The Health Care Freedom Act proposes significant changes to existing Florida statutes concerning reproductive health and gender-affirming care. It aims to repeal laws related to the use of state funds for abortion services and sex-reassignment procedures, while also addressing the medical conscience of healthcare providers. A new section, 381.027, requires healthcare facilities that refuse to provide certain services to inform patients about the services they do not offer and submit a list of these services to the Department of Health. The bill also amends definitions related to pregnancy support services, removes the definition of "fatal fetal abnormality," and eliminates restrictions on telehealth for abortion services. It specifies that only licensed physicians can perform abortions and prohibits the use of telehealth for these procedures.

Additionally, the bill mandates Medicaid reimbursement for treatments related to gender dysphoria and prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. It introduces reporting requirements for Medicaid overpayments and fraud prevention, requiring a comprehensive report detailing overpayment statistics and actions taken to prevent fraud. The bill also modifies licensing requirements for mental health service providers and removes provisions for the immediate suspension of licenses for practitioners involved in sex-reassignment procedures for minors. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a shift in reproductive health regulations and the provision of gender-affirming care in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 932 Filed: 286.31, 286.311, 381.96, 390.011, 390.012, 456.47, 456.52, 766.318, 61.517, 61.534, 409.908, 409.913, 456.074, 636.0145