The "Health Care Freedom Act" seeks to repeal existing statutes that restrict the use of state funds for travel related to abortion services and for sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures. It introduces a new requirement for health care facilities to adopt a policy by October 1, 2025, mandating written notice to patients about services they refuse to provide, and to submit this list to the Department of Health. The bill also imposes civil penalties for non-compliance and requires the department to maintain an updated list of covered entities and their refused services online. Additionally, it amends various sections of Florida Statutes to redefine terms related to pregnancy support services, removes the definition of "fatal fetal abnormality," and revises regulations surrounding pregnancy termination, including the deletion of prohibitions against telehealth for abortions.

House Bill 823 further enhances oversight of the Medicaid program by requiring annual reports detailing policy recommendations to prevent overpayments and detect fraud, including fiscal analyses and performance metrics. It amends existing statutes related to the mailing of explanations of benefits for Medicaid services and updates licensing requirements for mental health care providers. Notably, it 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 significant shift in Florida's legislative approach to reproductive rights and gender-affirming healthcare.

Statutes affected:
H 823 Filed: 286.31, 286.311, 381.96, 390.011, 390.012, 456.47, 456.52, 61.517, 61.534, 409.908, 409.913, 456.074, 636.0145