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SB 7016 revises or creates numerous provisions of Florida law relating to the state's healthcare workforce, healthcare services, healthcare practitioner licensure and regulation, healthcare licensure and regulation, the Medicaid program, and health-care-related education programs. The bill includes language relating to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, providing a pathway for physicians to obtain licensure in multiple member states. 

SB 7018 establishes the Health Care Innovation Council within the Department of Health (DOH) to develop best practice recommendations for improving health care delivery and outcomes in Florida. In addition, the legislation establishes a revolving loan program within the DOH to fund innovative technologies, workforce pathways, or service delivery models. The council will review loan applications and submit a prioritized list of proposals recommended for funding to the DOH. Loan recipients enter into agreements with the DOH for loans of up to 10-year terms for up to 50 percent of the proposal costs or up to 80 percent of the costs for an applicant that is located in a rural or medically underserved area and is either a rural hospital or a nonprofit entity that accepts Medicaid patients.

Scope of Practice Bills Temporarily Postponed by House Subcommittee

The House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee temporarily postponed two bills expanding practitioner scope of practice, HB 257, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and HB 771, Psychiatric Nurses. The FOMA will continue monitoring this legislation as the process moves forward. 

• HB 257 would allow CRNAs to perform anesthesia-related tasks independently without a supervisory protocol.

• HB 771 would authorize a psychiatric nurse registered for autonomous practice to engage in the practice of psychiatric mental health services, as defined by the BON, without an established physician protocol.

International Drug Reference Pricing

For the second week, Chair Fine and the House Health & Human Services Committee hear presentations surrounding International Drug Reference Pricing. On Tuesday, January 16th, Avik Roy from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity presented material on drug pricing and its impact on Florida residents. The presentation highlights the challenges posed by rising medical expenses. It offers proposed solutions, including the legalization of drug importation and the adoption of international reference pricing, to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility in Florida.

Bill Tracking Report

Legislative Research

To date, legislators have filed 276 bills of interest to the FOMA. For more information, please CLICK HERE to visit the FOMA’s webpage, which contains a comprehensive list of bills for the 2024 Legislative Session. Click on the bill number to see all pertinent information concerning the bill. This list is updated in real-time as we become aware of and input new legislation in our tracking system.