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CHAMBER ACTION |
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The Committee on State Administration recommends the following: |
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Committee Substitute |
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Remove the entire bill and insert: |
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A bill to be entitled |
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An act relating to motor vehicle insurance affordability |
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reform; creating the Motor Vehicle Insurance Affordability |
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Reform Act of 2003; providing legislative findings and |
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declarations; providing purposes; amending s. 119.105, |
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F.S.; requiring certain persons to maintain confidential |
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and exempt status of certain information under certain |
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circumstances; providing construction; prohibiting use of |
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certain confidential or exempt information relating to |
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motor vehicle accident victims for certain commercial |
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solicitation activities; deleting provisions relating to |
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police reports as public records; amending s. 316.066, |
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F.S.; specifying conditions precedent to providing access |
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to crash reports to persons entitled to such access; |
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providing construction; providing for enforcement; |
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providing a criminal penalty for using certain |
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confidential information; creating s. 408.7058, F.S.; |
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providing definitions; creating a dispute resolution |
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organization for disputes between health care |
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practitioners and insurers; providing duties of the Agency |
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for Health Care Administration; providing duties of the |
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dispute resolution organization; providing procedures, |
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requirements, limitations, and restrictions for resolving |
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disputes; providing agency rulemaking authority; amending |
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s. 456.0375, F.S.; revising definitions; providing |
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additional requirements relating to the registration of |
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certain clinics; limiting participation by disqualified |
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persons; providing for voluntary registration of exempt |
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status; providing rulemaking authority; specifying |
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unlawful charges; prohibiting the filing of certain false |
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or misleading forms or information; providing criminal |
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penalties; providing for inspections of and access to |
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clinics under certain circumstances; providing for |
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emergency suspension of registration; amending s. 456.072, |
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F.S.; providing additional grounds for discipline of |
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health professionals; amending s. 627.732, F.S.; providing |
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a definition; amending s. 627.736, F.S.; revising |
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provisions relating to required personal injury protection |
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benefits and payment thereof; specifying conditions of |
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insurance fraud and recovery of certain charges; providing |
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for recovery of costs and attorney's fees in certain |
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insurer actions; specifying certain charges that are |
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uncollectible and unenforceable; limiting charges for |
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certain services; providing procedures and requirements |
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for correcting certain information relating to processing |
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claims; prohibiting an insurer from taking certain actions |
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with respect to a claim submitted by a health care |
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provider; prohibiting an insurer from taking certain |
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actions with respect to an independent medical |
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examination; requiring certain recordkeeping; deleting |
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provisions relating to arbitration of certain disputes |
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between insurers and medical providers; providing certain |
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statements and forms requirements, limitations, and |
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restrictions; specifying factors for court consideration |
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in applying attorney contingency fee multipliers; |
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extending the time within which an insurer may respond to |
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a demand letter; expanding civil actions for insurance |
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fraud; amending s. 627.745, F.S.; expanding the |
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availability of mediation of certain claims; creating s. |
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627.747, F.S.; providing for legislative oversight of |
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motor vehicle insurance; requiring the Office of Insurance |
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Regulation of the Financial Services Commission and the |
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Division of Insurance Fraud of the Department of Financial |
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Services to regularly report certain data and analysis of |
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certain information to specified officers of the |
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Legislature; amending s. 817.234, F.S.; increasing |
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criminal penalties for certain acts of solicitation of |
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accident victims; providing mandatory minimum penalties; |
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prohibiting certain solicitation of accident victims; |
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providing criminal penalties; prohibiting a person from |
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organizing, planning, or participating in a staged motor |
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vehicle accident; providing criminal penalties, including |
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mandatory minimum penalties; amending s. 817.236, F.S.; |
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increasing a criminal penalty for false and fraudulent |
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motor vehicle insurance application; creating s. 817.2361, |
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F.S.; prohibiting marketing or presenting false or |
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fraudulent motor vehicle insurance cards; providing |
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criminal penalties; creating s. 817.413, F.S.; prohibiting |
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certain sale of used motor vehicle goods as new; providing |
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criminal penalties; amending s. 860.15, F.S.; providing a |
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criminal penalty for charging for certain motor vehicle |
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repairs and parts to be paid from a motor vehicle |
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insurance policy; amending s. 921.0022, F.S.; revising the |
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offense severity ranking chart to reflect changes in |
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criminal penalties and the creation of additional offenses |
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under the act; providing that the amendment to s. |
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456.0375(1)(b)1., F.S., is intended to clarify existing |
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intent; providing retroactive operation; requiring the |
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Office of Insurance Regulation to report to the |
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Legislature on the economic condition of private passenger |
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automobile insurance in this state; providing for October |
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1, 2005, repeal of ss. 627.730, 627.731, 627.732, 627.733, |
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627.734, 627.736, 627.737, 627.739, 627.7401, 627.7403, |
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and 627.7405, F.S., relating to the Florida Motor Vehicle |
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No-Fault Law, unless reenacted during the 2004 Regular |
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Session, and specifying certain effect; authorizing |
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insurers to include in policies a notice of termination |
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relating to such repeal; providing effective dates. |
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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: |
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Section 1. Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance Affordability |
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Reform Act of 2003; findings; purpose.--
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(1) This act may be referred to as the Florida Motor |
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Vehicle Insurance Affordability Reform Act of 2003.
