This bill amends existing Florida law regarding continuing education requirements for healthcare practitioners, specifically focusing on the management and treatment of sickle cell disease. It revises the current requirements for a 2-hour continuing education course on prescribing controlled substances to include information on the treatment of pain for patients with sickle cell disease. Additionally, the bill creates a new section that mandates a separate 2-hour continuing education course on sickle cell disease care management for healthcare professionals licensed under specific chapters of Florida law. This course will cover various aspects of sickle cell disease, including evidence-based treatment protocols, psychosocial care, and pain management.

The bill outlines the procedures for licensees to submit proof of course completion during their first licensure or certification renewal and allows for the approval of equivalent courses by the applicable boards. It also specifies that healthcare practitioners holding multiple licenses can fulfill the requirement with a single course completion. Non-compliance with these requirements may lead to disciplinary action, and the applicable boards are authorized to adopt rules to implement these provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 844 Filed: 456.0301