The bill aims to enhance the collaboration among special districts operating as hospital districts in Florida by allowing them to jointly enter into various partnerships and collaborations. It establishes that these districts can engage in ventures, business entities, and other joint relationships within their boundaries, thereby improving access to healthcare services and promoting the continuity of care for residents. The bill emphasizes the public necessity of providing quality and cost-efficient medical care and recognizes the importance of these collaborations for the public health and welfare of the state's inhabitants.
Additionally, the bill grants state action immunity to parties involved in these joint relationships, protecting them from potential violations of state or federal antitrust laws. This immunity allows the special districts to exercise their powers without concern for the consequences of their collaborations. The new provisions are designed to supersede any conflicting laws, ensuring that the collaborative efforts of these special districts are legally supported and encouraged. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.