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(2) The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
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(a) Maintaining a healthy market for motor vehicle |
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insurance, in which consumers may obtain affordable coverage, |
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insurers may operate profitably and competitively, and providers |
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of services may be compensated fairly, is a matter of great |
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public importance.
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(b) After many years of relative stability, the market has |
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in recent years failed to achieve these goals, resulting in |
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substantial premium increases to consumers and a decrease in the |
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availability of coverage.
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(c) The failure of the market is in part the result of |
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fraudulent acts and other abuses of the system, including, among |
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other things, staged accidents, vehicle repair fraud, fraudulent |
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insurance applications and claims, solicitation of accident |
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victims, and the growing role of medical clinics that exist |
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primarily to provide services to persons involved in crashes. |
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While many of these issues were brought to light by the |
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Fifteenth Statewide Grand Jury and were addressed by the |
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Legislature in 2001 in chapter 2001-271, Laws of Florida, |
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further action is now appropriate.
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(3) The purpose of this act is to restore the health of |
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the market and the affordability of motor vehicle insurance by |
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comprehensively addressing issues of fraud, clinic regulation, |
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and related matters.
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Section 2. Section 119.105, Florida Statutes, is amended |
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to read: |
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119.105 Protection of victims of crimes or accidents.--Any |
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person who is authorized by law to have access to confidential |
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or exempt information contained in police reports that identify |
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motor vehicle accident victims must maintain the confidential or |
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exempt status of such information received, except as otherwise |
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expressly provided in the law creating the exemption. Nothing in |
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this section shall be construed to prohibit the publication of |
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such information to the general public by any news media legally |
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entitled to possess that information. Under no circumstances may |
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any person, including the news media, use confidential or exempt |
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information contained in police reports for any commercial |
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solicitation of the victims or relatives of the victims of the |
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reported crimes or accidents.Police reports are public records |
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except as otherwise made exempt or confidential by general or |
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special law. Every person is allowed to examine nonexempt or |
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nonconfidential police reports. No person who inspects or copies |
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police reports for the purpose of obtaining the names and |
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addresses of the victims of crimes or accidents shall use any |
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information contained therein for any commercial solicitation of |
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the victims or relatives of the victims of the reported crimes |
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or accidents. Nothing herein shall prohibit the publication of |
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such information by any news media or the use of such |
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information for any other data collection or analysis purposes. |
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Section 3. Subsection (3) of section 316.066, Florida |
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Statutes, is amended to read: |
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316.066 Written reports of crashes.-- |
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(3)(a) Every law enforcement officer who in the regular |
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course of duty investigates a motor vehicle crash: |
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1. Which crash resulted in death or personal injury shall, |
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within 10 days after completing the investigation, forward a |
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written report of the crash to the department or traffic records |
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center. |
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2. Which crash involved a violation of s. 316.061(1) or s. |
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316.193 shall, within 10 days after completing the |
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investigation, forward a written report of the crash to the |
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department or traffic records center. |
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3. In which crash a vehicle was rendered inoperative to a |
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degree which required a wrecker to remove it from traffic may, |
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within 10 days after completing the investigation, forward a |
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written report of the crash to the department or traffic records |
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center if such action is appropriate, in the officer's |
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discretion. |
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However, in every case in which a crash report is required by |
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this section and a written report to a law enforcement officer |
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is not prepared, the law enforcement officer shall provide each |
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party involved in the crash a short-form report, prescribed by |
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the state, to be completed by the party. The short-form report |
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must include, but is not limited to: the date, time, and |
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location of the crash; a description of the vehicles involved; |
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the names and addresses of the parties involved; the names and |
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addresses of witnesses; the name, badge number, and law |
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enforcement agency of the officer investigating the crash; and |
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the names of the insurance companies for the respective parties |
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involved in the crash. Each party to the crash shall provide the |
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law enforcement officer with proof of insurance to be included |
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in the crash report. If a law enforcement officer submits a |
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report on the accident, proof of insurance must be provided to |
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the officer by each party involved in the crash. Any party who |
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fails to provide the required information is guilty of an |
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infraction for a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in |
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chapter 318 unless the officer determines that due to injuries |
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or other special circumstances such insurance information cannot |
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be provided immediately. If the person provides the law |
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enforcement agency, within 24 hours after the crash, proof of |
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insurance that was valid at the time of the crash, the law |
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enforcement agency may void the citation. |
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(b) One or more counties may enter into an agreement with |
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the appropriate state agency to be certified by the agency to |
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have a traffic records center for the purpose of tabulating and |
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analyzing countywide traffic crash reports. The agreement must |
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include: certification by the agency that the center has |
