The bill amends Section 411.2035 of the Florida Statutes to enhance education on abusive head trauma, specifically addressing the dangers of shaken baby syndrome. It mandates the Department of Health to adopt evidence-based parent education materials that detail the risks associated with abusive head trauma and provide guidance on managing situations that may lead to harm, such as normal infant crying. The materials must cover various topics, including safe infant sleep practices and the importance of selecting responsible caregivers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the distribution requirements for these educational materials, which must be provided to parents or caregivers of newborns within the first two weeks after birth by hospitals, birth centers, and home birth providers. It also requires childbirth educators and pediatric practices to reinforce this information. A statewide multimedia public education campaign will be launched to further prevent instances of abusive head trauma. The Department of Health is tasked with implementing a multi-year phase-in plan for distribution, starting with counties that have the highest birth rates. The bill includes provisions to protect entities from civil liability for failing to provide the required information. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 732 Filed: 411.2035