This bill amends existing Florida statutes to enhance the continuing education requirements for healthcare practitioners regarding the management and treatment of sickle cell disease. Specifically, it revises section 456.0301 to include the treatment of pain for patients with sickle cell disease as part of the required 2-hour continuing education course on prescribing controlled substances. Additionally, the bill creates a new section, 456.0311, which mandates that healthcare professionals licensed under specific chapters complete a 2-hour 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 treatment protocols, patient education, and psychosocial care.

The new requirements stipulate that licensees must submit confirmation of course completion during their renewal process and allow for the approval of equivalent courses by the applicable boards. Furthermore, practitioners holding multiple licenses can fulfill the requirement with a single course. Noncompliance with these educational mandates will result in 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