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adequate auditing and monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure |
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the quality and accuracy of the data; the time period in which |
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the traffic records center must report crash data to the agency; |
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and the medium in which the traffic records must be submitted to |
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the agency. In the case of a county or multicounty area that has |
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a certified central traffic records center, a law enforcement |
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agency or driver must submit to the center within the time limit |
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prescribed in this section a written report of the crash. A |
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driver who is required to file a crash report must be notified |
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of the proper place to submit the completed report. Fees for |
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copies of public records provided by a certified traffic records |
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center shall be charged and collected as follows: |
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For a crash report...........................$2 per copy. |
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For a homicide report.......................$25 per copy. |
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For a uniform traffic citation............$0.50 per copy. |
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the fees collected for copies of the public records provided by |
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a certified traffic records center shall be used to fund the |
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center or otherwise as designated by the county or counties |
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participating in the center. |
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(c) Crash reports required by this section which reveal |
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the identity, home or employment telephone number or home or |
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employment address of, or other personal information concerning |
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the parties involved in the crash and which are received or |
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prepared by any agency that regularly receives or prepares |
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information from or concerning the parties to motor vehicle |
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crashes are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. |
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24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution for a period of 60 days |
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after the date the report is filed. However, such reports may be |
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made immediately available to the parties involved in the crash, |
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their legal representatives, their licensed insurance agents, |
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their insurers or insurers to which they have applied for |
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coverage, persons under contract with such insurers to provide |
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claims or underwriting information, prosecutorial authorities, |
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radio and television stations licensed by the Federal |
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Communications Commission, newspapers qualified to publish legal |
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notices under ss. 50.011 and 50.031, and free newspapers of |
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general circulation, published once a week or more often, |
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available and of interest to the public generally for the |
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dissemination of news. As conditions precedent to accessing |
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crash reports within 60 days after the date the report is filed, |
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a person must present a driver’s license or other photographic |
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identification and proof of status that demonstrates his or her |
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qualifications to access that information and must also file a |
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written sworn statement with the state or local agency in |
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possession of the information stating that no information from |
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any crash report made confidential by this section will be used |
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for any prohibited commercial solicitations of accident victims |
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or knowingly disclosed to any third party for the purpose of |
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such solicitation during the period of time that the information |
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remains confidential. Nothing in this paragraph shall be |
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construed to prevent the dissemination or publication of news to |
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the general public by any media organization entitled to access |
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confidential information pursuant to this section. Any law |
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enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10(1) shall have the |
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authority to enforce this subsection.For the purposes of this |
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section, the following products or publications are not |
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newspapers as referred to in this section: those intended |
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primarily for members of a particular profession or occupational |
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group; those with the primary purpose of distributing |
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advertising; and those with the primary purpose of publishing |
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names and other personally identifying information concerning |
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parties to motor vehicle crashes. Any local, state, or federal |
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agency, agent, or employee that is authorized to have access to |
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such reports by any provision of law shall be granted such |
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access in the furtherance of the agency's statutory duties |
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notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph. Any local, |
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state, or federal agency, agent, or employee receiving such |
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crash reports shall maintain the confidential and exempt status |
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of those reports and shall not disclose such crash reports to |
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any person or entity. Any person attempting to access crash |
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reports within 60 days after the date the report is filed must |
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present legitimate credentials or identification that |
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demonstrates his or her qualifications to access that |
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information. This exemption is subject to the Open Government |
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Sunset Review Act of 1995 in accordance with s. 119.15, and |
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shall stand repealed on October 2, 2006, unless reviewed and |
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saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature. |
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(d) Any employee of a state or local agency in possession |
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of information made confidential by this section who knowingly |
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discloses such confidential information to a person not entitled |
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to access such information under this section commitsis guilty |
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ofa felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. |
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775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
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(e) Any person, knowing that he or she is not entitled to |
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obtain information made confidential by this section, who |
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obtains or attempts to obtain such information commitsis guilty |
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ofa felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. |
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775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
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(f) Any person who knowingly uses information made |
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confidential by this section in violation of a filed, written, |
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and sworn statement required by this section commits a felony of |
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the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. |
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775.083, or s. 775.084.
