See All 2025 Bills that Cite Sections in this Chapter
Quick Links
- General Laws Conversion Table (2024) [PDF]
- Florida Statutes Definitions Index (2024) [PDF]
- Table of Section Changes (2024) [PDF]
- Preface to the Florida Statutes (2024) [PDF]
- Table Tracing Session Laws to Florida Statutes (2024) [PDF]
- Index to Special and Local Laws (1971-2024) [PDF]
- Index to Special and Local Laws (1845-1970) [PDF]
- Statute Search Tips
2024 Florida Statutes
Chapter 383
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE
CHAPTER 383
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE
383.011 Administration of maternal and child health programs.
383.013 Prenatal care.
383.0131 Pregnancy and parenting resources website.
383.014 Perinatal mental health care.
383.015 Breastfeeding.
383.016 Breastfeeding policy for “baby-friendly” facilities providing maternity services and newborn infant care.
383.04 Prophylactic required for eyes of infants.
383.06 Report of inflammation or discharge in infant’s eyes.
383.07 Penalty for violation.
383.11 Reports.
383.13 Use of information by department.
383.14 Screening for metabolic disorders, other hereditary and congenital disorders, and environmental risk factors.
383.141 Prenatally diagnosed conditions; patient to be provided information; definitions; information clearinghouse; advisory council.
383.145 Newborn, infant, and toddler hearing screening.
383.146 Infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing; notice of service providers.
383.147 Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait registry.
383.148 Environmental risk screening.
383.15 Legislative intent; perinatal intensive care services.
383.16 Definitions; ss. 383.15-383.19.
383.17 Regional perinatal intensive care centers program; authority.
383.18 Contracts; conditions.
383.19 Standards; funding; ineligibility.
383.216 Community-based prenatal and infant health care.
383.2161 Maternal and child health report.
383.2162 Black infant health practice initiative.
383.21625 Fetal and infant mortality review committees.
383.2163 Telehealth Minority Maternity Care Program.
383.30 Birth Center Licensure Act; short title.
383.301 Licensure and regulation of birth centers; legislative intent.
383.302 Definitions of terms used in ss. 383.30-383.332.
383.305 Licensure; fees.
383.307 Administration of birth center.
383.308 Birth center facility and equipment; requirements.
383.3081 Advanced birth center designation.
383.309 Minimum standards for birth centers and advanced birth centers; rules and enforcement.
383.31 Selection of clients; informed consent.
383.3105 Patients consenting to adoptions; protocols.
383.311 Education and orientation for birth center clients and their families.
383.312 Prenatal care of birth center clients.
383.313 Birth center performance of laboratory and surgical services; use of anesthetic and chemical agents.
383.3131 Advanced birth center performance of laboratory and surgical services; use of anesthetic and chemical agents.
383.315 Agreements with consultants for advice or services; maintenance.
383.316 Transfer and transport of clients to hospitals.
383.318 Postpartum care for birth center clients and infants.
383.32 Clinical records.
383.324 Inspections and investigations; inspection fees.
383.325 Inspection reports.
383.327 Birth and death records; reports.
383.33 Administrative penalties; moratorium on admissions.
383.332 Establishing, managing, or operating a birth center without a license; penalty.
383.3361 Limitations on civil and administrative liability.
383.3362 Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
383.33625 Stephanie Saboor Grieving Parents Act; disposition of fetus; notification; forms developed.
383.402 Child abuse death review; State Child Abuse Death Review Committee; local child abuse death review committees.
383.412 Public records and public meetings exemptions.
383.50 Treatment of surrendered infant.
383.51 Confidentiality; identification of parent leaving infant at hospital, emergency medical services station, or fire station.
383.011 Administration of maternal and child health programs.—
(1) The Department of Health is designated as the state agency for:
(a) Administering or providing for maternal and child health services to provide periodic prenatal care for patients who are at low or medium risk of complications during pregnancy and to provide referrals to higher level medical facilities for those patients who develop medical conditions for which treatment is beyond the scope and capabilities of the county health departments. Maternal and child health services shall include encouragement of breastfeeding.
(b) Administering or providing for periodic medical examinations, nursing appraisals, and nutrition counseling for infant and child patients to assess developmental progress and general health conditions; administering or providing for treatment for health complications when such treatment is within the scope and capabilities of the county health departments or Children’s Medical Services. Nutrition counseling for newborn babies shall include encouragement of breastfeeding.
(c) Administering and providing for the expansion of the maternal and child health services to include pediatric primary care programs subject to the availability of moneys and the limitations established by the General Appropriations Act or chapter 216.
(d) Administering and providing for prenatal and infant health care delivery services through county health departments or subcontractors for the provision of the following enhanced services for medically and socially high-risk clients, subject to the availability of moneys and the limitations established by the General Appropriations Act or chapter 216:
1. Case finding or outreach.
2. Assessment of health, social, environmental, and behavioral risk factors.
3. Case management utilizing a service delivery plan.
4. Home visiting to support the delivery of and participation in prenatal and infant primary health care services.
5. Childbirth and parenting education, including encouragement of breastfeeding.
6. Father engagement activities, such as providing individualized support to fathers to increase participation in services that strengthen family and child well-being.
(e) The department shall establish in each county health department a Healthy Start Care Coordination Program in which a care coordinator is responsible for receiving screening reports and risk assessment reports from the Office of Vital Statistics; conducting assessments as part of a multidisciplinary team, where appropriate; providing technical assistance to the district prenatal and infant care coalitions; directing family outreach efforts; and coordinating the provision of services within and outside the department using the plan developed by the coalition. The care coordination process must include, at a minimum, family outreach workers and health paraprofessionals who will assist in providing the following enhanced services to pregnant women, infants, and their families that are determined to be at potential risk by the department’s screening instrument: case finding or outreach; assessment of health, social, environmental, and behavioral risk factors; case management utilizing the family support plan; home visiting to support the delivery of and participation in prenatal and infant primary care services; childbirth and parenting education, including encouragement of breastfeeding; counseling; and social services, as appropriate. Family outreach workers may include social work professionals or nurses with public health education and counseling experience. Paraprofessionals may include resource mothers and fathers, trained health aides, and parent educators. The care coordination program shall be developed in a coordinated, nonduplicative manner with the Developmental Evaluation and Intervention Program of Children’s Medical Services, using the local assessment findings and plans of the prenatal and infant care coalitions and the programs and services established in chapter 411, Pub. L. No. 99-457, and this chapter.
1. Families determined to be at potential risk based on the thresholds established in the department’s screening instrument must be notified by the department of the determination and recommendations for followup services. All Medicaid-eligible families shall receive Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Services of the Florida Medicaid Program to help ensure continuity of care. All other families identified at potential risk shall be directed to seek additional health care followup visits as provided under s. 627.6579. A family identified as a family at potential risk is eligible for enhanced services under the care coordination process within the resources allocated, if it is not already receiving services from the Developmental Evaluation and Intervention Program. The department shall adopt rules regulating the assignment of family outreach workers and paraprofessionals based on the thresholds established in the department’s risk assessment tool.
2. As part of the care coordination process, the department must ensure that subsequent screenings are conducted for those families identified as families at potential risk. Procedures for subsequent screenings of all infants and toddlers must be consistent with the established periodicity schedule and the level of risk. Screening programs must be conducted in accessible locations, such as child care centers, local schools, teenage pregnancy programs, community centers, and county health departments. Care coordination must also include initiatives to provide immunizations in accessible locations. Such initiatives must seek ways to ensure that children not currently being served by immunization efforts are reached.
3. The provision of services under this section must be consistent with the provisions and plans established under chapter 411, Pub. L. No. 99-457, and this chapter.
(f) Receiving the federal maternal and child health and preventive health services block grant funds.
(g) Receiving the federal funds for the “Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children,” or WIC, authorized by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, and for providing clinical leadership for the statewide WIC program.
1. The department shall establish an interagency agreement with the Department of Children and Families for fiscal management of the program. Responsibilities are delegated to each department, as follows:
a. The department shall provide clinical leadership, manage program eligibility, and distribute nutritional guidance and information to participants.
b. The Department of Children and Families shall develop and implement an electronic benefits transfer system.
c. The Department of Children and Families shall develop a cost containment plan that provides timely and accurate adjustments based on wholesale price fluctuations and adjusts for the number of cash registers in calculating statewide averages.
d. The department shall coordinate submission of information to appropriate federal officials in order to obtain approval of the electronic benefits system and cost containment plan, which must include participation of WIC-only stores.
2. The department shall assist the Department of Children and Families in the development of the electronic benefits system to ensure full implementation no later than July 1, 2013.
(h) Designating facilities that provide maternity services or newborn infant care as “baby-friendly” when the facility has established a breastfeeding policy under s. 383.016.
(i) Receiving federal funds for children eligible for assistance through the portion of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program for children, which is referred to as the Child Care Food Program, and for establishing and administering this program. The purpose of the Child Care Food Program is to provide nutritious meals and snacks for children in nonresidential day care. To ensure the quality and integrity of the program, the department shall develop standards and procedures that govern sponsoring organizations, day care homes, child care centers, and centers that operate outside school hours. Standards and procedures must address the following: participation criteria for sponsoring organizations, which may include administrative budgets, staffing requirements, requirements for experience in operating similar programs, operating hours and availability, bonding requirements, geographic coverage, and a required minimum number of homes or centers; procedures for investigating complaints and allegations of noncompliance; application and renewal requirements; audit requirements; meal pattern requirements; requirements for managing funds; participant eligibility for free and reduced-price meals; food storage and preparation; food service companies; reimbursements; use of commodities; administrative reviews and monitoring; training requirements; recordkeeping requirements; and criteria pertaining to imposing sanctions and penalties, including the denial, termination, and appeal of program eligibility.
(2) The Department of Health shall follow federal requirements and may adopt any rules necessary for the implementation of the maternal and child health care program, the WIC program, and the Child Care Food Program.
(a) The department may adopt rules that are necessary to administer the maternal and child health care program. The rules may include, but need not be limited to, requirements for client eligibility, program standards, service delivery, system responsibilities of county health departments and system assurance for healthy start coalitions, care coordination, enhanced services, quality assurance, and provider selection. The rules may also include provisions for the identification, screening, and intervention efforts by health care providers prior to and following the birth of a child and responsibilities for the interprogram coordination of prenatal and infant care coalitions.
(b) The department may adopt rules that are necessary to administer the statewide WIC program. The rules may include, but need not be limited to, criteria for grocers’ participation, client eligibility, contracts with local agencies for service delivery, and food purchases and penalties for program abuse.
(c) With respect to the Child Care Food Program, the department shall adopt rules that interpret and implement relevant federal regulations, including 7 C.F.R. part 226. The rules may address at least those program requirements and procedures identified in paragraph (1)(i).
History.—s. 1, ch. 88-153; s. 23, ch. 91-282; s. 3, ch. 94-217; s. 54, ch. 97-101; s. 16, ch. 98-151; s. 24, ch. 98-191; s. 56, ch. 99-397; s. 17, ch. 2000-242; s. 71, ch. 2012-184; s. 68, ch. 2014-19; s. 5, ch. 2022-67.
383.013 Prenatal care.—The Department of Health shall:
(1) Provide a statewide prenatal care program for low-income pregnant women, which includes early, regular prenatal care by practitioners trained in prenatal care and delivery.
(2) Provide a risk factor analysis to identify women at risk for a preterm birth, or other high-risk conditions, and provide education regarding maintaining healthy birth conditions.
(3) Monitor the availability and accessibility of prenatal care services and the development of special outreach programs for medically underserved and rural areas.
(4) Establish by rule the eligibility criteria for prenatal care for indigent pregnant women when state funds are used for prenatal care.
(5) Develop guidelines for expediting the provision of prenatal care for eligible women and monitor the implementation of the guidelines to determine the need for further action.
(6) Expand, to the extent possible, training of state and local health providers in programs and practices pertaining to improved pregnancy outcomes.
(7) Provide regional perinatal intensive care satellite clinics to deliver Level III obstetric outpatient services to women diagnosed as being high risk, which includes an interdisciplinary team to deliver specialized high-risk obstetric care. The provision of satellite clinics is subject to the availability of moneys and the limitations established by the General Appropriations Act or chapter 216.
History.—s. 11, ch. 83-379; s. 24, ch. 91-282; s. 55, ch. 97-101.
383.0131 Pregnancy and parenting resources website.—
(1) The Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration, shall maintain a website, distinct from their own websites, which provides information and links to public and private resources for expectant families and new parents, which resources include, but are not limited to:
(a) Educational materials on pregnancy and parenting.
(b) Maternal health services.
(c) Prenatal and postnatal services.
(d) Educational and mentorship programs for fathers.
(e) Social services.
(f) Financial assistance.
(g) Adoption services.
(2) The Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, and the Agency for Health Care Administration shall include a clear and conspicuous link to the website on their respective websites.
(3) The Department of Health shall contract with a third party for the development of the website, which must be operational by January 1, 2025.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2024-198.
383.014 Perinatal mental health care.—By January 1, 2019, the Department of Health shall offer perinatal mental health care information through the Family Health Line toll-free hotline, accessible to the general public, which:
(1) Provides basic information on postpartum depression;
(2) May recommend that a caller be further evaluated by a qualified health care provider; and
(3) May refer a caller to an appropriate health care provider in the caller’s local area.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2018-98.
