This bill amends section 395.1055 of the Florida Statutes to revise the licensure requirements for Level I and Level II adult cardiovascular programs. It mandates that the Agency for Health Care Administration grant licensure based on updated criteria, including the establishment of formalized transfer agreements for hospitals seeking Level I licensure. Specifically, hospitals must have a written transfer agreement with a Level II program to ensure patient safety and timely transfers, with certain exceptions for hospitals located more than 100 road miles from the nearest Level II program. Additionally, the bill introduces new compliance requirements with the latest guidelines from various cardiovascular organizations to ensure quality and safety in patient care.
The bill also stipulates that hospitals must demonstrate compliance with updated industry standards and guidelines, which the agency is required to adopt and update as necessary. It emphasizes the importance of quality improvement plans and participation in national registries to monitor and enhance patient outcomes. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.