The bill amends section 768.0427 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to the admissibility of evidence in personal injury or wrongful death actions regarding medical expenses. It modifies the criteria for evidence that can be presented to demonstrate both past and future medical expenses. Notably, the language changes from "shall" to "may" in terms of what evidence can be included, allowing for greater flexibility in the types of evidence that can be presented in court. The bill specifies that evidence must tend to demonstrate the actual value of medical treatment or services rendered, and it expands the types of admissible evidence to include reasonable and customary rates for treatment by qualified providers.
Additionally, the bill removes certain stipulations regarding health care coverage, such as the specific percentages of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates that were previously mandated. Instead, it allows for a broader range of evidence to be considered, including amounts billed for medically necessary treatment and services. The changes aim to provide a more comprehensive framework for determining medical expenses in legal cases, enhancing the ability of claimants to present relevant evidence. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.