383.015 Breastfeeding.—The breastfeeding of a baby is an important and basic act of nurture which must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health and family values, and in furtherance of this goal:
(1) A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother’s breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding.
(2) A facility lawfully providing maternity services or newborn infant care may use the designation “baby-friendly” if it establishes a breastfeeding policy in accordance with s. 383.016.
History.—s. 1, ch. 93-4; s. 2, ch. 94-217.
383.016 Breastfeeding policy for “baby-friendly” facilities providing maternity services and newborn infant care.—A facility lawfully providing maternity services or newborn infant care may use the designation “baby-friendly” on its promotional materials if the facility has complied with at least 80 percent of the requirements developed by the Department of Health in accordance with UNICEF and World Health Organization baby-friendly hospital initiatives.
History.—s. 1, ch. 94-217; s. 56, ch. 97-101.
383.04 Prophylactic required for eyes of infants.—Every physician, midwife, or other person in attendance at the birth of a child in the state is required to instill or have instilled into the eyes of the baby within 1 hour after birth an effective prophylactic recommended by the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics for the prevention of neonatal ophthalmia. This section does not apply to cases where the parents file with the physician, midwife, or other person in attendance at the birth of a child written objections on account of religious beliefs contrary to the use of drugs. In such case the physician, midwife, or other person in attendance shall maintain a record that such measures were or were not employed and attach thereto any written objection.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20690, 1941; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 123, ch. 77-147; s. 27, ch. 87-387; s. 57, ch. 97-101; s. 25, ch. 98-191.
383.06 Report of inflammation or discharge in infant’s eyes.—Any person who shall nurse or attend any infant shall report any inflammation or unnatural discharge in the eyes of said child that shall develop within 2 weeks after birth, to the local health officer or licensed physician, which report shall be made within 6 hours.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20690, 1941.
383.07 Penalty for violation.—Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of ss. 383.04-383.06 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083.
History.—s. 4, ch. 20690, 1941; s. 332, ch. 71-136.
383.11 Reports.—The laboratory report on the serological test shall be made on a form to be provided by the Department of Health. In submitting the sample of blood for the test, the physician shall designate that this is a pregnancy test; and the laboratory report shall state that this was a pregnancy test.
History.—s. 4, ch. 22644, 1945; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 126, ch. 77-147; s. 59, ch. 97-101.
383.13 Use of information by department.—The Department of Health shall be authorized to use the information derived from pregnancy serological tests for such followup procedures as are required by law or deemed necessary by said department for the protection of the public health.
History.—s. 6, ch. 22644, 1945; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 128, ch. 77-147; s. 60, ch. 97-101.
383.14 Screening for metabolic disorders, other hereditary and congenital disorders, and environmental risk factors.—
(1) SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.—To help ensure access to the maternal and child health care system, the Department of Health shall promote the screening of all newborns born in Florida for metabolic, hereditary, and congenital disorders known to result in significant impairment of health or intellect, as screening programs accepted by current medical practice become available and practical in the judgment of the department. Any health care practitioner present at a birth or responsible for primary care during the neonatal period has the primary responsibility of administering screenings as required in this section and s. 383.145. As used in this subsection, the term “health care practitioner” means a physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 458, an osteopathic physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 459, an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under part I of chapter 464, or a midwife licensed under chapter 467.
(a) Blood specimens for newborn screenings.—Newborn screenings must be performed by the State Public Health Laboratory, in coordination with Children’s Medical Services, at such times and in such manner as is prescribed by the department after consultation with the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council.
(b) Release of screening results.—Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the State Public Health Laboratory may release, directly or through the Children’s Medical Services program, the results of a newborn’s screenings to the newborn’s health care practitioner, the newborn’s parent or legal guardian, the newborn’s personal representative, or a person designated by the newborn’s parent or legal guardian. As used in this paragraph, the term “health care practitioner” means a physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 458; an osteopathic physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 459; an advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse licensed under part I of chapter 464; a midwife licensed under chapter 467; a speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed under part I of chapter 468; a dietitian or nutritionist licensed under part X of chapter 468; or a genetic counselor licensed under part III of chapter 483.
(2) RULES.—
(a) After consultation with the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council, the department shall adopt and enforce rules requiring that every newborn in this state shall:
1. Before becoming 1 week of age, have a blood specimen collected for newborn screenings;
2. Be tested for any condition included on the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel which the council advises the department should be included under the state’s screening program. After the council recommends that a condition be included, the department shall submit a legislative budget request to seek an appropriation to add testing of the condition to the newborn screening program. The department shall expand statewide screening of newborns to include screening for such conditions within 18 months after the council renders such advice, if a test approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration or a test offered by an alternative vendor is available. If such a test is not available within 18 months after the council makes its recommendation, the department shall implement such screening as soon as a test offered by the United States Food and Drug Administration or by an alternative vendor is available; and
3. At the appropriate age, be tested for such other metabolic diseases and hereditary or congenital disorders as the department may deem necessary.
(b) The department shall adopt such additional rules as are found necessary for the administration of this section and ss. 383.145 and 383.148, including rules providing definitions of terms, rules relating to the methods used and time or times for testing as accepted medical practice indicates, rules relating to charging and collecting fees for the administration of the newborn screening program authorized by this section, rules for processing requests and releasing test and screening results, and rules requiring mandatory reporting of the results of tests and screenings for these conditions to the department.
(3) DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; POWERS AND DUTIES.—The department shall administer and provide certain services to implement the provisions of this section and shall:
(a) Assure the availability and quality of the necessary laboratory tests and materials.
(b) Promote education of the public about the prevention and management of metabolic, hereditary, and congenital disorders.
(c) Maintain a confidential registry of cases, including information of importance for the purpose of follow-up services to prevent intellectual disabilities, to correct or ameliorate physical disabilities, and for epidemiologic studies, if indicated. Such registry shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1).
(d) Supply the necessary dietary treatment products where practicable for diagnosed cases of metabolic diseases for as long as medically indicated when the products are not otherwise available. Provide nutrition education and supplemental foods to those families eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children as provided in s. 383.011.
(e) Promote the availability of genetic studies, services, and counseling in order that the parents, siblings, and affected newborns may benefit from detection and available knowledge of the condition.
(f) Have the authority to charge and collect fees for the administration of the newborn screening program. A fee not to exceed $15 will be charged for each live birth, as recorded by the Office of Vital Statistics, occurring in a hospital licensed under part I of chapter 395 or a birth center licensed under s. 383.305. The department shall calculate the assessment for each hospital and birth center, and this assessment must be paid quarterly. The department shall generate and issue each hospital and birth center a statement of the amount due.
(g) Have the authority to bill third-party payors for newborn screening tests.
(h) Create and make available electronically a pamphlet with information on screening for, and the treatment of, preventable infant and childhood eye and vision disorders, including, but not limited to, retinoblastoma and amblyopia.
All provisions of this subsection must be coordinated with the provisions and plans established under this chapter, chapter 411, and Pub. L. No. 99-457.
(4) OBJECTIONS OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN.—The provisions of this section shall not apply when the parent or guardian of the child objects thereto. A written statement of such objection shall be presented to the physician or other person whose duty it is to administer and report tests and screenings under this section.
(5) SUBMISSION OF NEWBORN SCREENING SPECIMEN CARDS.—Any health care practitioner whose duty it is to administer screenings under this section shall prepare and send all newborn screening specimen cards to the State Public Health Laboratory in accordance with rules adopted under this section. As used in this subsection, the term “health care practitioner” means a physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 458, an osteopathic physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 459, an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under part I of chapter 464, or a midwife licensed under chapter 467.
(6) ADVISORY COUNCIL.—There is established a Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council made up of 15 members appointed by the State Surgeon General. The council shall be composed of two consumer members, three practicing pediatricians, at least one of whom must be a pediatric hematologist, a representative from each of four medical schools in this state, the State Surgeon General or his or her designee, one representative from the Department of Health representing Children’s Medical Services, one representative from the Florida Hospital Association, one individual with experience in newborn screening programs, one individual representing audiologists, and one representative from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. All appointments shall be for a term of 4 years. The chairperson of the council shall be elected from the membership of the council and shall serve for a period of 2 years. The council shall meet at least semiannually or upon the call of the chairperson. The council may establish ad hoc or temporary technical advisory groups to assist the council with specific topics which come before the council. Council members shall serve without pay. Pursuant to the provisions of s. 112.061, the council members are entitled to be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses. It is the purpose of the council to advise the department about:
(a) Conditions for which testing should be included under the screening program and the genetics program. Within 1 year after a condition is added to the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, the council shall consider whether the condition should be included under the state’s screening program.
(b) Procedures for collection and transmission of specimens and recording of results.
(c) Methods whereby screening programs and genetics services for children now provided or proposed to be offered in the state may be more effectively evaluated, coordinated, and consolidated.
History.—s. 1, ch. 65-519; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-140; s. 129, ch. 77-147; s. 1, ch. 78-245; s. 2, ch. 79-26; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; s. 8, ch. 86-220; ss. 1, 5, 6, ch. 89-93; s. 2, ch. 90-344; s. 22, ch. 91-282; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 672, ch. 95-148; s. 9, ch. 95-394; s. 1, ch. 96-306; s. 194, ch. 96-406; s. 188, ch. 97-101; s. 29, ch. 97-237; s. 23, ch. 99-397; s. 45, ch. 2000-139; s. 18, ch. 2000-242; s. 15, ch. 2000-337; s. 14, ch. 2001-53; s. 62, ch. 2001-277; s. 3, ch. 2004-245; s. 13, ch. 2004-350; s. 7, ch. 2006-227; s. 37, ch. 2008-6; s. 4, ch. 2010-210; s. 269, ch. 2011-142; s. 8, ch. 2013-162; s. 1, ch. 2014-121; s. 1, ch. 2017-78; s. 6, ch. 2017-181; s. 11, ch. 2018-24; s. 17, ch. 2018-106; s. 43, ch. 2019-116; s. 1, ch. 2020-79; s. 7, ch. 2021-10; s. 8, ch. 2021-52; s. 3, ch. 2024-246.
383.141 Prenatally diagnosed conditions; patient to be provided information; definitions; information clearinghouse; advisory council.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Down syndrome” means a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division which results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
(b) “Developmental disability” includes Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities defined by s. 393.063.
(c) “Health care provider” means a practitioner licensed or registered under chapter 458 or chapter 459 or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 464.
(d) “Prenatally diagnosed condition” means an adverse fetal health condition identified by prenatal testing.
(e) “Prenatal test” or “prenatal testing” means a diagnostic procedure or screening procedure performed on a pregnant woman or her unborn offspring to obtain information about the offspring’s health or development.
(2) When a developmental disability is diagnosed based on the results of a prenatal test, the health care provider who ordered the prenatal test, or his or her designee, shall provide the patient with current information about the nature of the developmental disability, the accuracy of the prenatal test, and resources for obtaining relevant support services, including hotlines, resource centers, and information clearinghouses related to Down syndrome or other prenatally diagnosed developmental disabilities; support programs for parents and families; and developmental evaluation and intervention services under this part.
(3) The Department of Health shall develop and implement a comprehensive information clearinghouse to educate health care providers, inform parents, and increase public awareness regarding brain development, developmental disabilities and delays, and all services, resources, and interventions available to mitigate the effects of impaired development among children. The clearinghouse must use the term “unique abilities” as much as possible when identifying infants or children with developmental disabilities and delays. The clearinghouse must provide:
(a) Health information on conditions that may lead to impaired development of physical, learning, language, or behavioral skills.
(b) Education and information to support parents whose unborn children have been prenatally diagnosed with developmental disabilities or whose children have diagnosed or suspected developmental delays.
(c) Education and training for health care providers to recognize and respond appropriately to developmental disabilities, delays, and conditions related to disabilities or delays. Specific information approved by the advisory council shall be made available to health care providers for use in counseling parents whose unborn children have been prenatally diagnosed with developmental disabilities or whose children have diagnosed or suspected developmental delays.
(d) Promotion of public awareness of availability of supportive services, such as resource centers, educational programs, other support programs for parents and families, and developmental evaluation and intervention services.
(e) Hotlines specific to Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed developmental disabilities. The hotlines and the department’s clearinghouse must provide information to parents and families or other caregivers regarding the Early Steps Program under s. 391.301, the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System, the Early Learning program, Healthy Start, Help Me Grow, and any other intervention programs. Information offered must include directions on how to obtain early intervention, rehabilitative, and habilitative services and devices.
(4)(a) There is established an advisory council within the Department of Health which consists of health care providers and caregivers who perform health care services for persons who have developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism. This group shall consist of nine members as follows:
1. Three members appointed by the Governor;
2. Three members appointed by the President of the Senate; and
3. Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(b) The advisory council shall provide technical assistance to the Department of Health in the establishment of the information clearinghouse and give the department the benefit of the council members’ knowledge and experience relating to the needs of patients and families of patients with developmental disabilities and available support services.
(c) Members of the council shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson. The elected chairperson and vice chairperson shall serve in these roles until their terms of appointment on the council expire.