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Section 4. Section 408.7058, Florida Statutes, is created |
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to read: |
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408.7058 Statewide health care practitioner and personal |
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injury protection insurer claim dispute resolution program.--
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(1) As used in this section:
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(a) "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care |
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Administration.
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(b) "Resolution organization" means a qualified |
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independent third-party claim dispute resolution entity selected |
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by and contracted with the Agency for Health Care |
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Administration.
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(c) "Health care practitioner” means a health care |
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practitioner defined in s. 456.001(4).
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(d) "Claim” means a claim for payment for services |
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submitted under s. 627.736(5).
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(e) "Claim dispute” means a dispute between a health care |
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practitioner and an insurer as to the proper coding of a charge |
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submitted on a claim under s. 627.736(5) by a health care |
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practitioner, or the reasonableness of the amount charged by the |
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health care practitioner.
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(f) "Insurer” means an insurer providing benefits under s. |
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627.736.
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(2)(a) The agency shall establish a program by January 1, |
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2004, to provide assistance to health care practitioners and |
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insurers for resolution of claim disputes that are not resolved |
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by the health care practitioner and the insurer. The agency |
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shall contract with a resolution organization to timely review |
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and consider claim disputes submitted by health care |
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practitioners and insurers and recommend to the agency an |
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appropriate resolution of those disputes.
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(b) The resolution organization shall review claim |
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disputes filed by health care practitioners and insurers |
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pursuant to this section when a notice of participation is |
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submitted pursuant to subsection (3), unless a demand letter has |
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been submitted to the insurer under s. 627.736(11) or a suit has |
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been filed on the claim against the insurer relating to the |
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disputed claim.
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(3) Resolutions by the resolution organization shall be |
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initiated as follows:
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(a) A health care practitioner may initiate a dispute |
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resolution by submitting a notice of dispute within 10 days |
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after receipt of a payment under s. 627.736(5)(b), which payment |
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is less than the amount of the charge submitted on the claim. |
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The notice of dispute shall be submitted to both the agency and |
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the insurer by United States certified mail or registered mail, |
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return receipt requested. The health care practitioner shall |
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include with the notice of dispute any documentation that the |
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health care practitioner wishes the resolution organization to |
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consider, demonstrating that the charge or charges submitted on |
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the claim are reasonable. The insurer shall have 10 days after |
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the date of receipt of the notice of dispute within which to |
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submit both to the resolution organization and the health care |
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practitioner by United States certified mail or registered mail, |
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return receipt requested, a notice of participation in the |
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dispute resolution and any documentation that the insurer wishes |
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the resolution organization to consider demonstrating that the |
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charge or charges submitted on the claim are not reasonable.
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(b) An insurer may initiate a dispute resolution prior to |
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the claim being overdue, including any additional time the |
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insurer has to pay the claim pursuant to paragraph (4)(b), by |
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submitting a notice of dispute together with a payment to the |
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health care practitioner under s. 627.736(5)(b) of the amount |
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the insurer contends is the highest proper reasonable charge for |
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the claim. The notice of dispute shall be submitted to both the |
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agency and the health care practitioner by United States |
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certified mail or registered mail, return receipt requested. The |
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insurer shall include with the notice of dispute any |
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documentation which the insurer wishes the resolution |
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organization to consider demonstrating that the charge or |
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charges submitted on the claim are not reasonable. The health |
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care practitioner shall have 10 days after the date of receipt |
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of the notice of dispute within which to submit both to the |
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resolution organization and the insurer by United States |
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certified mail or registered mail, return receipt requested, a |
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notice of participation in the dispute resolution and any |
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documentation which the health care practitioner wishes the |
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resolution organization to consider, demonstrating that the |
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charge or charges submitted on the claim are reasonable.
