This bill amends sections 458.320 and 459.0085 of the Florida Statutes to increase the minimum professional liability coverage required for physicians and osteopathic physicians who perform surgery in licensed ambulatory surgical centers. Specifically, the bill raises the minimum coverage amount from $250,000 to $1 million per claim, with a minimum annual aggregate requirement increasing from $750,000 to $3 million. These changes apply to both professional liability insurance and irrevocable letters of credit that physicians must maintain as a condition of licensure and hospital staff privileges.
Additionally, the bill clarifies that the required coverage amounts cannot be used for litigation costs or attorney fees related to medical malpractice claims. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance financial responsibility standards for medical professionals, thereby potentially improving patient protection in the event of malpractice claims.