(d) The advisory council shall meet quarterly to review this clearinghouse of information, and may meet more often at the call of the chairperson or as determined by a majority of members.
(e) The council members shall be appointed to 4-year terms, except that, to provide for staggered terms, one initial appointee each from the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be appointed to a 2-year term, one appointee each from these officials shall be appointed to a 3-year term, and the remaining initial appointees shall be appointed to 4-year terms. All subsequent appointments shall be for 4-year terms. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(f) Members of the council shall serve without compensation. Meetings of the council may be held in person, without reimbursement for travel expenses, or by teleconference or other electronic means.
(g) The Department of Health shall provide administrative support for the advisory council.
History.—s. 72, ch. 2012-184; s. 11, ch. 2016-140; s. 3, ch. 2016-238; s. 18, ch. 2018-106; s. 12, ch. 2023-273.
383.145 Newborn, infant, and toddler hearing screening.—
(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a statewide comprehensive and coordinated interdisciplinary program of early hearing loss screening, identification, and follow-up care for newborns. The goal is to screen all newborns for hearing loss in order to alleviate the adverse effects of hearing loss on speech and language development, academic performance, and cognitive development. It is further the intent of the Legislature that this section only be implemented to the extent that funds are specifically included in the General Appropriations Act for carrying out the purposes of this section.
(2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Audiologist” means a person licensed under part I of chapter 468 to practice audiology.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(c) “Hearing loss” means a hearing loss of 30 dB HL or greater in the frequency region important for speech recognition and comprehension in one or both ears, approximately 500 through 4,000 hertz.
(d) “Hospital” means a facility as defined in s. 395.002(13) and licensed under chapter 395 and part II of chapter 408.
(e) “Infant” means an age range from 30 days through 12 months.
(f) “Licensed health care provider” means a physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 458; an osteopathic physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 459; an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse licensed under part I of chapter 464; a midwife licensed under chapter 467; or a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist licensed under part I of chapter 468.
(g) “Management” means the habilitation of the child with hearing loss.
(h) “Newborn” means an age range from birth through 29 days.
(i) “Physician” means a person licensed under chapter 458 to practice medicine or chapter 459 to practice osteopathic medicine.
(j) “Screening” means a test or battery of tests administered to determine the need for an in-depth hearing diagnostic evaluation.
(k) “Toddler” means a child from 12 months to 36 months of age.
(3) REQUIREMENTS FOR SCREENING OF NEWBORNS, INFANTS, AND TODDLERS; INSURANCE COVERAGE; REFERRAL FOR ONGOING SERVICES.—
(a)1. Each hospital or other state-licensed birth facility that provides maternity and newborn care services shall ensure that all newborns are, before discharge, screened for the detection of hearing loss to prevent the consequences of unidentified disorders. If a newborn fails the screening for the detection of hearing loss, the hospital or other state-licensed birth facility must administer a test approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration or another diagnostically equivalent test on the newborn to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus before the newborn becomes 21 days of age or before discharge, whichever occurs earlier.
2. Each hospital that provides neonatal intensive care services shall administer a test approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration or another diagnostically equivalent test to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus in each newborn admitted to the hospital as a result of a premature birth occurring before 35 weeks’ gestation, for cardiac care, or for medical or surgical treatment requiring an anticipated stay of 3 weeks or longer. Such screening must be initiated before the newborn becomes 21 days of age.
3. If a newborn requires transfer to another hospital for a higher level of care, the receiving hospital must initiate the congenital cytomegalovirus screening if it was not already performed by the transferring hospital or birthing facility. For newborns transferred or admitted for intensive and prolonged care, the congenital cytomegalovirus screening must be initiated regardless of whether the newborn failed a hearing screening.
(b) Each licensed birth center that provides maternity and newborn care services shall ensure that all newborns are, before discharge, screened for the detection of hearing loss. Within 7 days after the birth, the licensed birth center must ensure that all newborns who do not pass the hearing screening are referred for an appointment for a test to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus before the newborn becomes 21 days of age. Written documentation of the referral must be placed in the newborn’s medical chart.
(c) If the parent or legal guardian of the newborn objects to the screening, the screening must not be completed. In such case, the physician, midwife, or other person attending the newborn shall maintain a record that the screening has not been performed and attach a written objection that must be signed by the parent or guardian.
(d) For home births, the health care provider in attendance is responsible for coordination and referral to an audiologist, a hospital, or another newborn hearing screening provider. The health care provider in attendance must make the referral for appointment within 7 days after the birth. In cases in which the home birth is not attended by a health care provider, the newborn’s primary health care provider is responsible for coordinating the referral.
(e) For home births and births in a licensed birth center, if a newborn is referred to a newborn hearing screening provider and the newborn fails the screening for the detection of hearing loss, the newborn’s primary health care provider must refer the newborn for administration of a test approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration or another diagnostically equivalent test on the newborn to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus.
(f) All newborn and infant hearing screenings must be conducted by an audiologist, a physician, or an appropriately supervised individual who has completed documented training specifically for newborn hearing screening. Every hospital that provides maternity or newborn care services shall obtain the services of an audiologist, a physician, or another newborn hearing screening provider, through employment or contract or written memorandum of understanding, for the purposes of appropriate staff training, screening program supervision, monitoring the scoring and interpretation of test results, rendering of appropriate recommendations, and coordination of appropriate follow-up services. Appropriate documentation of the screening completion, results, interpretation, and recommendations must be placed in the medical record within 24 hours after completion of the screening procedure.
(g) The screening of a newborn’s hearing must be completed before the newborn is discharged from the hospital or licensed birth center. However, if the screening is not completed before discharge due to scheduling or temporary staffing limitations, the screening must be completed within 21 days after the birth. Screenings completed after discharge or performed because of initial screening failure must be completed by an audiologist, a physician, a hospital, or another newborn hearing screening provider.
(h) Each hospital shall formally designate a lead physician responsible for programmatic oversight for newborn hearing screening. Each birth center shall designate a licensed health care provider to provide such programmatic oversight and to ensure that the appropriate referrals are being completed.
(i) When ordered by the treating physician, screening of a newborn’s, infant’s, or toddler’s hearing must include auditory brainstem responses, or evoked otoacoustic emissions, or appropriate technology as approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
(j) The results of any test conducted pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, newborn hearing loss screening, congenital cytomegalovirus testing, and any related diagnostic testing, must be reported to the department within 7 days after receipt of such results.
(k) The initial procedures for the congenital cytomegalovirus screening and the hearing screening of the newborn or infant and any medically necessary follow-up reevaluations leading to diagnosis are covered benefits for Medicaid patients covered by a fee-for-service program. For Medicaid patients enrolled in HMOs, providers must be reimbursed directly by the Medicaid Program Office at the Medicaid rate. This service is not considered a covered service for the purposes of establishing the payment rate for Medicaid HMOs. All health insurance policies and health maintenance organizations as provided under ss. 627.6416, 627.6579, and 641.31(30), except for supplemental policies that only provide coverage for specific diseases, hospital indemnity, or Medicare supplement, or to the supplemental policies, must compensate providers for the covered benefit at the contracted rate. Nonhospital-based providers are eligible to bill Medicaid for the professional and technical component of each procedure code.
(l) A child diagnosed as having permanent hearing loss or a congenital cytomegalovirus infection must be referred to the primary care physician for medical management, treatment, and follow-up services. Furthermore, in accordance with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Pub. L. No. 108-446, Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, any child from birth to 36 months of age diagnosed as having hearing loss that requires ongoing special hearing services must be referred to the Children’s Medical Services Early Intervention Program serving the geographical area in which the child resides. A child diagnosed with a congenital cytomegalovirus infection without hearing loss must be referred to the Children’s Medical Services Early Intervention Program and be deemed eligible for a baseline evaluation and any medically necessary follow-up reevaluations and monitoring.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-177; s. 2, ch. 2014-121; s. 1, ch. 2022-25; s. 79, ch. 2023-8; s. 1, ch. 2024-164; s. 4, ch. 2024-246.
383.146 Infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing; notice of service providers.—
(1) At the time that an audiologist diagnoses an infant or toddler as having a permanent hearing impairment, the audiologist or the audiologist’s designee shall ask the child’s parent or legal guardian if he or she would like to provide contact information to receive direct correspondence from qualified Early Steps providers that offer early intervention services and specialize in serving children with hearing loss. A parent or legal guardian shall authorize the release of the contact information by signing a consent form.
(2) The department shall post on its website a list of qualified Early Steps providers of early intervention services that specialize in serving children with hearing loss and have notified the department of their interest to provide direct communication to families who wish to receive information about the services that they provide.
(3) The audiologist or designee shall send by secure transmission the consent form to those providers listed on the department’s website.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2014-121.
383.147 Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait registry.—
(1) If a newborn as defined in s. 383.145(2) is identified as having sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait through the newborn screening program as described in s. 383.14, the department must:
(a) Notify the parent or guardian of the newborn and provide information regarding the availability and benefits of genetic counseling.
(b) Submit the results of such screening for inclusion in the sickle cell registry established under paragraph (2)(a), unless the parent or guardian of the newborn provides an opt-out form obtained from the department, or otherwise indicates in writing to the department his or her objection to having the newborn included in the sickle cell registry.
(2)(a) The Department of Health shall contract with a community-based sickle cell disease medical treatment and research center to establish and maintain a registry for individuals who are identified as having sickle cell disease or carrying a sickle cell trait. The sickle cell registry must track sickle cell disease outcome measures, except as provided in paragraph (1)(b).
(b) In addition to newborns identified and included in the registry under subsection (1), other persons living in this state who have been identified as having sickle cell disease or carrying a sickle cell trait may choose to be included in the registry by providing the department with notification as prescribed by rule.
(c) The Department of Health shall also establish a system to ensure that the community-based sickle cell disease medical treatment and research center notifies the parent or guardian of a child who has been included in the registry that a follow-up consultation with a physician is recommended. Such notice must be provided to the parent or guardian of such child at least once during early adolescence and once during late adolescence. The department shall make every reasonable effort to notify persons included in the registry who are 18 years of age that they may request to be removed from the registry by submitting a form prescribed by the department by rule. The department shall also provide to such persons information regarding available educational services, genetic counseling, and other beneficial resources.
(3) The Department of Health shall adopt rules to implement this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2023-258; s. 2, ch. 2024-225; s. 5, ch. 2024-246.
383.148 Environmental risk screening.—
(1) RISK SCREENING.—To help ensure access to the maternal and child health care system, the Department of Health shall promote the screening of all pregnant women and infants in this state for environmental risk factors, such as low income, poor education, maternal and family stress, mental health, substance use disorder, and other high-risk conditions, and promote education of the public about the dangers associated with environmental risk factors.
(2) PRENATAL RISK SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.—The department shall develop a multilevel screening process that includes a risk assessment instrument to identify women at risk for a preterm birth or other high-risk condition.
(a) A primary health care provider must complete the risk screening at a pregnant woman’s first prenatal visit using the form and in the manner prescribed by rules adopted under this section, so that the woman may immediately be notified and referred to appropriate health, education, and social services.
(b) This subsection does not apply if the pregnant woman objects to the screening in a manner prescribed by department rule.
(3) POSTNATAL RISK SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.—The department shall develop a multilevel screening process that includes a risk assessment instrument to identify factors associated with increased risk of infant mortality and morbidity to provide early intervention, remediation, and prevention services, including, but not limited to, parent support and training programs, home visitation, and case management.
(a) A hospital or birth center must complete the risk screening immediately following the birth of the infant, before discharge from the hospital or birth center, using the form and in the manner prescribed by rules adopted under this section.
(b) This subsection does not apply if a parent or guardian of the newborn objects to the screening in a manner prescribed by department rule.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2024-246.
383.15 Legislative intent; perinatal intensive care services.—The Legislature finds that many perinatal diseases and disabilities have debilitating, costly, and often fatal consequences if left untreated. Many of these debilitating conditions could be prevented or ameliorated if services were available to the public through a regional perinatal intensive care centers program. Perinatal intensive care services are critical to the well-being and development of a healthy society and represent a constructive, cost-beneficial, and essential investment in the future of our state. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to develop a regional perinatal intensive care centers program. The Legislature further intends that development of such program not reduce or dilute the current financial commitment of the state, as indicated through appropriation, to the existing regional perinatal intensive care centers. It is also the intent of the Legislature that any additional centers authorized under s. 383.19 after July 1, 1993, not receive payments under a disproportionate share program for regional perinatal intensive care centers authorized under chapter 409 unless specific appropriations are provided to expand such payments to additional hospitals.
History.—s. 1, ch. 76-54; s. 1, ch. 77-171; s. 1, ch. 94-140; s. 1, ch. 2012-33.
383.16 Definitions; ss. 383.15-383.19.—As used in ss. 383.15-383.19, the term:
(1) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(2) “Regional perinatal intensive care center” or “center” means a unit designated by the department, located within a hospital, and specifically designed to provide a full range of health services to its patients.
(3) “Patient” means a woman who is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and who has been declared financially and medically eligible or a newborn infant who needs intensive care and who is declared financially and medically eligible.