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(c) An insurer or health care practitioner may refuse to |
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participate in a dispute resolution by not submitting a notice |
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of participation in the dispute resolution pursuant to paragraph |
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(a) or (b). An insurer or health care practitioner shall not be |
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liable for the review costs, as established pursuant to |
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subsection (8), of the dispute resolution conducted pursuant to |
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this section unless it has participated in the dispute |
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resolution pursuant to this subsection and is liable for such |
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costs pursuant to subsection (6).
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(d) Upon initiation of a dispute resolution pursuant to |
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this section, no demand letter under s. 627.736(11) may be sent |
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in regard to the subject matter of the dispute resolution |
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unless:
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1. A notice of participation has not been timely submitted |
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pursuant to paragraphs (a) or (b);
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2. The dispute resolution organization or the agency has |
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not been able to issue a notice of resolution or final order |
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within the time provided pursuant to subsection (6); or
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3. The insurer has failed to pay the reasonable amount |
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pursuant to the final order adopting the notice of resolution |
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together with the interest and penalties of subsection (6), if |
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applicable.
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(e) The applicable statute of limitations shall be tolled |
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while a dispute resolution is pending and for a period of 15 |
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business days following:
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1. Expiration of time for the submission of a notice of |
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participation pursuant to paragraphs (a) or (b);
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413
|
2. Expiration of time for the filing of the final order |
414
|
adopting the notice of resolution pursuant to subsection (6); or
|
415
|
3. The filing, with the agency clerk, of the final order |
416
|
adopting the notice of resolution.
|
417
|
(4)(a) The resolution organization shall issue a notice of |
418
|
resolution within 10 business days after the date the |
419
|
organization receives all documentation from the health care |
420
|
practitioner or the insurer pursuant to subsection (3).
|
421
|
(b) The resolution organization shall dismiss a notice of |
422
|
dispute if:
|
423
|
1. The resolution organization has not received a notice |
424
|
of participation pursuant to subsection (3) within 15 days after |
425
|
receiving a notice of dispute; or
|
426
|
2. The dispute resolution organization is unable to issue |
427
|
a notice of resolution within the time provided by subsection |
428
|
(5), provided, the parties may with mutual agreement extend the |
429
|
time for the issuance of the notice of resolution by sending the |
430
|
dispute resolution organization a written notice of extension |
431
|
signed by both parties and specifying the date by which a notice |
432
|
of resolution must be issued or the notice of dispute will be |
433
|
deemed dismissed.
|
434
|
(c) The resolution organization may, in its discretion, |
435
|
schedule and conduct a telephone conference with the health care |
436
|
practitioner and the insurer to facilitate the dispute |
437
|
resolution in a cost-effective, efficient manner.
|
438
|
(d) In determining the reasonableness of a charge or |
439
|
charges, the resolution organization may consider whether a |
440
|
billing code or codes submitted on the claim are the codes that |
441
|
accurately reflect the diagnostic or treatment service on the |
442
|
claim or whether the billing code or codes should be bundled or |
443
|
unbundled.
|
444
|
(e) In determining the reasonableness of a charge or |
445
|
charges, the resolution organization shall determine whether the |
446
|
charge or charges are less than or equal to the highest |
447
|
reasonable charge or charges that represent the usual and |
448
|
customary rates charged by similar health care practitioners |
449
|
licensed under the same chapter for the geographic area of the |
450
|
health care practitioner involved in the dispute, and, if the |
451
|
charges in dispute are less than or equal to such charges, the |
452
|
resolution organization shall find them reasonable. In |
453
|
determining the usual and customary rates in accordance with |
454
|
this paragraph, the dispute resolution organization may not take |
455
|
into consideration any information relating to, or based wholly |
456
|
or partially on, any governmentally set fee schedule, or any |
457
|
contracted-for or discounted rates charged by health care |
458
|
practitioners who contract with health insurers, health |
459
|
maintenance organizations, or managed care organizations.
|
460
|
(f) A health care practitioner, who must be licensed under |
461
|
the same chapter as the health care practitioner involved in the |
462
|
dispute, may be used to advise the resolution organization if |
463
|
such advice will assist the resolution organization to resolve |
464
|
the dispute in a more cost-effective, efficient manner.
