Gov. DeSantis signs package of healthcare bills

Garrett Phillips
·2 min read
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. DeSantis signed five healthcare-related bills while speaking in Bonita Springs on Thursday.

The Florida Gov. signed the following legislation:

  • SB 7016, which the Gov. says will create and expand training programs that will help develop and retain Florida’s healthcare workforce.

  • SB 7018, which the Gov. says harnesses the innovation and creativity of entrepreneurs and industry leaders to meet the needs and challenges of Florida’s evolving healthcare system.

  • SB 1758, which the Gov. says formalizes some work already underway within the Agency for Persons with Disabilities through the First Lady’s Hope Florida initiative.

  • SB 330, which the Gov. says creates a new category of teaching hospitals dedicated to advancing behavioral health care through research, collaborating with colleges and universities, and partnering with the state of Florida to address acute behavioral health care needs.

  • SB 322, which the Gov. says creates public record and meeting exemptions for personal identifying information for practitioners participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Florida’s participation in these compacts is established in SB 7016.

“We are taking action to bolster our healthcare workforce to keep pace with our state’s unprecedented growth,” said Governor DeSantis. “I applaud Senate President Passidomo for her dedication to this cause, which contributes to positioning Florida as the freest and healthiest state in the nation.”

“The broad appeal of the free state of Florida continues to attract families, businesses, and seniors,” said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. “These new Floridians are not bringing their health care providers with them. Live Healthy will grow the healthcare workforce we need to serve our communities, increase access, and incentivize innovation, so Floridians can have more options and opportunities to live healthy. I am so grateful to our Governor, our Speaker, Senators Burton, Harrell, Brodeur, Boyd and Collins, and so many others who helped Live Healthy come to life!”

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