History.—s. 2, ch. 76-54; s. 1, ch. 77-171; s. 1, ch. 79-351; s. 1, ch. 85-225; s. 2, ch. 94-140; s. 61, ch. 97-101; s. 85, ch. 2014-17.
383.17 Regional perinatal intensive care centers program; authority.—The department may contract with health care providers in establishing and maintaining centers in accordance with ss. 383.15-383.19. The cost of administering the regional perinatal intensive care centers program shall be paid by the department from funds appropriated for this purpose.
History.—s. 3, ch. 76-54; s. 1, ch. 77-171; s. 1, ch. 82-209; s. 2, ch. 85-225; s. 3, ch. 94-140; s. 86, ch. 2014-17.
383.18 Contracts; conditions.—Participation in the regional perinatal intensive care centers program under ss. 383.15-383.19 is contingent upon the department entering into a contract with a provider. The contract shall provide that patients will receive services from the center and that parents or guardians of patients who participate in the program and who are in compliance with Medicaid eligibility requirements as determined by the department are not additionally charged for treatment and care which has been contracted for by the department. Financial eligibility for the program is based on the Medicaid income guidelines for pregnant women and for children under 1 year of age. Funding shall be provided in accordance with ss. 383.19 and 409.908.
History.—s. 4, ch. 76-54; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 4, ch. 80-177; s. 3, ch. 82-209; s. 4, ch. 85-225; s. 32, ch. 87-225; s. 4, ch. 94-140; s. 87, ch. 2014-17; s. 3, ch. 2015-225.
383.19 Standards; funding; ineligibility.—
(1) The department shall adopt rules that specify standards for development and operation of a center which include, but are not limited to:
(a) The need to provide services through a regional perinatal intensive care center and the requirements of the population to be served.
(b) Equipment.
(c) Facilities.
(d) Staffing and qualifications of personnel.
(e) Transportation services.
(f) Data collection.
(g) Definitions of terms.
(2) The department shall designate at least one center to serve a geographic area representing each region of the state in which at least 10,000 live births occur per year, but in no case may there be more than 11 regional perinatal intensive care centers established unless specifically authorized in the appropriations act or in this subsection. Medicaid reimbursement shall be made for services provided to patients who are Medicaid recipients. Medicaid reimbursement for in-center obstetrical physician services shall be based upon the obstetrical care group payment system. Medicaid reimbursement for in-center neonatal physician services shall be based upon the neonatal care group payment system. These prospective payment systems, developed by the department, must place patients into homogeneous groups based on clinical factors, severity of illness, and intensity of care. Outpatient obstetrical services and other related services, such as consultations, shall be reimbursed based on the usual Medicaid method of payment for outpatient medical services.
(3) Failure to comply with the standards established under this section constitutes grounds for terminating the contract.
(4) The department shall give priority to establishing centers in hospitals that demonstrate an interest in perinatal intensive care by meeting program standards.
(5) A private, for-profit hospital that does not accept county, state, or federal funds or indigent patients is not eligible to participate under ss. 383.15-383.19.
(6) Each hospital that contracts with the department to provide services under the terms of ss. 383.15-383.19 shall prepare and submit to the department an annual report that includes, but is not limited to, the number of clients served and the costs of services in the center. The department shall annually conduct a programmatic and financial evaluation of each center.
History.—s. 5, ch. 76-54; s. 1, ch. 77-171; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 2, ch. 79-351; s. 152, ch. 79-400; s. 5, ch. 80-177; s. 2, ch. 82-209; s. 5, ch. 85-225; s. 5, ch. 94-140; s. 19, ch. 2000-242; s. 97, ch. 2010-102; s. 88, ch. 2014-17.
383.216 Community-based prenatal and infant health care.—
(1) The Department of Health shall cooperate with localities which wish to establish prenatal and infant health care coalitions, and shall acknowledge and incorporate, if appropriate, existing community children’s services organizations, pursuant to this section within the resources allocated. The purpose of this program is to establish a partnership among the private sector, the public sector, state government, local government, community alliances, and maternal and child health care providers, for the provision of coordinated community-based prenatal and infant health care. The prenatal and infant health care coalitions must work in a coordinated, nonduplicative manner with local health planning councils established pursuant to s. 408.033.
(2) Each prenatal and infant health care coalition shall develop, in coordination with the Department of Health, a plan which shall include at a minimum provision to:
(a) Perform community assessments, using the Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH) process, to identify the local need for comprehensive preventive and primary prenatal and infant health care. These assessments shall be used to:
1. Determine the priority target groups for receipt of care.
2. Determine outcome performance objectives jointly with the department.
3. Identify potential local providers of services.
4. Determine the type of services required to serve the identified priority target groups.
5. Identify the unmet need for services for the identified priority target groups.
(b) Design a prenatal and infant health care services delivery plan which is consistent with local community objectives and this section.
(c) Solicit and select local service providers based on reliability and availability, and define the role of each in the services delivery plan.
(d) Determine the allocation of available federal, state, and local resources to prenatal and infant health care providers.
(e) Review, monitor, and advise the department concerning the performance of the services delivery system, and make any necessary annual adjustments in the design of the delivery system, the provider composition, the targeting of services, and other factors necessary for achieving projected outcomes.
(f) Build broad-based community support.
(3) Supervision of the prenatal and infant health care coalitions is the responsibility of the department. The department shall:
(a) Assist in the formation and development of the coalitions.
(b) Define the core services package so that it is consistent with the prenatal and infant health care services delivery plan.
(c) Provide data and technical assistance.
(d) Assure implementation of a quality management system within the provider coalition.
(e) Define statewide, uniform eligibility and fee schedules.
(f) Evaluate provider performance based on outcome measures established by the prenatal and infant health care coalition and the department.
(4) In those communities which do not elect to establish a prenatal and infant health care coalition, the Department of Health is responsible for all of the functions delegated to the coalitions in this section.
(5) The membership of each prenatal and infant health care coalition shall represent health care providers, the recipient community, and the community at large; shall represent the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the community; and shall include at least the following:
(a) Consumers of family planning, primary care, or prenatal care services, at least two of whom are low-income or Medicaid eligible.
(b) Health care providers, including:
1. County health departments.
2. Migrant and community health centers.
3. Hospitals.
4. Local medical societies.
5. Local health planning organizations.
(c) Local health advocacy interest groups and community organizations.
(d) County and municipal governments.
(e) Social service organizations.
(f) Local education communities.
(6) Prenatal and infant health care coalitions may be established for single counties or for services delivery catchment areas. A prenatal and infant health care coalition shall be initiated at the local level on a voluntary basis. Once a coalition has been organized locally and includes the membership specified in subsection (5), the coalition must submit a list of its members to the State Surgeon General to carry out the responsibilities outlined in this section.
(7) Effective January 1, 1992, the Department of Health shall provide up to $150,000 to each prenatal and infant health care coalition that petitions for recognition, meets the membership criteria, demonstrates the commitment of all the designated members to participate in the coalition, and provides a local cash or in-kind contribution match of 25 percent of the costs of the coalition. An in-kind contribution match may be in the form of staff time, office facilities, or supplies or other materials necessary for the functioning of the coalition.
(8) Local prenatal and infant health care coalitions may hire staff or contract for independent staffing and support to enable them to carry out the objectives of this section. Staff shall have knowledge and expertise in community health and related resources and planning, grant writing, public information and communication techniques, organizational development, and data compilation and analysis.
(9) Local prenatal and infant health care coalitions shall incorporate as not-for-profit corporations for the purpose of seeking and receiving grants from federal, state, and local government and other contributors. However, a coalition need not be designated as a tax-exempt organization under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The administrative services organization representing all Healthy Start Coalitions under s. 409.975(4) may use any method of telecommunication to conduct meetings for any authorized function, provided that the public is given proper notice of and reasonable access to the meeting.
(10) The Department of Health shall adopt rules necessary to administer this section, including rules defining acceptable “in-kind” contributions and rules providing definitions of terms, coalition responsibilities, coalition operations and standards, and conditions for establishing and approving a coalition. A coalition may not be a direct provider of prenatal and infant-care services.
History.—s. 26, ch. 91-282; s. 69, ch. 95-143; s. 62, ch. 97-101; s. 20, ch. 2000-242; s. 38, ch. 2008-6; s. 6, ch. 2022-71.
383.2161 Maternal and child health report.—The Department of Health shall annually compile and analyze the risk information collected by the Office of Vital Statistics and the district prenatal and infant care coalitions and shall maintain county and statewide data on:
(1) The number of families identified as families at potential risk;
(2) The number of families receiving family outreach services;
(3) The increase in demand for services; and
(4) The unmet need for services for identified target groups.
History.—s. 27, ch. 91-282; s. 63, ch. 97-101; s. 110, ch. 97-237; s. 99, ch. 2010-102.
383.2162 Black infant health practice initiative.—
(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature to create a black infant health practice initiative. The initiative shall include reviews of infant mortality in select counties in this state in order to identify factors in the health and social services systems contributing to higher mortality rates among African-American infants. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the initiative produce recommendations on how to address the factors identified by the reviews as contributing to these higher infant mortality rates.
(2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Coalition” means a federal or local healthy start coalition or consortium.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(c) “FIMR” means a fetal and infant mortality review committee.
(d) “Infant mortality” means the death of a live-born infant within 364 days after the infant’s birth.
(e) “Infant mortality rate” means the number of infant deaths per 1,000 annual live births.
(3) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the initiative include:
(a) Determining the significant social, economic, cultural, safety, and health system factors that are associated with racial disparities in infant mortality rates through a practice collaborative approach using perinatal periods of risk and modified fetal infant mortality reviews.
(b) Developing a series of interventions and policies that address these factors to improve the service systems and community resources.
(c) Participating in the implementation of community-based interventions and policies that address racial disparities in infant mortality rates.
(d) Assessing the progress of interventions.
(4) ADMINISTRATION.—The black infant health practice initiative shall be administered through a collaboration among the department, federal and state healthy start coalitions, and public universities or colleges having expertise in public health. A local community shall develop an interdisciplinary team to serve as part of a statewide practice collaborative. Both perinatal periods of risk and fetal infant mortality reviews may be used. A case review shall be conducted by each participating healthy start coalition using professional in-house staff or through contracts with an outside professional. Public universities or colleges having expertise in public health shall provide technical assistance in developing a standard research methodology based on the fetal and infant mortality review method. Public universities or colleges having expertise in public health shall assist each participating coalition in determining the selection of comparison groups, identifying data collection and housing issues, and presenting findings and recommendations. A single methodology for the reviews conducted through the initiative shall be used by each participating coalition. The department shall distribute funding to each coalition that participates in the initiative through annual grants that are subject to specific appropriations by the Legislature.
(5) FUNCTIONS OF THE INITIATIVE.—Each participating coalition shall:
(a) Develop an interdisciplinary team to oversee the process in its local community.
(b) Use perinatal periods of risk methodology when appropriate to examine infant deaths in its community.
(c) Use a modified FIMR approach to examine infant deaths in its community by:
1. Creating a case review FIMR team that may include obstetricians, neonatologists, perinatologists, pathologists, registered nurses, social workers, hospital and clinic administrators, social service agencies, researchers, citizens and consumers, and other experts considered necessary to conduct a standardized review of infant mortality.
2. Hiring or contracting with professional staff that may include licensed nurses and social workers to abstract and present individual case reviews that omit identifying information regarding infant deaths compared to live births to the case review team.
3. Developing abstracts of sample infant mortalities and comparative live births that omit identifying information and that identify social, economic, cultural, safety, and health system factors that are associated with racial disparities in infant mortality rates. The number of abstracted cases that must be conducted by each participating coalition shall be determined by a standard research methodology developed in conjunction with a public university or college having expertise in public health.
4. Presenting abstracts that omit identifying information to its case review team at least quarterly for their review and discussion.
(d) Develop findings and recommendations for interventions and policy changes to reduce racial disparities in infant mortality.
(6) GRANT AWARDS.—The department shall award annual grants, subject to specific appropriations by the Legislature. The department shall award at least one grant to a coalition representing urban counties and at least one grant to a coalition representing rural counties. Priority of grant awards shall be given to those coalitions representing counties having an average nonwhite infant mortality rate at least 1.75 times greater than the white infant mortality rate between 2003 and 2005 and an average of at least 40 nonwhite infant deaths between 2003 and 2005 for urban counties or an average of at least 5 nonwhite infant deaths between 2003 and 2005 for rural counties.
(7) EVALUATIONS AND REPORTS.—The department shall conduct an annual evaluation of the implementation of the initiative describing which areas are participating in the initiative, the number of reviews conducted by each participating coalition, grant balances, and recommendations for modifying the initiative.
(8) IMMUNITY.—Each participating coalition, its case review team members, and professional staff are immune from liability pursuant to s. 766.101.
(9) RULEMAKING.—The department shall adopt rules, pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, necessary to implement this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2007-243; s. 39, ch. 2008-6; s. 86, ch. 2020-2.
383.21625 Fetal and infant mortality review committees.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “department” means the Department of Health.
(2) The department shall contract with local healthy start coalitions for the creation of fetal and infant mortality review committees in all regions of the state to improve fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in each region. Each committee shall:
(a) Review and analyze rates, trends, causes, and other data related to fetal and infant mortality and morbidity in a geographic area.
