On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed five bills in Bonita Springs that aim to grow the health care workforce, expand access to care and foster innovation in the industry. These measures are part of the 2024 “Live Healthy” legislation package, aimed at keeping up with Florida’s unprecedented growth.
The first bill, SB 1758, formalizes provisions related to programs and services provided by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The second bill, SB 330, creates a new category of teaching hospitals dedicated to advancing behavioral health care through research, collaboration with colleges and universities and addressing acute behavioral health care needs.
SB 7016 creates and expands training programs to develop and retain Florida’s health care workforce to meet the demands of population growth. SB 7018 fosters innovation and creativity in the health care industry to address the evolving needs and challenges of Florida’s health care system. Lastly, SB 322 creates public record and meeting exemptions for personal identifying information for practitioners participating in various interstate compacts.
Governor DeSantis was joined by President of the Florida Senate Kathleen Passidomo, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, and Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch during the press conference. Dr. Ladapo emphasized the importance of expanding access to care for pregnant moms and Floridians in rural and underserved areas to make Florida a healthier state. The collaboration between the Florida Department of Health, the state legislature, and the Governor’s office will be key in implementing these new measures effectively
