The bill, titled "Patterson's Law," amends sections of Florida Statutes related to child abuse investigations. It requires child protective investigators to inform subjects of their investigations about their right to request specific examinations of the alleged victim. Additionally, it authorizes alleged perpetrators of child abuse to request these examinations under certain conditions, with the stipulation that they are responsible for the costs. The bill also clarifies that such examinations cannot be used to obtain a second opinion regarding allegations of sexual abuse.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that allow alleged perpetrators to request examinations for differential diagnosis of certain medical conditions that may mimic signs of abuse, such as rickets and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. It emphasizes that these examinations must be paid for by the alleged perpetrator or covered by insurance or Medicaid, and reiterates that they cannot be used to seek a second opinion on sexual abuse allegations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 304 Filed: 39.301