(b) Develop findings and recommendations for interventions and policy changes to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity rates.
(c) Engage with local communities and stakeholders to implement recommended policies and procedures to reduce fetal and infant mortality and morbidity.
(3) Each local healthy start coalition shall report the findings and recommendations developed by each fetal and infant mortality review committee to the department annually. Beginning October 1, 2023, the department shall compile such findings and recommendations in an annual report, which must be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(4) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2022-69.
383.2163 Telehealth Minority Maternity Care Program.—The department shall establish a statewide Telehealth Minority Maternity Care Program that uses telehealth to expand the capacity for positive maternal health outcomes in racial and ethnic minority populations. The department may enlist county health departments to assist with program implementation.
(1) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(b) “Eligible pregnant woman” means a pregnant woman who is receiving, or is eligible to receive, maternal or infant care services from the department under chapter 381 or this chapter.
(c) “Health care practitioner” has the same meaning as in s. 456.001.
(d) “Health professional shortage area” means a geographic area designated as such by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(e) “Indigenous population” means any Indian tribe, band, or nation or other organized group or community of Indians recognized as eligible for services provided to Indians by the United States Secretary of the Interior because of their status as Indians, including any Alaskan native village as defined in 43 U.S.C. s. 1602(c), the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as that definition existed on the effective date of this act.
(f) “Maternal mortality” means a death occurring during pregnancy or the postpartum period which is caused by pregnancy or childbirth complications.
(g) “Medically underserved population” means the population of an urban or rural area designated by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services as an area with a shortage of personal health care services or a population group designated by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of such services.
(h) “Perinatal professionals” means doulas, personnel from Healthy Start and home visiting programs, childbirth educators, community health workers, peer supporters, certified lactation consultants, nutritionists and dietitians, social workers, and other licensed and nonlicensed professionals who assist women through their prenatal or postpartum periods.
(i) “Postpartum” means the 1-year period beginning on the last day of a woman’s pregnancy.
(j) “Severe maternal morbidity” means an unexpected outcome caused by a woman’s labor and delivery which results in significant short-term or long-term consequences to the woman’s health.
(k) “Technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building model” means a distance health care education model that connects health care professionals, particularly specialists, with other health care professionals through simultaneous interactive videoconferencing for the purpose of facilitating case-based learning, disseminating best practices, and evaluating outcomes in the context of maternal health care.
(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the program is to:
(a) Expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models to improve maternal health outcomes for the following populations and demographics:
1. Ethnic and minority populations.
2. Health professional shortage areas.
3. Areas with significant racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes and high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes, including, but not limited to, maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity.
4. Medically underserved populations.
5. Indigenous populations.
(b) Provide for the adoption of and use of telehealth services that allow for screening and treatment of common pregnancy-related complications, including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, hemorrhage, infection, amniotic fluid embolism, thrombotic pulmonary or other embolism, hypertensive disorders relating to pregnancy, diabetes, cerebrovascular accidents, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular conditions.
(3) TELEHEALTH SERVICES AND EDUCATION.—The program shall adopt the use of telehealth or coordinate with prenatal home visiting programs, or both, to provide all of the following services and education to eligible pregnant women up to the last day of their postpartum periods, as applicable:
(a) Referrals to Healthy Start’s coordinated intake and referral program to offer families prenatal home visiting services. The program may also accept referrals from the Healthy Start program of eligible pregnant women seeking services offered under the program.
(b) Services and education addressing social determinants of health, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
1. Housing placement options.
2. Transportation services or information on how to access such services.
3. Nutrition counseling.
4. Access to healthy foods.
5. Lactation support.
6. Lead abatement and other efforts to improve air and water quality.
7. Child care options.
8. Car seat installation and training.
9. Wellness and stress management programs.
10. Coordination across safety net and social support services and programs.
(c) Evidence-based health literacy and pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting education for women in the prenatal and postpartum periods.
(d) For women during their pregnancies through the postpartum periods, connection to support from doulas and other perinatal health workers.
(e) Tools for prenatal women to conduct key components of maternal wellness checks, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
1. A device to measure body weight, such as a scale.
2. A device to measure blood pressure which has a verbal reader to assist the pregnant woman in reading the device and to ensure that the health care practitioner performing the wellness check through telehealth is able to hear the reading.
3. A device to measure blood sugar levels with a verbal reader to assist the pregnant woman in reading the device and to ensure that the health care practitioner performing the wellness check through telehealth is able to hear the reading.
4. Any other device that the health care practitioner performing wellness checks through telehealth deems necessary.
(4) TRAINING.—The program shall provide training to participating health care practitioners and other perinatal professionals on all of the following:
(a) Implicit and explicit biases, racism, and discrimination in the provision of maternity care and how to eliminate these barriers to accessing adequate and competent maternity care.
(b) The use of remote patient monitoring tools for pregnancy-related complications.
(c) How to screen for social determinants of health risks in the prenatal and postpartum periods, such as inadequate housing, lack of access to nutritional foods, environmental risks, transportation barriers, and lack of continuity of care.
(d) Best practices in screening for and, as needed, evaluating and treating maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
(e) Information collection, recording, and evaluation activities to:
1. Study the impact of the program;
2. Ensure access to and the quality of care;
3. Evaluate patient outcomes as a result of the program;
4. Measure patient experience; and
5. Identify best practices for the future expansion of the program.
(5) REPORTS.—By October 31, 2025, and each October 31 thereafter, the department shall submit a program report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives which includes, at a minimum, all of the following for the previous fiscal year:
(a) The total number of clients served and the demographic information for the population served, including ethnicity and race, age, education levels, and geographic location.
(b) The total number of screenings performed, by type.
(c) The number of participants identified as having experienced pregnancy-related complications, the number of participants who received treatments for such complications, and the final outcome of the pregnancy for such participants.
(d) The number of referrals made to the Healthy Start program or other prenatal home visiting programs and the number of participants who subsequently received services from such programs.
(e) The number of referrals made to doulas and other perinatal professionals and the number of participants who subsequently received services from doulas and other perinatal professionals.
(f) The number and types of devices given to participants to conduct maternal wellness checks.
(g) The average length of participation by program participants.
(h) Composite results of a participant survey that measures the participants’ experience with the program.
(i) The total number of health care practitioners trained, by provider type and specialty.
(j) The results of a survey of the health care practitioners trained under the program. The survey must address the quality and impact of the training provided, the health care practitioners’ experiences using remote patient monitoring tools, the best practices provided in the training, and any suggestions for improvements.
(k) Aggregate data on the maternal and infant health outcomes of program participants.
(l) For the initial report, all available quantifiable data related to the telehealth minority maternity care pilot programs.
(6) FUNDING.—The department’s Division of Community Health Promotion and Office of Minority Health and Health Equity shall work in partnership to apply for federal funds that are available to assist the department in accomplishing the program’s purpose and successfully implementing the program.
(7) RULES.—The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2021-238; s. 5, ch. 2024-15.
383.30 Birth Center Licensure Act; short title.—Sections 383.30-383.332 shall be known and may be cited as the “Birth Center Licensure Act.”
History.—ss. 1, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 12, ch. 2018-24.
383.301 Licensure and regulation of birth centers; legislative intent.—It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the protection of public health and safety in the establishment, maintenance, and operation of birth centers by providing for licensure of birth centers and for the development, establishment, and enforcement of minimum standards with respect to birth centers. The requirements of part II of chapter 408 shall apply to the provision of services that require licensure pursuant to ss. 383.30-383.332 and part II of chapter 408 and to entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to ss. 383.30-383.332. A license issued by the agency is required in order to operate a birth center in this state.
History.—ss. 2, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 18, ch. 2000-141; s. 34, ch. 2001-186; s. 3, ch. 2001-372; s. 3, ch. 2007-230; s. 13, ch. 2018-24.
383.302 Definitions of terms used in ss. 383.30-383.332.—As used in ss. 383.30-383.332, the term:
(1) “Advanced birth center” means a licensed birth center designated as an advanced birth center which may perform trial of labor after cesarean deliveries for screened patients who qualify; planned low-risk cesarean deliveries; and anticipated vaginal deliveries for laboring patients from the beginning of the 37th week of gestation through the end of the 41st week of gestation.
(2) “Agency” means the Agency for Health Care Administration.
(3) “Birth center” means any facility, institution, or place, which is not an ambulatory surgical center or a hospital or in a hospital, in which births are planned to occur away from the mother’s usual residence following a normal, uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy.
(4) “Clinical staff” means individuals employed full time or part time by a birth center who are licensed or certified to provide care at childbirth.
(5) “Consultant” means a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459 who agrees to provide advice and services to a birth center and who either:
(a) Is certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology or the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; or
(b) Has hospital obstetrical privileges.
(6) “Governing body” means any individual, group, corporation, or institution which is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of a birth center.
(7) “Governmental unit” means the state or any county, municipality, or other political subdivision or any department, division, board, or other agency of any of the foregoing.
(8) “Licensed facility” means a facility licensed in accordance with s. 383.305.
(9) “Low-risk pregnancy” means a pregnancy which is expected to result in an uncomplicated birth, as determined through risk criteria developed by rule of the department, and which is accompanied by adequate prenatal care.
(10) “Medical director” means a person who holds an active unrestricted license as a physician under chapter 458 or chapter 459.
(11) “Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, institution, or joint stock association and means any legal successor of any of the foregoing.
(12) “Premises” means those buildings, beds, and facilities located at the main address of the licensee and all other buildings, beds, and facilities for the provision of maternity care located in such reasonable proximity to the main address of the licensee as to appear to the public to be under the dominion and control of the licensee.
History.—ss. 3, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 64, ch. 97-101; s. 7, ch. 98-171; s. 14, ch. 2018-24; s. 6, ch. 2024-15.
383.305 Licensure; fees.—
(1) In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or a licensee shall pay a fee for each license application submitted under ss. 383.30-383.332 and part II of chapter 408. The amount of the fee shall be established by rule.
(2) Each applicant for licensure and each licensee must comply with the requirements of this chapter and part II of chapter 408.
History.—ss. 5, 6, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; ss. 8, 71, ch. 98-171; s. 60, ch. 2000-349; s. 25, ch. 2001-53; s. 2, ch. 2001-67; s. 148, ch. 2001-277; s. 40, ch. 2004-267; s. 5, ch. 2007-230; s. 15, ch. 2018-24.
383.307 Administration of birth center.—
(1) Each birth center shall have a governing body which is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of the birth center.
(a) The governing body shall develop and display a table of organization which shows the structure of the birth center and identifies the governing body, the birth center director, the clinical director, the clinical staff, and the medical consultant.
(b) The governing body shall develop and make available to staff, clinicians, consultants, and licensing authorities a manual which documents policies, procedures, and protocols, including the roles and responsibilities of all personnel.
(2) There shall be an adequate number of licensed personnel to provide clinical services needed by mothers and newborns and a sufficient number of qualified personnel to provide services for families and to maintain the birth center.
(3) All clinical staff members and consultants shall hold current licenses from this state to practice their respective disciplines.
(4) Clinical staff members and consultants shall adopt bylaws which are subject to the approval of the governing body and which shall include recommendations for clinical staff or consultation appointments, delineation of clinical privileges, and the organization of the clinical staff.
History.—ss. 3, 7, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 48, ch. 99-397.
383.308 Birth center facility and equipment; requirements.—
(1) A birth center shall be so designed to assure adequate provision for birthing rooms, bath and toilet facilities, storage areas for supplies and equipment, examination areas, and reception or family areas. Handwashing facilities shall be in, or immediately adjacent to, all examining areas and birthing rooms.
(2)(a) A birth center shall be equipped with those items needed to provide low-risk maternity care and readily available equipment to initiate emergency procedures in life-threatening events to mother and baby, as defined by rule of the agency.
(b) Provision shall be made, on or off the premises, for laundry, sterilization of supplies and equipment, laboratory examinations, and light snacks. If a food service is provided, special requirements shall be met as defined in rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 381.
(3) A birth center shall meet codes for ordinary construction and for water supply and sewage disposal. Solid waste shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of chapter 403 and rules promulgated thereunder.
(4)(a) A birth center shall be maintained in a safe, clean, and orderly manner.
(b) The governing body shall ensure that there is compliance with firesafety provisions required by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 633.
History.—ss. 8, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 9, ch. 98-171.
383.3081 Advanced birth center designation.—
(1) To be designated as an advanced birth center, a birth center must, in addition to maintaining compliance with all of the requirements under ss. 383.30-383.332 applicable to birth centers and advanced birth centers, meet all of the following criteria:
(a) Be operated and staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
(b) Employ two medical directors to oversee the activities of the center, one of whom must be a board-certified obstetrician and one of whom must be a board-certified anesthesiologist.
(c) Have at least one properly equipped, dedicated surgical suite for the performance of cesarean deliveries.
(d) Employ at least one registered nurse and ensure that at least one registered nurse is present in the center at all times and has the ability to stabilize and facilitate the transfer of patients and newborn infants when appropriate.
