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, or 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. This course will cover various aspects of sickle cell disease, including evidence-based treatment protocols, psychosocial care, and pain management.

The bill also outlines the process for confirming course completion and allows for the approval of additional equivalent courses to meet the requirements. It stipulates that failure to comply with these educational requirements may result in disciplinary action. The appropriate boards are authorized to adopt rules to implement these provisions, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 353 Filed: 456.0301