bill has two remaining committees: the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Rules Committee.
The House bill has one remaining committee: the House Judiciary Committee.
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SB 0514 - Medical Malpractice Review Committees
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed SB 514. This legislation expands the definition of a "medical review committee" to include committees of the Department of Children and Families or a managing entity, along with the employees, agents, and consultants who review treatment services. It maintains that a committee's proceedings, investigations, and records remain confidential, ensuring they are neither discoverable nor admissible in civil or administrative actions concerning the matters reviewed.
The bill has two remaining committees: the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee and the Senate Rules Committee.
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SB 0714 - Nonopioid Advance Directives
The Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously passed SB 714. This legislation requires the Department of Health to create a voluntary nonopioid advance directive form, enabling patients to refuse opioid treatments if they become incapacitated. A valid directive must be signed by the patient and a licensed physician and placed in the patient’s medical record at a chosen healthcare facility or with their primary care physician. Patients can revoke it at any time. Health care providers are granted immunity from civil and criminal liability when administering opioids during a medical emergency without knowledge of the directive unless their actions amount to gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The bill has two remaining committees: the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee.
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SB 0158 - Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examinations
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government unanimously passed SB 158. This legislation prohibits cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations in the state group insurance program.
The bill has one remaining committee: the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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SB 0168 - Mental Health
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed SB168. This legislation enhances mental health interventions and diversion programs in the judicial system by expanding training, encouraging grant-supported crisis response efforts (including Veterans Treatment Courts), and allowing community-based programs for misdemeanor or ordinance violations. It establishes mandatory mental health evaluations for certain defendants, sets conditions for involuntary examinations and release, and authorizes state attorneys to recommend screenings that could lead to dismissal upon successful program completion.
The bill has one remaining committee: the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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SB 0068 - Health Facilities Authorities
The Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously passed SB 68. The bill expands the definition of "health facility" to include not-for-profit entities and authorizes health facility authorities to issue loans, refinance bonds, and execute agreements. It establishes requirements for project financing, including valid certificates of need, maintenance obligations, and payment prioritization. Authorities can secure bonds through trust agreements and revenues from fees or rents while clarifying bondholder protections, refinancing, and revenue management provisions.
The bill has two remaining committees: the Senate Health Policy Committee and the Senate Rules Committee.
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SB 0398 - Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Awareness
The Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee unanimously passed SB 398. This legislation directs the Department of Elderly Affairs to establish an Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Program in partnership with a statewide nonprofit experienced in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. The Alzheimer's Disease Advisory Committee will annually evaluate the program and recommend funding needs, with an initial allocation of $1.5 million for FY 2025-26.
The bill has two remaining committees: the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee.
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Bills to change Florida's medical malpractice laws move ahead after first panel votes | Companion bills in both chambers would undo part of a 1990 law that involves wrongful death lawsuits and what are known as "noneconomic" damages for such things as pain and suffering. | | | |
Florida legislators look to fund an Alzheimer's awareness campaign | A bill calls for the implementation of an Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Program that would better educate residents on the importance of brain health and reducing the risk of dementia. | | | | | | |
