Overview

Florida was active in healthcare legislation during its 2018 session, though most bills failed to pass. The legislature did, however, pass HB 351, which requires pharmacists to inform customers of certain generically equivalent drug products and whether cost-sharing obligations to such customers exceed retail price of prescription.

In 2017, Florida introduced, but failed to pass legislation (HB 7) to eliminate its Certificate of Need program. The Florida legislature was also active in pushing for healthcare transparency legislation. However, only one measure relating to prescription cost transparency passed. In past legislative sessions, Florida passed legislation promoting healthcare transparency and protecting patients from surprise out-of-network bills. Another key Florida effort in healthcare transparency is the FloridaHealthFinder.gov website, which allows consumers to view performance and outcome data, including average costs, for healthcare facilities in the state. Florida is also active in promoting the use of electronic Health Information Exchanges to streamline provider access to patient information and consequently lower costs and improve quality of care.

The State Database

The Source tracks state activities impacting healthcare price and competition in both legislation and litigation in a searchable database to help stakeholders at the state level understand their legal and regulatory environment as they make efforts to improve access, quality, and efficiency, and reduce costs in healthcare. We currently cover bills from the 2017-2018 legislative term and key statutes from each state. Search the database for specific bills, statutes or cases by using keyword, key issue category, and/or jurisdiction.

Additional Resources

LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR

Florida’s 2018 legislative term ran from 1/9/2018 – 3/9/2018. Florida’s next legislative session will convene in 2019.

FY 2018 BUDGET

Florida’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30th of the following year. The Florida legislature passed its FY 2018 Budget during the regular legislative session. To view Florida’s Department of Health most FY 2018 Budget proposal, click here.