The bill amends existing Florida law regarding continuing education requirements for healthcare professionals, specifically focusing on the management and treatment of sickle cell disease. It revises the current requirements for a continuing education course on prescribing controlled substances to include training on the treatment of pain for patients with sickle cell disease. Additionally, it establishes a new requirement for specified healthcare professionals, including those licensed under chapters 458, 459, and part I of chapter 464, to complete a 2-hour continuing education course on sickle cell disease care management as part of their first licensure or certification renewal.

The newly created section outlines the content of the sickle cell disease course, which must cover evidence-based treatment protocols, patient and family education, comprehensive evaluations, psychosocial care, genetic counseling, and pain management. Licensees must submit confirmation of course completion when renewing their licenses, and the appropriate boards are authorized to approve additional equivalent courses. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disciplinary action. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 353 Filed: 456.0301