The bill introduces a new section, 395.1042, to the Florida Statutes, titled "Gages Law," which mandates that hospitals and hospital-based off-campus emergency departments include fentanyl testing as part of any urine tests conducted for individuals suspected of drug overdose or poisoning. If the initial urine test indicates the presence of fentanyl, the facilities are required to perform a confirmation test to verify the results. Additionally, the outcomes of both the urine and confirmation tests must be documented in the patient's clinical record, adhering to the facility's existing recordkeeping practices.
This legislation aims to enhance the detection and management of fentanyl-related incidents in emergency medical settings, thereby improving patient care and safety. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.