Direct Health Care Agreements HB 7, by Representative Duggan, PASSED. The companion bill was SB 1520, by Senator Bean . Language from this legislation was also amended into HB 843. AARP supported this legislation. Direct primary care (DPC) is a primary care medical practice model that eliminates third party payers from the primary care provider-patient relationship. Through a contractual agreement, a patient pays a monthly fee, usually between $25 and $100 per individual, to the primary care provider for defined primary care services. After paying the fee, a patient can utilize all services under the agreement at no extra charge. The legislation expands the scope of these agreements and allows individuals to contract directly with all licensed healthcare providers, including dentists. Prescription Drug Utilization Management HB 559, by Representative Massullo, was amended into HB 843. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation defines a “step therapy protocol” as a written protocol specifying the order in which certain prescription drugs must be used in order to treat an individual’s health condition. The legislation prohibits an insurer or HMO from requiring a patient to undergo a step- therapy protocol before approving a covered prescription drug if the patient has already been approved to receive the drug through the completion of a step-therapy protocol under previous health coverage in the past 90 days. Ambulatory Surgical Centers SB 434, by Senator Harrell, was amended into HB 843. AARP supported this legislation. The legislation authorizes a patient to stay in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) for up to 24 hours. Presently an ASC must discharge the patient by midnight of the admission date. HB 843 also does the following: • Hospitals must provide written information on data related to hospital quality to patients upon admission, scheduling of non-emergency care or prior to treatment. • Hospitals must notify a patient’s primary care provider (PCP) within 24 hours of the patient’s admission and discharge from the hospital. • Hospitals must notify a patient of his or her right to request that the hospital’s treating physician consult with the patient’s PCP or specialist. If the patient makes the request, the treating physician must make reasonable efforts to consult with the PCP or specialist when developing the patient’s plan of care. • Requires the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to study Florida’s prospective entry into the Interstate Medical License Compact. A report is due by October 1, 2019. The legislation is now Chapter No. 2019-138, Laws of Florida, effective July 1, 2019.
PASSED AARP Supported Sponsored by Representative Rodriguez (AM) and the Senate Health Policy Committee
Voting Record on Pg 44
26
Health & Supportive Services
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker