This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to child protective investigations, specifically addressing the handling of allegations involving children with certain medical diagnoses. It introduces an exception to the requirement for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to immediately forward allegations of criminal conduct to law enforcement if the parent or legal custodian claims the child has a preexisting diagnosis specified in the law or requests an examination. Additionally, the bill mandates that child protective investigators inform subjects of investigations about their rights and responsibilities, including the duty to report any preexisting diagnoses and provide supporting medical records.

The bill also requires Child Protection Teams to consult with licensed physicians or advanced practice registered nurses when evaluating reports of medical neglect or children with specific preexisting diagnoses. Furthermore, it allows parents or legal custodians from whom a child was removed to request examinations under certain conditions, with the stipulation that they bear the costs unless covered by insurance or Medicaid. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 304 Filed: 39.301