|
465
|
(5)(a) The resolution organization shall issue a notice of |
466
|
resolution within 10 business days after receipt of the notice |
467
|
of participation pursuant to subsection (3). The notice of |
468
|
resolution shall be based upon findings of fact and shall be |
469
|
considered a recommended order. The notice of resolution shall |
470
|
be submitted to the health care practitioner and the insurer by |
471
|
United States certified mail or registered mail, return receipt |
472
|
requested, and to the agency.
|
473
|
(b) The notice of resolution shall state:
|
474
|
1. Whether the charge or charges submitted on the claim |
475
|
are reasonable; or
|
476
|
2. If the resolution organization finds that any charge or |
477
|
charges submitted on the claim are not reasonable, the highest |
478
|
amount for such charge or charges that the resolution |
479
|
organization finds to be reasonable.
|
480
|
(6)(a) In the event that the notice of resolution finds |
481
|
that any charge or charges submitted on the claim are not |
482
|
reasonable but that the highest reasonable charge or charges are |
483
|
more than the amount or amounts paid by the insurer, the insurer |
484
|
shall pay the additional amount found to be reasonable within 10 |
485
|
business days after receipt of the final order adopting the |
486
|
notice of resolution, together with applicable interest under s. |
487
|
627.736(4)(c), a penalty of 10 percent of the additional amount |
488
|
found to be reasonable, subject to a maximum penalty of $250.
|
489
|
(b) In the event that the notice of resolution finds that |
490
|
the charge or charges submitted on the claim are reasonable, the |
491
|
insurer shall pay the additional amount or amounts found to be |
492
|
reasonable within 10 business days after receipt of the final |
493
|
order adopting the notice of resolution, together with |
494
|
applicable interest under s. 627.736(4)(c), a penalty of 20 |
495
|
percent of the additional amount found to be reasonable, subject |
496
|
to a maximum penalty of $500.
|
497
|
(c) In the event that the final order adopting the notice |
498
|
of resolution finds that the amount or amounts paid by the |
499
|
insurer are equal to or greater than the highest reasonable |
500
|
charge, the insurer shall not be liable for any interest or |
501
|
penalties.
|
502
|
(d) The agency shall issue a final order adopting the |
503
|
notice of resolution within 10 days after receipt of the notice |
504
|
of resolution. The final order shall be submitted to the health |
505
|
care practitioner and the insurer by United States certified |
506
|
mail or registered mail, return receipt requested.
|
507
|
(7)(a) If the insurer has paid the highest reasonable |
508
|
amount or amounts as determined by the final order adopting the |
509
|
notice of resolution, together with the interest and penalties |
510
|
provided in subsection (6), if applicable, then no civil action |
511
|
by the health care practitioner shall lie against the insurer on |
512
|
the basis of the reasonableness of the charge or charges, and no |
513
|
attorney's fees may be awarded for legal assistance related to |
514
|
the charge or charges. The injured party is not liable for, and |
515
|
the health care practitioner shall not bill the injured party |
516
|
for, any amounts other than the copayment and any applicable |
517
|
deductible based on the highest reasonable amount as determined |
518
|
by the final order adopting the notice of resolution.
|
519
|
(b) The notice of dispute and all documents submitted by |
520
|
the health care practitioner and the insurer, together with the |
521
|
notice of resolution and the final order adopting the notice of |
522
|
resolution, may be introduced into evidence in any civil action |
523
|
if such documents are admissible pursuant to the Florida |
524
|
Evidence Code.
|
525
|
(8) The insurer shall be responsible for payment of the |
526
|
entirety of the review costs established pursuant to subsection |
527
|
(9).
|
528
|
(9) The agency shall adopt rules to establish a process to |
529
|
be used by the resolution organization in considering claim |
530
|
disputes submitted by a health care practitioner or insurer and |
531
|
the fees which may be charged by the agency for processing |
532
|
disputes under this section. Such fees shall not exceed $75.00 |
533
|
for each review.
|
534
|
Section 5. Section 456.0375, Florida Statutes, is amended |
535
|
to read: |
536
|
456.0375 Registration of certain clinics; requirements; |
537
|
discipline; exemptions.-- |
538
|
(1)(a) As used in this section, the term:
|
539
|
1."Clinic" means a business operating in a single |
540
|
structure or facility, or in a group of adjacent structures or |
541
|
facilities operating under the same business name or management, |
542
|
at which health care services are provided to individuals and |
543
|
which tender charges for reimbursement for such services. The |
544
|
term also includes an entity that performs such functions from a |
545
|
vehicle or otherwise having no fixed location.
