This bill amends Section 411.2035 of the Florida Statutes to enhance education on the dangers of abusive head trauma, specifically addressing shaken baby syndrome. The Department of Health is required to adopt evidence-based parent education materials that describe the risks associated with abusive head trauma and provide guidelines for their distribution. The materials must cover various topics, including the grave effects of shaking infants, appropriate management of stressors that may lead to such actions, safe infant sleep practices, and the importance of selecting responsible caregivers. The bill also mandates a multi-year phase-in plan for distributing these materials, starting with counties that have the highest birth rates.

Additionally, the bill specifies that hospitals, birth centers, and other healthcare providers must distribute these educational materials to parents or caregivers within the first two weeks after a newborn's birth. It allows for a statewide multimedia public education campaign to further prevent instances of abusive head trauma. Importantly, the bill includes provisions that protect healthcare providers and the state from civil liability for failing to provide the required information. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1482 Filed: 411.2035