Telehealth House Bill 23 and Companion Senate Bill 1526 The state of Florida is experiencing a health care provider shortage. The provision of health care services through telehealth will increase patient access to health care. The legislation establishes standards of practice for telehealth providers and permits them to deliver health care services pursuant to their respective scopes of practice. The legislation authorizes out-of-state health care professionals to deliver telehealth services to Florida patients if the professionals register with the Department of Health or their respective professional boards, meet eligibility requirements, and pay required fees. The legislation is now Chapter No. 2019-137, Laws of Florida, effective July 1, 2019. Patient Access to Primary Care and Specialist Providers House Bill 843 and Companion Senate Bill 7078 This bill became a legislative healthcare and health insurance “train,” which incorporates language from the following bills: Dental Services SB 716, by Senator Hooper, was amended into HB 843 . The companion bill was HB 465, by Representative Grant (M). AARP supported this legislation. The legislation requires the Department of Health to establish the Donated Dental Services Program. That program will form a network of volunteer dental providers who will provide free dental services to the needy, disabled, elderly, and others who cannot afford necessary treatment but who are Alzheimer’s Disease House Bill 449 and Companion Senate Bill 860 In Florida, there are more than 540,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2025, it is anticipated to increase by 50 percent. Many patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease require care 24 hours a day, especially in the late stages of the disease. The legislation requires the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee to submit a report annually by September 1st to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. That report must include recommendations for Alzheimer’s disease policy, information about state-funded efforts relating to Alzheimer’s disease and updates to the Alzheimer’s disease state plan. The legislation is now Chapter No. 2019-147, Laws of Florida, effective July 1, 2019.
PASSED AARP Supported
Sponsored by Representative Plakon and Senator Stargel
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PASSED AARP Supported Sponsored by Representative Yarborough and Senator Harrell
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PASSED AARP Supported Sponsored by Representative Rodriguez (AM) and the Senate Health Policy Committee
ineligible for public assistance. Hospital Observation Status
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HB 813, by Representative Tomkow, was amended into HB 843. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation requires hospitals to immediately provide patients written notice when the patients are placed on “observation” status instead of “inpatient” status. Only inpatients for at least 72 hours are eligible for post-discharge rehabilitative care covered under Medicare.
Health & Supportive Services
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