This bill aims to enhance pediatric patient care in hospital emergency departments across Florida. It mandates that hospitals with emergency departments develop and implement specific policies and procedures for pediatric care, which must include evidence-based practices for triage, vital signs measurement, medication dosages, and the use of pediatric instruments. Additionally, hospitals are required to conduct annual training for staff on these policies, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and perform the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. The bill also allows hospitals to conduct the National Pediatric Readiness Projects Open Assessment in years when the main assessment is not performed.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing regulations to require the Agency for Health Care Administration to establish minimum standards for pediatric patient care in emergency departments, including the availability of pediatric-specific equipment. It also mandates the collection and publication of assessment scores from hospitals, with specific deadlines for reporting and comparison to national averages. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2026.