|
546
|
2. "Disqualified person” means any individual who, within |
547
|
the last 10 years, has been convicted of or who, regardless of |
548
|
adjudication, has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any |
549
|
felony under federal law or under the law of any state.
|
550
|
3. "Participate in the business of” a clinic means to be a |
551
|
medical director in a clinic, to be an independent contractor of |
552
|
a clinic, or to control any interest in a clinic.
|
553
|
4. "Independent diagnostic testing facility” means an |
554
|
individual, partnership, firm, or other business entity that |
555
|
provides diagnostic imaging services but does not include an |
556
|
individual or entity that has a disqualified person under |
557
|
subparagraph 2. as an investor.
|
558
|
(b) For purposes of this section, the term "clinic" does |
559
|
not include and the registration requirements herein do not |
560
|
apply to: |
561
|
1.a.Entities licensed or registered by the state pursuant |
562
|
to chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter 395, chapter 397, chapter |
563
|
400, chapter 463, chapter 465, chapter 466, chapter 478, chapter |
564
|
480, or chapter 484. |
565
|
b. Entities that own, directly or indirectly, entities |
566
|
licensed pursuant to chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter 395, |
567
|
chapter 397, chapter 400, chapter 463, chapter 465, chapter 466, |
568
|
chapter 478, chapter 480, or chapter 484.
|
569
|
c. Entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, by an |
570
|
entity licensed pursuant to chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter |
571
|
395, chapter 397, chapter 400, chapter 463, chapter 465, chapter |
572
|
466, chapter 478, chapter 480, or chapter 484.
|
573
|
d. Entities which are under common ownership, directly or |
574
|
indirectly, with an entity licensed pursuant to chapter 390, |
575
|
chapter 394, chapter 395, chapter 397, chapter 400, chapter 463, |
576
|
chapter 465, chapter 466, chapter 478, chapter 480, or chapter |
577
|
484.
|
578
|
2. Entities exempt from federal taxation under 26 U.S.C. |
579
|
s. 501(c)(3). |
580
|
3. Sole proprietorships, group practices, partnerships, or |
581
|
corporations that provide health care services by licensed |
582
|
health care practitioners pursuant to chapters 457, 458, 459, |
583
|
460, 461, 462, 463, 466, 467, 484, 486, 490, 491, or part I, |
584
|
part III, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of chapter 468, or s. |
585
|
464.012, which are wholly owned by licensed health care |
586
|
practitioners or the licensed health care practitioner and the |
587
|
spouse, parent, or child of a licensed health care practitioner, |
588
|
so long as one of the owners who is a licensed health care |
589
|
practitioner is supervising the services performed therein and |
590
|
is legally responsible for the entity's compliance with all |
591
|
federal and state laws. However, no health care practitioner may |
592
|
supervise services beyond the scope of the practitioner's |
593
|
license. |
594
|
(2)(a) Every clinic, as defined in paragraph (1)(a), must |
595
|
register, and must at all times maintain a valid registration, |
596
|
with the Department of Health. Each clinic location shall be |
597
|
registered separately even though operated under the same |
598
|
business name or management, and each clinic shall appoint a |
599
|
medical director or clinical director. |
600
|
(b)1.The department shall adopt rules necessary to |
601
|
implement the registration program, including rules establishing |
602
|
the specific registration procedures, forms, and fees. |
603
|
Registration fees must be reasonably calculated to cover the |
604
|
cost of registration and must be of such amount that the total |
605
|
fees collected do not exceed the cost of administering and |
606
|
enforcing compliance with this section. Registration may be |
607
|
conducted electronically. The registration program must require: |
608
|
a.1.The clinic to file the registration form with the |
609
|
department within 60 days after the effective date of this |
610
|
section or prior to the inception of operation. The registration |
611
|
expires automatically 2 years after its date of issuance and |
612
|
must be renewed biennially. |
613
|
b.2.The registration form to contain the name, residence |
614
|
and business address, phone number, and license number of the |
615
|
medical director or clinical director for the clinic, and of |
616
|
each person who owns a controlling interest in the clinic. |
617
|
c.3.The clinic to display the registration certificate in |
618
|
a conspicuous location within the clinic readily visible to all |
619
|
patients. |
620
|
2. Any business that becomes a clinic after commencing |
621
|
other operations shall, within 30 days after becoming a clinic, |
622
|
file a registration statement under this subsection and shall be |
623
|
subject to all provisions of this section applicable to a |
624
|
clinic.