(e) Enter into a written agreement with a blood bank for emergency blood bank services and have written protocols for the management of obstetrical hemorrhage which include provisions for emergency blood transfusions. If a patient admitted to an advanced birth center receives an emergency blood transfusion at the center, the patient must immediately thereafter be transferred to a hospital for further care.
(f) Meet all standards adopted by rule for birth centers, unless specified otherwise, and advanced birth centers pursuant to s. 383.309.
(g) Comply with the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code standards for ambulatory surgical centers.
(h) Qualify for, enter into, and maintain a Medicaid provider agreement with the agency pursuant to s. 409.907 and provide services to Medicaid recipients according to the terms of the provider agreement.
(2) The agency shall establish by rule a process for designating a birth center that meets the requirements of this section as an advanced birth center. The agency may develop any requirements or standards it deems necessary for patient safety which advanced birth centers must meet as a condition of the designation.
History.—s. 7, ch. 2024-15.
383.309 Minimum standards for birth centers and advanced birth centers; rules and enforcement.—
(1) The agency shall adopt and enforce rules to administer ss. 383.30-383.332 and part II of chapter 408, which rules shall include, but are not limited to, reasonable and fair minimum standards for ensuring that:
(a) Sufficient numbers and qualified types of personnel and occupational disciplines are available at all times to provide necessary and adequate patient care and safety.
(b) Infection control, housekeeping, sanitary conditions, disaster plan, and medical record procedures that will adequately protect patient care and provide safety are established and implemented.
(c) Licensed facilities are established, organized, and operated consistent with established programmatic standards.
(2) The standards adopted by rule for designating a birth center as an advanced birth center must, at a minimum, be equivalent to the minimum standards adopted for ambulatory surgical centers pursuant to s. 395.1055 and must include standards for quality of care, blood transfusions, and sanitary conditions for food handling and food service.
(3) The agency may not establish any rule governing the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of birth centers. It is the intent of the Legislature to preempt that function to the Florida Building Commission and the State Fire Marshal through adoption and maintenance of the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. However, the agency shall provide technical assistance to the commission and the State Fire Marshal in updating the construction standards of the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code which govern birth centers. In addition, the agency may enforce the special-occupancy provisions of the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code which apply to birth centers in conducting any inspection authorized under this chapter or part II of chapter 408.
History.—ss. 23, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 10, ch. 98-171; s. 19, ch. 2000-141; s. 34, ch. 2001-186; s. 3, ch. 2001-372; s. 6, ch. 2007-230; s. 16, ch. 2018-24; s. 8, ch. 2024-15.
383.31 Selection of clients; informed consent.—
(1)(a) A birth center may accept only those patients who are expected to have normal pregnancies, labors, and deliveries.
(b) The criteria for the selection of clients and the establishment of risk status shall be defined by rule of the agency.
(2)(a) A patient may not be accepted for care until the patient has signed a client informed-consent form.
(b) The agency shall develop a client informed-consent form to be used by the center to inform the client of the benefits and risks related to childbirth outside a hospital.
History.—ss. 9, 10, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 11, ch. 98-171.
383.3105 Patients consenting to adoptions; protocols.—
(1) Each licensed facility shall adopt a protocol that at a minimum provides for facility staff to be knowledgeable of the waiting periods, revocation and the contents of the consent to adoption as contained in s. 63.082(4), and describes the supportive and unbiased manner in which facility staff will interact with birth parents and prospective adoptive parents regarding the adoption, in particular during the waiting period required in s. 63.082(4)(b) before consenting to an adoption.
(2) The protocol shall be in writing and be provided upon request to any birth parent or prospective adoptive parent of a child born in the facility.
History.—s. 40, ch. 2001-3.
383.311 Education and orientation for birth center clients and their families.—
(1) The clients and their families shall be fully informed of the policies and procedures of the birth center, including, but not limited to, policies and procedures on:
(a) The selection of clients.
(b) The expectation of self-help and family/client relationships.
(c) The qualifications of the clinical staff.
(d) The transfer to secondary or tertiary care.
(e) The philosophy of childbirth care and the scope of services.
(f) The customary length of stay after delivery.
(2) The clients shall be prepared for childbirth and childbearing by education in:
(a) The course of pregnancy and normal changes occurring during pregnancy.
(b) The need for prenatal care.
(c) Nutrition, including encouragement of breastfeeding.
(d) The effects of smoking and substance abuse.
(e) Labor and delivery.
(f) The care of the newborn to include safe sleep practices and the possible causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
History.—ss. 11, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 4, ch. 94-217; s. 1, ch. 2013-62.
383.312 Prenatal care of birth center clients.—
(1) A birth center shall ensure that its clients have adequate prenatal care, as defined by the agency, and shall ensure that serological tests are administered as required by this chapter.
(2) Records of prenatal care shall be maintained for each client and shall be available during labor and delivery.
History.—ss. 12, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 12, ch. 98-171.
383.313 Birth center performance of laboratory and surgical services; use of anesthetic and chemical agents.—
(1) LABORATORY SERVICES.—A birth center may collect specimens for those tests that are requested under protocol. A birth center must obtain and continuously maintain certification by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and the federal rules adopted thereunder in order to perform laboratory tests specified by rule of the agency, and which are appropriate to meet the needs of the patient.
(2) SURGICAL SERVICES.—Except for advanced birth centers authorized to provide surgical services under s. 383.3131, only those surgical procedures that are normally performed during uncomplicated childbirths, such as episiotomies and repairs, may be performed at a birth center. Operative obstetrics or cesarean sections may not be performed at a birth center.
(3) ADMINISTRATION OF ANALGESIA AND ANESTHESIA.—General and conduction anesthesia may not be administered at a birth center. Systemic analgesia may be administered, and local anesthesia for pudendal block and episiotomy repair may be performed if procedures are outlined by the clinical staff and performed by personnel who have the statutory authority to do so.
(4) INTRAPARTAL USE OF CHEMICAL AGENTS.—Labor may not be inhibited, stimulated, or augmented with chemical agents during the first or second stage of labor unless prescribed by personnel who have the statutory authority to do so and unless in connection with and before emergency transport.
History.—ss. 13, 14, 15, 16, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 13, ch. 98-171; s. 17, ch. 2018-24; s. 9, ch. 2024-15.
383.3131 Advanced birth center performance of laboratory and surgical services; use of anesthetic and chemical agents.—
(1) LABORATORY SERVICES.—An advanced birth center shall have a clinical laboratory on site. The clinical laboratory must, at a minimum, be capable of providing laboratory testing for hematology, metabolic screening, liver function, and coagulation studies. An advanced birth center may collect specimens for those tests that are requested under protocol. An advanced birth center may perform laboratory tests as defined by rule of the agency. Laboratories located in advanced birth centers must be appropriately certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and the federal rules adopted thereunder.
(2) SURGICAL SERVICES.—In addition to surgical procedures authorized under s. 383.313(2), surgical procedures for low-risk cesarean deliveries and surgical management of immediate complications may also be performed at an advanced birth center. Postpartum sterilization may be performed before discharge of the patient who has given birth during that admission. Circumcisions may be performed before discharge of the newborn infant.
(3) ADMINISTRATION OF ANALGESIA AND ANESTHESIA.—General, conduction, and local anesthesia may be administered at an advanced birth center if administered by personnel who have the statutory authority to do so. All general anesthesia must be administered by an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist in accordance with s. 464.012. When general anesthesia is administered, a physician or a certified registered nurse anesthetist must be present in the advanced birth center during the anesthesia and postanesthesia recovery period until the patient is fully alert. Each advanced birth center shall comply with s. 395.0191(2)(b).
(4) INTRAPARTAL USE OF CHEMICAL AGENTS.—Labor may be inhibited, stimulated, or augmented with chemical agents during the first or second stage of labor at an advanced birth center if prescribed by personnel who have the statutory authority to do so. Labor may be electively induced beginning at the 39th week of gestation for a patient with a documented Bishop score of 8 or greater.
History.—s. 10, ch. 2024-15.
383.315 Agreements with consultants for advice or services; maintenance.—
(1) A birth center shall maintain in writing a consultation agreement, signed within the current license period, with each consultant who has agreed to provide advice and services to the birth center as requested.
(2) Consultation may be provided onsite or by telephone, as required by clinical and geographic conditions.
(3) An advanced birth center shall employ or maintain an agreement with an obstetrician who must be on call at all times during which a patient is in active labor in the center to attend deliveries, available to respond to emergencies, and, when necessary, available to perform cesarean deliveries.
History.—ss. 18, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 7, ch. 2007-230; s. 11, ch. 2024-15.
383.316 Transfer and transport of clients to hospitals.—
(1) If unforeseen complications arise during labor, delivery, or postpartum recovery, the client must be transferred to a hospital.
(2) Each birth center shall make arrangements with a local ambulance service licensed under chapter 401 for the transport of emergency patients to a hospital. Such arrangements must be documented in the center’s policy and procedures manual if the birth center does not own or operate a licensed ambulance. The policy and procedures manual also must contain specific protocols for the transfer of any patient to a licensed hospital.
(3) Each advanced birth center shall enter into a written transfer agreement with a local hospital licensed under chapter 395 for the transfer and admission of emergency patients to the hospital or a written agreement with an obstetrician who has hospital privileges to provide coverage at all times and who has agreed to accept the transfer of the advanced birth center’s patients.
(4) A birth center shall identify neonatal-specific transportation services, including ground and air ambulances; list their particular qualifications; and have the telephone numbers for access to these services clearly listed and immediately available.
(5) The birth center shall assess and document the transportation services and transfer protocols annually.
History.—ss. 9, 19, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 12, ch. 2024-15.
383.318 Postpartum care for birth center clients and infants.—
(1) Except at advanced birth centers that must adhere to the requirements of subsection (2), a mother and her infant must be dismissed from a birth center within 24 hours after the birth of the infant, except in unusual circumstances as defined by rule of the agency. If a mother or her infant is retained at the birth center for more than 24 hours after the birth, a report must be filed with the agency within 48 hours after the birth and must describe the circumstances and the reasons for the decision.
(2)(a) A mother and her infant must be dismissed from an advanced birth center within 48 hours after a vaginal delivery of the infant or within 72 hours after a delivery by cesarean section, except in unusual circumstances as defined by rule of the agency.
(b) If a mother or her infant is retained at the advanced birth center for more than the timeframes set forth in paragraph (a), a report must be filed with the agency within 48 hours after the scheduled discharge time and must describe the circumstances and the reasons for the decision.
(3) A prophylactic shall be instilled in the eyes of each newborn in accordance with s. 383.04.
(4) The birth center shall provide a postpartum evaluation and followup care that includes all of the following:
(a) Physical examination of the infant.
(b) Metabolic screening tests required by s. 383.14.
(c) Referral to sources for pediatric care.
(d) Maternal postpartum assessment that incorporates mental health screening.
(e) Information on postpartum depression and the telephone number of the Family Health Line operated pursuant to s. 383.011.
(f) Instruction in child care, including immunization, breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, and possible causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
(g) Family planning services.
(h) Referral to secondary or tertiary care, as indicated.
(i) Provision of the informational pamphlet on infant and childhood eye and vision disorders created by the department pursuant to s. 383.14(3)(h).
History.—ss. 17, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 5, ch. 94-217; s. 14, ch. 98-171; s. 2, ch. 2013-62; s. 3, ch. 2018-98; s. 2, ch. 2020-79; s. 13, ch. 2024-15; s. 8, ch. 2024-246.
383.32 Clinical records.—
(1) Clinical records shall contain information prescribed by rule, including, but not limited to:
(a) Identifying information.
(b) Risk assessments.
(c) Information relating to prenatal visits.
(d) Information relating to the course of labor and intrapartum care.
(e) Information relating to consultation, referral, and transport to a hospital.
(f) Newborn assessment, APGAR score, treatments as required, and followup.
(g) Postpartum followup.
(2) Clinical records shall be immediately available at the birth center:
(a) At the time of admission.
(b) When transfer of care is necessary.
(c) For audit by licensure personnel.
(3) Clinical records shall be kept confidential in accordance with s. 456.057 and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). A client’s clinical records shall be open to inspection only under the following conditions:
(a) A consent to release information has been signed by the client; or
(b) The review is made by the agency for a licensure survey or complaint investigation.
(4)(a) Clinical records shall be audited periodically, but no less frequently than every 3 months, to evaluate the process and outcome of care.
(b) Statistics on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, maternal risk, consultant referrals, and transfers of care shall be analyzed at least semiannually.
(c) The governing body shall examine the results of the record audits and statistical analyses and shall make such reports available for inspection by the public and licensing authorities.
History.—ss. 12, 21, 22, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 33, ch. 87-225; s. 1, ch. 90-3; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 195, ch. 96-406; s. 20, ch. 98-166; s. 15, ch. 98-171; s. 10, ch. 2000-160.
383.324 Inspections and investigations; inspection fees.—Each facility licensed under s. 383.305 shall pay to the agency an inspection fee established by rule of the agency. In addition to the requirements of part II of chapter 408, the agency shall coordinate all periodic inspections for licensure made by the agency to ensure that the cost to the facility of such inspections and the disruption of services by such inspections is minimized.
History.—ss. 24, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 16, ch. 98-171; s. 8, ch. 2007-230.
