Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Five Bills; The Boldest Healthcare Act Of Any State

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed five bills on March 22, 2024, including SB 7016, which expands workforce training for the healthcare industry; SB 7018, which supports innovation, including telehealth; and SB 1758, which supports the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

The signing of the five bills is the boldest healthcare Act of any State.

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, championed the $716 million package.

Live Healthy will expand Florida's healthcare workforce.

The Florida Senate has passed healthcare legislation as part of the "Live Healthy" package to expand the state's healthcare workforce, increase access, and promote innovation.

Senate Bill (SB) 7016 focuses on growing the healthcare workforce, removing regulations to enhance workforce mobility, and expanding access to quality healthcare. Another bill, SB 7018, focuses on healthcare innovation through investments in technology.

The comprehensive package includes various measures, such as creating pathways for healthcare professionals, expanding residency slots, and incentivizing innovation. The legislation also addresses barriers for out-of-state providers, establishes 'teaching hospitals' for behavioral health, expands services for individuals with disabilities, and enhances healthcare price transparency.

The "Live Healthy" package received unanimous support in the Senate and emphasizes workforce mobility, access to care, and technological innovation to improve healthcare in Florida.

The Florida Senate, led by Senators Colleen Burton and Gayle Harrell, passed health care legislation as part of the "Live Healthy" package. "Live Healthy" aims to address the growing population in Florida by expanding the healthcare workforce, increasing access, and promoting innovation.

Key points of the Live Healthy legislation: Overview of Legislation Passed

SB 7016 (Health Care): Focuses on growing Florida's health care workforce, removing regulations, and expanding access.

SB 7018 (Health Care Innovation): Incentivizes innovation in the health care industry through investments in technology.

Additional Live Healthy Legislation:

SB 322: Streamlined licensure pathway for out-of-state providers moving to Florida.

SB 330: Establishment of teaching hospitals focused on behavioral health.

SB 1758: Expansion of services to Floridians with disabilities.

SB 1640: Expansion of health care price transparency.

Growing Florida's Health Care Workforce:

Health Care Pathway Programs: Lab schools with university affiliations will develop pathways in the healthcare profession.

GME Residency Slots: Increase in medical residency slots focusing on retention.

Expanding LINK Program: Funding eligibility expansion for high-performing schools.

TEACH Funding Program: Offset lost revenue for clinical training in health professions programs.

Removing Barriers for Foreign-Trained Physicians: Prioritizing clinical spots for Florida students and exempting experienced foreign-trained physicians from residency requirements.

Expanding Access To Quality, Efficient Health Care:

Access to Free and Charitable Clinics: Increasing eligibility thresholds for low-income Floridians.

Advanced Birth Center Designation: Authorizing advanced birth centers for low-risk deliveries.

Hospital at Home: Seeking federal approval for hospital care at home in Medicaid.

ER Diversion Partnerships: Creating partnerships for better care coordination.

Mobile Response Teams: Enhancing and expanding teams for community stabilization.

Additional Appropriations in SB 7016:

Total Appropriation $716 million:

The $716 million includes funding for GME, hospital Medicaid reimbursements, dental care services, home and Community-based Services, nursing services, therapy providers, behavioral analysis services, and workload increases at DOH and AHCA.

Incentivizing Innovation Through Technology – SB 7018:

Health Care Innovation Council: 15-member council to explore innovations and provide recommendations.

Revolving Loan Program: Funding for implementing innovative solutions.

The Live Healthy package addresses workforce needs, improves access, and encourages innovation in Florida's healthcare system.

Reactions and Implications

Senate President Kathleen

Passidomo, a driving force behind the 'Live Healthy' legislation expressed her enthusiasm: "Expanding access to care for pregnant moms and Floridians in rural and underserved areas will help make Florida a healthier state." The legislation received bipartisan support, emphasizing its broad appeal.

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph

Ladapo echoed the sentiment: "I look forward to working with Senate President Passidomo, the Florida State Legislature, and Governor DeSantis to implement this legislation at the Florida Department of Health."

Governor DeSantis emphasized the significance of these reforms: "We are taking action to bolster our healthcare workforce to keep pace with our state's unprecedented growth. 'Live Healthy' contributes to positioning Florida as the freest and healthiest state in the nation."

As these laws take effect, Floridians can anticipate improved healthcare services, increased access, and a more innovative healthcare system. The 'Live Healthy' legislation package represents a pivotal moment in Florida's commitment to the well-being of its residents.

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Note: The legislation package will take effect on July 1, 2024.