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The budget conference began this week as legislators worked to reconcile the differences between the Senate and House plans. Health care budget conferees resolved some funding-related issues before bumping the remaining items to the Appropriations Chairs Wednesday morning. Negotiations broke down primarily over member projects. The Appropriation Chairs will resolve the remaining items on Friday or over the weekend as they race to finish the process early next week. Although week eight was primarily dedicated to budget issues, the legislature did advance several policy measures relating to healthcare. 

AJ Winn Serves as Senate Page - Photo taken in the Senate Chamber with his proud grandfather Steve Winn

Legislative Highlights

SB 0362 Medical Treatment Under the Workers’ Compensation Law by Bradley

The Senate unanimously passed SB 362, sending it to the House for its consideration.  SB 362 increases the maximum reimbursement allowances (MRA) for physicians and surgical procedures to 200 percent of Medicare.

The companion, HB 0161, passed all referenced committees and is eligible for House consideration. HB 161 increases the maximum reimbursement allowances (MRA) for physicians and surgical procedures to 150 percent of Medicare.

SB 1320 HIV Infection Prevention Drugs by Calatayud

The Senate Rules Committee unanimously passed SB 1320 concerning HIV prevention drugs. Clearing its final referenced committee, the bill is eligible for Senate consideration.  The House companion, HB 0159, passed the House last week and is in messages to the Senate.  

SB 1320 allows licensed pharmacists to screen adults for HIV exposure and provide the results of such screening. A pharmacist who has screened a patient for HIV must advise the patient to seek further medical consultation or treatment from a physician. The bill also establishes a process by which a pharmacist may become certified to order and dispense postexposure prophylaxis under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician.

HB 1259 Providers of Cardiovascular Services by Andrade.

The House unanimously passed HB 1259 concerning providers of cardiovascular services. HB 1259 is now in messages to the Senate. The Senate identical companion, SB 1612, has passed all referenced committees and is on the Senate Special Order Calendar on Monday, March 4, 2024.  

The bills require AHCA to adopt rules enabling Level I Adult Cardiovascular Services programs to utilize specific medical devices and treatments.

• Allows Level I programs to perform adult percutaneous cardiac intervention without onsite cardiac surgery;

• Authorizes the use of rotational or other atherectomy devices for Level I programs;

• Permits electrophysiology procedures and treatment of chronic total occlusions for Level I programs;



• Distinguishes between Level I and Level II hospital program licensure levels, with Level II programs authorized for percutaneous cardiac intervention with onsite cardiac surgery.

SB 7072 Cancer Funding by Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

The Senate unanimously passed SB 7072 concerning cancer funding, sending it to the House for consideration. SB 7072 Revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program to improve cancer care and research in Florida, establishes the Cancer Connect Collaborative, and updates reporting and funding mechanisms.

• Enhances the program to promote high-quality, innovative cancer care and strengthens support for cancer centers and research;

• Creates the Cancer Connect Collaborative within the Department of Health to advise on cancer research and treatment policies;

• Details membership, meetings, and responsibilities for the collaborative, including developing a comprehensive long-range plan with stakeholder input;

• Tasks collaborative with advising on grant awards from the Cancer Innovation Fund and prioritizing projects that expand treatment in underserved areas;

• Updates reporting requirements and specifies annual report content on cancer mortality and funding, enhancing oversight and transparency;

• Revises the cancer center payment allocation to include budget narratives, caps on administrative expenses, and mandates for financial audits and outcome reporting;

• Modifies Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council membership and quorum requirements, increasing inclusiveness and representation.

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