383.325 Inspection reports.—
(1) Each licensed facility shall maintain as public information, available upon request, records of all inspection reports pertaining to that facility which have been filed with, or issued by, any governmental agency. Copies of such reports shall be retained in the records of the facility for no less than 5 years from the date the reports are filed and issued.
(2) Any record, report, or document which, by state or federal law or regulation, is deemed confidential shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and shall not be distributed or made available for purposes of compliance with this section unless or until such confidential status expires, except as described in s. 383.32(2)(c).
(3) A licensed facility shall, upon the request of any person who has completed a written application with intent to be admitted to such facility or any person who is a patient of such facility, or any relative, spouse, or guardian of any such person, furnish to the requester a copy of the last inspection report issued by the agency or an accrediting organization, whichever is most recent, pertaining to the licensed facility, as provided in subsection (1), provided the person requesting such report agrees to pay a reasonable charge to cover copying costs.
History.—ss. 25, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 34, ch. 87-225; s. 1, ch. 90-5; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 196, ch. 96-406; s. 17, ch. 98-171.
383.327 Birth and death records; reports.—
(1) A completed certificate of birth shall be filed with the local registrar within 5 days of each birth in accordance with chapter 382.
(2) Each maternal death, newborn death, and stillbirth shall be reported immediately to the medical examiner and the agency.
(3) The licensee shall comply with all requirements of this chapter and rules promulgated hereunder.
(4) A report shall be submitted to the agency. The contents of the report and the frequency at which it is submitted shall be prescribed by rule of the agency.
History.—ss. 20, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 30, ch. 87-387; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 18, ch. 98-171; s. 2, ch. 2020-156.
383.33 Administrative penalties; moratorium on admissions.—
(1) In addition to the requirements of part II of chapter 408, the agency may impose an administrative fine not to exceed $500 per violation per day for the violation of any provision of ss. 383.30-383.332, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules.
(2) In determining the amount of the fine to be levied for a violation, as provided in this section, the following factors shall be considered:
(a) The severity of the violation, including the probability that death or serious harm to the health or safety of any person will result or has resulted; the severity of the actual or potential harm; and the extent to which ss. 383.30-383.332, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules were violated.
(b) Actions taken by the licensee to correct the violations or to remedy complaints.
(c) Any previous violations by the licensee.
(3) In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the agency may impose an immediate moratorium on elective admissions to any licensed facility, building or portion thereof, or service when the agency determines that any condition in the facility presents a threat to the public health or safety.
History.—ss. 26, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 19, ch. 98-171; s. 9, ch. 2007-230; s. 18, ch. 2018-24.
383.332 Establishing, managing, or operating a birth center without a license; penalty.—Any person who establishes, conducts, manages, or operates any birth center facility without a license issued under s. 383.305 and part II of chapter 408 commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $100 for the first offense and not more than $500 for each subsequent offense; and each day of continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense.
History.—ss. 26, 27, ch. 84-283; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 11, ch. 2007-230.
383.3361 Limitations on civil and administrative liability.—Nothing in this act shall serve as the basis for any civil or administrative action, nor as evidence of a standard of care or compliance with a standard of care in any civil or administrative action.
History.—s. 2, ch. 91-126.
383.3362 Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.—
(1) FINDINGS AND INTENT.—The Legislature recognizes that more than 4,500 infants in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly of no immediate or obvious cause. According to statistics from the Department of Health, more than 200 infants in this state experienced Sudden Unexpected Infant Death in 2010. The Legislature further recognizes that first responders to emergency calls relating to such a death need access to special training to better enable them to recognize that such deaths may result from natural and accidental causes or may be caused by criminal acts and to appropriately interact with the deceased infant’s parents or caretakers. At the same time, the Legislature, recognizing that the primary focus of first responders is to carry out their assigned duties, intends to increase awareness of the possible causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, but in no way expand or take away from their duties. Further, the Legislature recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary investigation and standardized investigative protocols in cases of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. Finally, the Legislature finds that it is desirable to analyze existing data and conduct further research on the possible causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and on how to reduce its incidence.
(2) DEFINITION.—As used in this section, the term “Sudden Unexpected Infant Death,” or “SUID,” means the sudden unexpected death of an infant under 1 year of age while in apparent good health whose death may have been a result of natural or unnatural causes.
(3) TRAINING.—
(a) The Legislature finds that an emergency medical technician, a paramedic, a firefighter, or a law enforcement officer is likely to be the first responder to a request for assistance which is made immediately after the sudden unexpected death of an infant. The Legislature further finds that these first responders should be trained in appropriate responses to sudden infant death.
(b) The basic training programs required for certification as an emergency medical technician, a paramedic, a firefighter, or a law enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10, other than a correctional officer or a correctional probation officer, must include curriculum that contains instruction on SUID.
(c) The Department of Health, in consultation with the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, the Firefighters Employment, Standards, and Training Council, the Child Protection Teams established in the Division of Children’s Medical Services, and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, shall adopt and modify when necessary, by rule, curriculum that is part of the Centers for Disease Control SUID Initiative which must be followed by law enforcement agencies in investigating cases involving sudden deaths of infants, and training in responding appropriately to the parents or caretakers who have requested assistance.
(4) AUTOPSIES.—
(a) The death of any infant younger than 1 year of age who dies suddenly and unexpectedly while in apparent good health falls under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner as provided in s. 406.11. The autopsy must be performed within 24 hours after the death, or as soon thereafter as is feasible.
(b) The Medical Examiners Commission shall provide for the development and implementation of a protocol for the forensic investigation of SUID. The protocol may include requirements and standards for scene investigations, requirements for specific data, criteria for any specific tissue sampling, and any other requirements that are deemed necessary.
(c) A medical examiner is not liable for damages in a civil action for any act or omission done in compliance with this subsection.
(5) DEPARTMENT DUTIES RELATING TO SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH (SUID).—The Department of Health, in consultation with the Child Protection Teams established in the Division of Children’s Medical Services, shall:
(a) Collaborate with other agencies in the development and presentation of the SUID training programs for first responders, including those for emergency medical technicians and paramedics, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
(b) Maintain a database of statistics on reported SUID deaths and analyze the data as funds allow.
(c) Serve as liaison and closely coordinate activities with the Florida SIDS Alliance.
(d) Maintain a library reference list and materials about SUID for public dissemination.
(e) Provide professional support to field staff.
(f) Coordinate the activities of and promote a link between the fetal and infant mortality review committees of the local healthy start coalitions, the Florida SIDS Alliance, and other related support groups.
History.—s. 1, ch. 93-182; s. 673, ch. 95-148; s. 65, ch. 97-101; s. 30, ch. 97-237; s. 18, ch. 2002-404; s. 3, ch. 2013-62; s. 54, ch. 2019-3.
383.33625 Stephanie Saboor Grieving Parents Act; disposition of fetus; notification; forms developed.—
(1) This section shall be known by the popular name the “Stephanie Saboor Grieving Parents Act.”
(2) A health care practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 464, or chapter 467 having custody of fetal remains following a spontaneous fetal demise occurring after a gestation period of less than 20 completed weeks must notify the mother of her option to arrange for the burial or cremation of the fetal remains, as well as the procedures provided by general law. Notification may also include other options such as, but not limited to, a ceremony, a certificate, or common burial of the fetal remains.
(3) The Department of Health shall adopt rules to develop forms to be used for notifications and elections by the health care practitioner, and the health care practitioner shall provide the forms to the mother.
(4) A facility licensed pursuant to chapter 383 or chapter 395 having custody of fetal remains following a spontaneous fetal demise occurring after a gestation period of less than 20 completed weeks must notify the mother of her option to arrange for the burial or cremation of the fetal remains, as well as the procedures provided by general law. Notification may also include other options such as, but not limited to, a ceremony, a certificate, or common burial of the fetal remains.
(5) If the mother chooses the option of using the procedures provided by general law, the facility or health care practitioner in custody of fetal remains shall follow the procedures set forth in general law.
(6) The Agency for Health Care Administration shall adopt rules to develop forms to be used for notifications and elections by the facility, and the hospital shall provide the forms to the mother.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2003-52.
383.402 Child abuse death review; State Child Abuse Death Review Committee; local child abuse death review committees.—
(1) INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a statewide multidisciplinary, multiagency, epidemiological child abuse death assessment and prevention system that consists of state and local review committees. The committees shall review the facts and circumstances of all deaths of children from birth to age 18 which occur in this state and are reported to the central abuse hotline of the Department of Children and Families. The state and local review committees shall work cooperatively. The primary function of the state review committee is to provide direction and leadership for the review system and to analyze data and recommendations from local review committees to identify issues and trends and to recommend statewide action. The primary function of the local review committees is to conduct individual case reviews of deaths, generate information, make recommendations, and implement improvements at the local level. The purpose of the state and local review system is to:
(a) Achieve a greater understanding of the causes and contributing factors of deaths resulting from child abuse.
(b) Whenever possible, develop a communitywide approach to address such causes and contributing factors.
(c) Identify any gaps, deficiencies, or problems in the delivery of services to children and their families by public and private agencies which may be related to deaths that are the result of child abuse.
(d) Recommend changes in law, rules, and policies at the state and local levels, as well as develop practice standards that support the safe and healthy development of children and reduce preventable child abuse deaths.
(e) Implement such recommendations, to the extent possible.
(2) STATE CHILD ABUSE DEATH REVIEW COMMITTEE.—
(a) Membership.—
1. The State Child Abuse Death Review Committee is established within the Department of Health and shall consist of a representative of the Department of Health, appointed by the State Surgeon General, who shall serve as the state committee coordinator. The head of each of the following agencies or organizations shall also appoint a representative to the state committee:
a. The Department of Legal Affairs.
b. The Department of Children and Families.
c. The Department of Law Enforcement.
d. The Department of Education.
e. The Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Inc.
f. The Florida Medical Examiners Commission, whose representative must be a forensic pathologist.
2. In addition, the State Surgeon General shall appoint the following members to the state committee, based on recommendations from the Department of Health and the agencies listed in subparagraph 1., and ensuring that the committee represents the regional, gender, and ethnic diversity of the state to the greatest extent possible:
a. The Department of Health Statewide Child Protection Team Medical Director.
b. A public health nurse.
c. A mental health professional who treats children or adolescents.
d. An employee of the Department of Children and Families who supervises family services counselors and who has at least 5 years of experience in child protective investigations.
e. The medical director of a Child Protection Team.
f. A member of a child advocacy organization.
g. A social worker who has experience in working with victims and perpetrators of child abuse.
h. A person trained as a paraprofessional in patient resources who is employed in a child abuse prevention program.
i. A law enforcement officer who has at least 5 years of experience in children’s issues.
j. A representative of a domestic violence advocacy group.
k. A representative from a private provider of programs on preventing child abuse and neglect.
l. A substance abuse treatment professional.
3. The members of the state committee shall be appointed to staggered terms not to exceed 2 years each, as determined by the State Surgeon General. Members may be appointed to no more than three consecutive terms. The state committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members to serve for a 2-year term, and the chairperson may appoint ad hoc committees as necessary to carry out the duties of the committee.
4. Members of the state committee shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in s. 112.061 and to the extent that funds are available.
(b) Duties.—The State Child Abuse Death Review Committee shall:
1. Develop a system for collecting data from local committees on deaths that are reported to the central abuse hotline. The system must include a protocol for the uniform collection of data statewide, which must, at a minimum, use the National Child Death Review Case Reporting System administered by the National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths.
2. Provide training to cooperating agencies, individuals, and local child abuse death review committees on the use of the child abuse death data system.
3. Provide training to local child abuse death review committee members on the dynamics and impact of domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health disorders when there is a co-occurrence of child abuse. Training must be provided by the Department of Children and Families, the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, and the Florida Council for Community Mental Health in each entity’s respective area of expertise.
4. Develop statewide uniform guidelines, standards, and protocols, including a protocol for standardized data collection and reporting, for local child abuse death review committees and provide training and technical assistance to local committees.
5. Develop statewide uniform guidelines for reviewing deaths that are the result of child abuse, including guidelines to be used by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, medical examiners, health care practitioners, health care facilities, and social service agencies.
6. Study the adequacy of laws, rules, training, and services to determine what changes are needed to decrease the incidence of child abuse deaths and develop strategies and recruit partners to implement these changes.
7. Provide consultation on individual cases to local committees upon request.
8. Educate the public regarding the provisions of chapter 99-168, Laws of Florida, the incidence and causes of child abuse death, and ways by which such deaths may be prevented.
9. Promote continuing education for professionals who investigate, treat, and prevent child abuse or neglect.
10. Recommend, when appropriate, the review of the death certificate of a child who died as a result of abuse or neglect.
(3) LOCAL CHILD ABUSE DEATH REVIEW COMMITTEES.—At the direction of the State Surgeon General, a county or multicounty child abuse death review committee shall be convened and supported by the county health department directors in accordance with the protocols established by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee.
