The bill establishes a new section in Florida law, titled "Patient right to try individualized investigational treatment," which allows eligible patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to request and receive personalized investigational treatments under specific conditions. It defines key terms such as "eligible facility," "eligible patient," and "individualized investigational treatment," and outlines the requirements for patients to qualify for such treatments, including the need for written informed consent and documentation from their physician. The bill also clarifies that health plans and third-party administrators are not obligated to cover the costs associated with these treatments unless required by law or contract.
Additionally, the bill provides protections for both patients and healthcare providers. It states that the heirs of a patient who dies while receiving individualized investigational treatment will not be liable for any outstanding debts related to the treatment. It prohibits licensing boards and state entities from taking disciplinary actions against physicians solely for recommending these treatments, and it prevents state officials from obstructing patients' access to them. Furthermore, the bill specifies that no private cause of action can arise against manufacturers or caregivers involved in the treatment if they comply with the law in good faith. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.