The bill amends section 464.019 of the Florida Statutes to require nursing education programs to include a mandatory 2-hour course on human trafficking prevention as part of their core curriculum. This course must meet specific requirements outlined in section 464.013(3)(c) and must be approved by the Board of Nursing. Additionally, students are required to complete this course before graduating from their nursing program. The Board of Nursing, in collaboration with the Department of Health, will oversee the implementation and enforcement of these new educational requirements, ensuring that the course curriculum aligns with current laws and best practices by consulting with human trafficking advocacy organizations and local law enforcement agencies.

The new requirements will apply to students who enroll in nursing education programs on or after July 1, 2027. This initiative aims to equip newly licensed nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and respond to human trafficking cases, thereby addressing a critical public health crisis in Florida. The bill emphasizes the important role nurses play in assisting victims of human trafficking and builds upon previous legislation that mandated continuing education on this issue for licensed nurses.