(a) Membership.—The local death review committees shall include, at a minimum, the following organizations’ representatives, appointed by the county health department directors in consultation with those organizations:
1. The state attorney’s office.
2. The medical examiner’s office.
3. The local Department of Children and Families child protective investigations unit.
4. The Department of Health Child Protection Team.
5. The community-based care lead agency.
6. State, county, or local law enforcement agencies.
7. The school district.
8. A mental health treatment provider.
9. A certified domestic violence center.
10. A substance abuse treatment provider.
11. Any other members that are determined by guidelines developed by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee.
To the extent possible, individuals from these organizations or entities who, in a professional capacity, dealt with a child whose death is verified as caused by abuse or neglect, or with the family of the child, shall attend any meetings where the child’s case is reviewed. The members of a local committee shall be appointed to 2-year terms and may be reappointed. Members shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in s. 112.061 and to the extent that funds are available.
(b) Duties.—Each local child abuse death review committee shall:
1. Assist the state committee in collecting data on deaths that are the result of child abuse, in accordance with the protocol established by the state committee. The local committee shall complete, to the fullest extent possible, the individual case report in the National Child Death Review Case Reporting System.
2. Submit written reports as required by the state committee. The reports must include:
a. Nonidentifying information from individual cases.
b. Identification of any problems with the data system uncovered through the review process and the committee’s recommendations for system improvements and needed resources, training, and information dissemination, where gaps or deficiencies may exist.
c. All steps taken by the local committee and private and public agencies to implement necessary changes and improve the coordination of services and reviews.
3. Submit all records requested by the state committee at the conclusion of its review of a death resulting from child abuse.
4. Abide by the standards and protocols developed by the state committee.
5. On a case-by-case basis, request that the state committee review the data of a particular case.
(4) ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT.—The state committee shall prepare and submit a comprehensive statistical report by December 1 of each year to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives which includes data, trends, analysis, findings, and recommendations for state and local action regarding deaths from child abuse. Data must be presented on an individual calendar year basis and in the context of a multiyear trend. At a minimum, the report must include:
(a) Descriptive statistics, including demographic information regarding victims and caregivers, and the causes and nature of deaths.
(b) A detailed statistical analysis of the incidence and causes of deaths.
(c) Specific issues identified within current policy, procedure, rule, or statute and recommendations to address those issues from both the state and local committees.
(d) Other recommendations to prevent deaths from child abuse based on an analysis of the data presented in the report.
(5) ACCESS TO AND USE OF RECORDS.—
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the chairperson of the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee, or the chairperson of a local committee, shall be provided with access to any information or records that pertain to a child whose death is being reviewed by the committee and that are necessary for the committee to carry out its duties, including information or records that pertain to the child’s family, as follows:
1. Patient records in the possession of a public or private provider of medical, dental, or mental health care, including, but not limited to, a facility licensed under chapter 393, chapter 394, or chapter 395, or a health care practitioner as defined in s. 456.001. Providers may charge a fee for copies not to exceed 50 cents per page for paper records and $1 per fiche for microfiche records.
2. Information or records of any state agency or political subdivision which might assist a committee in reviewing a child’s death, including, but not limited to, information or records of the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, or the Department of Juvenile Justice.
(b) The State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee shall have access to all information of a law enforcement agency which is not the subject of an active investigation and which pertains to the review of the death of a child. A committee may not disclose any information that is not subject to public disclosure by the law enforcement agency, and active criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information, as defined in s. 119.011(3), may not be made available for review or access under this section.
(c) The state committee and any local committee may share with each other any relevant information that pertains to the review of the death of a child.
(d) A member of the state committee or a local committee may not contact, interview, or obtain information by request or subpoena directly from a member of a deceased child’s family as part of a committee’s review of a child abuse death, except that if a committee member is also a public officer or state employee, that member may contact, interview, or obtain information from a member of the deceased child’s family, if necessary, as part of the committee’s review. A member of the deceased child’s family may voluntarily provide records or information to the state committee or a local committee.
(e) The chairperson of the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee may require the production of records by requesting a subpoena, through the Department of Legal Affairs, in any county of the state. Such subpoena is effective throughout the state and may be served by any sheriff. Failure to obey the subpoena is punishable as provided by law.
(f) This section does not authorize the members of the state committee or any local committee to have access to any grand jury proceedings.
(g) A person who has attended a meeting of the state committee or a local committee or who has otherwise participated in activities authorized by this section may not be permitted or required to testify in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding as to any records or information produced or presented to a committee during meetings or other activities authorized by this section. However, this paragraph does not prevent any person who testifies before the committee or who is a member of the committee from testifying as to matters otherwise within his or her knowledge. An organization, institution, committee member, or other person who furnishes information, data, reports, or records to the state committee or a local committee is not liable for damages to any person and is not subject to any other civil, criminal, or administrative recourse. This paragraph does not apply to any person who admits to committing a crime.
(6) DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES.—
(a) The Department of Health shall administer the funds appropriated to operate the review committees and may apply for grants and accept donations.
(b) To the extent that funds are available, the Department of Health may hire staff or consultants to assist a review committee in performing its duties. Funds may also be used to reimburse reasonable expenses of the staff and consultants for the state committee and the local committees.
(c) For the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee and the local review committees, the State Surgeon General may substitute an existing entity whose function and organization includes the function and organization of the committees established by this section.
(7) DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each regional managing director of the Department of Children and Families must appoint a child abuse death review coordinator for the region. The coordinator must have knowledge and expertise in the area of child abuse and neglect. The coordinator’s general responsibilities include:
(a) Coordinating with the local child abuse death review committee.
(b) Ensuring the appropriate implementation of the child abuse death review process and all regional activities related to the review of child abuse deaths.
(c) Working with the committee to ensure that the reviews are thorough and that all issues are appropriately addressed.
(d) Maintaining a system of logging child abuse deaths covered by this procedure and tracking cases during the child abuse death review process.
(e) Conducting or arranging for a Florida Safe Families Network record check on all child abuse deaths covered by this procedure to determine whether there were any prior reports concerning the child or concerning any siblings, other children, or adults in the home.
(f) Coordinating child abuse death review activities, as needed, with individuals in the community and the Department of Health.
(g) Notifying the regional managing director, the Secretary of Children and Families, the Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services, and the Department of Health Child Abuse Death Review Coordinator of all deaths meeting criteria for review as specified in this section within 1 working day after case closure.
(h) Ensuring that all critical issues identified by the local child abuse death review committee are brought to the attention of the regional managing director and the Secretary of Children and Families.
(i) Providing technical assistance to the local child abuse death review committee during the review of any child abuse death.
History.—s. 13, ch. 99-168; s. 11, ch. 2000-160; s. 8, ch. 2000-217; s. 13, ch. 2001-53; s. 14, ch. 2004-350; s. 41, ch. 2008-6; s. 69, ch. 2014-19; s. 21, ch. 2014-224; s. 4, ch. 2015-79; s. 42, ch. 2016-10; s. 55, ch. 2019-3; s. 10, ch. 2020-6.
383.412 Public records and public meetings exemptions.—
(1) For purposes of this section, the term “local committee” means a local child abuse death review committee or a panel or committee assembled by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local child abuse death review committee pursuant to s. 383.402.
(2)(a) Any information held by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee which reveals the identity of the surviving siblings of a deceased child whose death occurred as the result of a verified report of abuse or neglect is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
(b) Any information held by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee which reveals the identity of a deceased child whose death has been reported to the central abuse hotline but determined not to be the result of abuse or neglect, or the identity of the surviving siblings, family members, or others living in the home of such deceased child, is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
(c) Information made confidential or exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution which is obtained by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee shall retain its confidential or exempt status.
(3)(a) Portions of meetings of the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee at which information made confidential and exempt pursuant to subsection (2) is discussed are exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution. The closed portion of a meeting must be recorded, and no portion of the closed meeting may be off the record. The recording shall be maintained by the State Child Abuse Death Review Committee or a local committee.
(b) The recording of a closed portion of a meeting is exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
(4) The State Child Abuse Death Review Committee and local committees may share information made confidential and exempt by this section:
(a) With each other;
(b) With a governmental agency in furtherance of its duties; or
(c) With any person or entity authorized by the Department of Health to use such relevant information for bona fide research or statistical purposes. A person or entity who is authorized to obtain such relevant information for research or statistical purposes must enter into a privacy and security agreement with the Department of Health and comply with all laws and rules governing the use of such records and information for research or statistical purposes. Anything identifying the subjects of such relevant information must be treated as confidential by the person or entity and may not be released in any form.
(5) Any person who knowingly or willfully makes public or discloses to any unauthorized person any information made confidential and exempt under this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-190; s. 95, ch. 2008-4; s. 1, ch. 2010-40; s. 1, ch. 2015-77; s. 1, ch. 2020-92.
383.50 Treatment of surrendered infant.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “infant” means a child who a licensed physician reasonably believes is approximately 30 days old or younger at the time the child is left at a hospital, an emergency medical services station, or a fire station.
(2) There is a presumption that the parent who leaves the infant in accordance with this section intended to leave the infant and consented to termination of parental rights.
(3) Each emergency medical services station or fire station that is staffed with full-time firefighters, emergency medical technicians, or paramedics shall accept any infant left with a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic. The firefighter, emergency medical technician, or paramedic shall consider these actions as implied consent to and shall:
(a) Provide emergency medical services to the infant to the extent that he or she is trained to provide those services; and
(b) Arrange for the immediate transportation of the infant to the nearest hospital having emergency services.
A licensee as defined in s. 401.23, a fire department, or an employee or agent of a licensee or fire department may treat and transport an infant pursuant to this section. If an infant is placed in the physical custody of an employee or agent of a licensee or fire department, such placement is considered implied consent for treatment and transport. A licensee, a fire department, or an employee or agent of a licensee or fire department is immune from criminal or civil liability for acting in good faith pursuant to this section. This subsection does not limit liability for negligence.
(4)(a) After the delivery of an infant in a hospital, a parent of the infant may leave the infant with medical staff or a licensed health care professional at the hospital if the parent notifies such medical staff or licensed health care professional that the parent is voluntarily surrendering the infant and does not intend to return.
(b) Each hospital of this state subject to s. 395.1041 shall, and any other hospital may, admit and provide all necessary emergency services and care, as defined in s. 395.002(9), to any infant left with the hospital in accordance with this section. The hospital or any of its medical staff or licensed health care professionals shall consider these actions as implied consent for treatment, and a hospital accepting physical custody of an infant has implied consent to perform all necessary emergency services and care. The hospital or any of its medical staff or licensed health care professionals are immune from criminal or civil liability for acting in good faith in accordance with this section. This subsection does not limit liability for negligence.
(5) Except when there is actual or suspected child abuse or neglect, any parent who leaves an infant with a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic at a fire station or an emergency medical services station, or brings an infant to an emergency room of a hospital and expresses an intent to leave the infant and not return, has the absolute right to remain anonymous and to leave at any time and may not be pursued or followed unless the parent seeks to reclaim the infant. When an infant is born in a hospital and the mother expresses intent to leave the infant and not return, upon the mother’s request, the hospital or registrar shall complete the infant’s birth certificate without naming the mother thereon.
(6) A parent of an infant left at a hospital, an emergency medical services station, or a fire station under this section may claim his or her infant up until the court enters a judgment terminating his or her parental rights. A claim to the infant must be made to the entity having physical or legal custody of the infant or to the circuit court before whom proceedings involving the infant are pending.
(7) Upon admitting an infant under this section, the hospital shall immediately contact a local licensed child-placing agency or alternatively contact the statewide central abuse hotline for the name of a licensed child-placing agency for purposes of transferring physical custody of the infant. The hospital shall notify the licensed child-placing agency that an infant has been left with the hospital and approximately when the licensed child-placing agency can take physical custody of the infant. In cases where there is actual or suspected child abuse or neglect, the hospital or any of its medical staff or licensed health care professionals shall report the actual or suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with ss. 39.201 and 395.1023 in lieu of contacting a licensed child-placing agency.
(8) An infant admitted to a hospital in accordance with this section is presumed eligible for coverage under Medicaid, subject to federal rules.
(9) An infant left at a hospital, an emergency medical services station, or a fire station in accordance with this section may not be deemed abandoned and subject to reporting and investigation requirements under s. 39.201 unless there is actual or suspected child abuse or until the Department of Children and Families takes physical custody of the infant.
(10) If the parent of an infant is unable to surrender the infant in accordance with this section, the parent may call 911 to request that an emergency medical services provider meet the surrendering parent at a specified location. The surrendering parent must stay with the infant until the emergency medical services provider arrives to take custody of the infant.
(11) A criminal investigation may not be initiated solely because an infant is surrendered in accordance with this section unless there is actual or suspected child abuse or neglect.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-188; s. 15, ch. 2001-53; s. 23, ch. 2001-62; s. 13, ch. 2007-230; s. 4, ch. 2008-90; s. 1, ch. 2024-213.
383.51 Confidentiality; identification of parent leaving infant at hospital, emergency medical services station, or fire station.—The identity of a parent who leaves an infant at a hospital, an emergency medical services station, or a fire station in accordance with s. 383.50 is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. The identity of a parent leaving a child shall be disclosed to a person claiming to be a parent of the infant.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-213; s. 1, ch. 2002-30; s. 1, ch. 2007-104; s. 6, ch. 2024-213.