The bill amends Section 381.0601 of the Florida Statutes to establish the "Patient-Directed Blood Donation Act," which outlines the procedures and requirements for autologous and directed blood donations. It mandates that blood banks comply with licensed physician orders for these donations, provided they meet medical suitability criteria and logistical feasibility. Hospitals that facilitate blood donations must allow patients to make such donations when ordered by their physicians. The bill also allows blood banks and hospitals to charge reasonable fees to cover administrative costs associated with these donations, ensuring that the fee structure does not deter medically appropriate donations.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that all autologous and directed donations must adhere to federal and state safety regulations, including testing and storage standards. It requires that blood collected for a specific patient be reserved for that patient, with provisions for reverting the blood to general inventory if it is no longer needed or appropriate. In emergency situations, reserved blood may be used for other patients if necessary. The Department of Health is authorized to adopt rules to implement these provisions, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1534 Filed: 381.0601