|
625
|
(c) A disqualified person may not participate in the |
626
|
business of the clinic. This paragraph does not apply to any |
627
|
participation in the business of the clinic that existed as of |
628
|
the effective date of this paragraph. A disqualified person may |
629
|
participate in the business of the clinic if such person has the |
630
|
written consent of the department, which consent specifically |
631
|
refers to this subsection. Effective October 1, 2003, the |
632
|
registration statement required by this section must include, or |
633
|
be amended to include, information about each disqualified |
634
|
person participating in the business of the clinic, including |
635
|
any person participating with the written consent of the |
636
|
department. A clinic must make a diligent effort to determine |
637
|
whether any disqualified person is participating in the business |
638
|
of the clinic, to include conducting background investigations |
639
|
on medical directors and control persons. Certification of |
640
|
accreditation and reaccredidation by the appropriate accrediting |
641
|
entity or entities shall be conclusive proof of compliance with |
642
|
this paragraph, unless it is shown that such accreditation has |
643
|
been suspended, withdrawn, or revoked. Such certification and |
644
|
each subsequent certificate of reaccreditation shall be provided |
645
|
by the clinic to the insurer one time, prior to the filing of |
646
|
the first claim for payment after accreditation or |
647
|
reaccreditation. Each claim seeking reimbursement based on such |
648
|
accreditation shall bear the statement: "This clinic is |
649
|
currently accredited by American College of Radiology and was so |
650
|
at the time services were rendered,” or "This clinic is |
651
|
currently accredited by American College of Radiology and the |
652
|
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations |
653
|
and was so at the time services were rendered.”
|
654
|
(d) Every clinic engaged in the provision of magnetic |
655
|
resonance imaging services must be accredited by the American |
656
|
College of Radiology or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of |
657
|
Health Care Organizations by January 1, 2005. Subsequent |
658
|
providers engaged in the provision of magnetic resonance imaging |
659
|
services must be accredited by the American College of Radiology |
660
|
or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care |
661
|
Organizations within 18 months after the effective date of |
662
|
registration.
|
663
|
(3)(a) Each clinic must employ or contract with a |
664
|
physician maintaining a full and unencumbered physician license |
665
|
in accordance with chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, or |
666
|
chapter 461 to serve as the medical director. However, if the |
667
|
clinic is limited to providing health care services pursuant to |
668
|
chapter 457, chapter 484, chapter 486, chapter 490, or chapter |
669
|
491 or part I, part III, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of |
670
|
chapter 468, the clinic may appoint a health care practitioner |
671
|
licensed under that chapter to serve as a clinical director who |
672
|
is responsible for the clinic's activities. A health care |
673
|
practitioner may not serve as the clinical director if the |
674
|
services provided at the clinic are beyond the scope of that |
675
|
practitioner's license. |
676
|
(b) The medical director or clinical director shall agree |
677
|
in writing to accept legal responsibility for the following |
678
|
activities on behalf of the clinic. The medical director or the |
679
|
clinical director shall: |
680
|
1. Have signs identifying the medical director or clinical |
681
|
director posted in a conspicuous location within the clinic |
682
|
readily visible to all patients. |
683
|
2. Ensure that all practitioners providing health care |
684
|
services or supplies to patients maintain a current active and |
685
|
unencumbered Florida license. |
686
|
3. Review any patient referral contracts or agreements |
687
|
executed by the clinic. |
688
|
4. Ensure that all health care practitioners at the clinic |
689
|
have active appropriate certification or licensure for the level |
690
|
of care being provided. |
691
|
5. Serve as the clinic records holder as defined in s. |
692
|
456.057. |
693
|
6. Ensure compliance with the recordkeeping, office |
694
|
surgery, and adverse incident reporting requirements of this |
695
|
chapter, the respective practice acts, and rules adopted |
696
|
thereunder. |
697
|
7. Conduct systematic reviews of clinic billings to ensure |
698
|
that the billings are not fraudulent or unlawful. Upon discovery |
699
|
of an unlawful charge, the medical director shall take immediate |
700
|
corrective action. |
701
|
(c) Any contract to serve as a medical director or a |
702
|
clinical director entered into or renewed by a physician or a |
703
|
licensed health care practitioner in violation of this section |
704
|
is void as contrary to public policy. This section shall apply |
705
|
to contracts entered into or renewed on or after October 1, |
706
|
2001. |
707
|
(d) The department, in consultation with the boards, shall |
708
|
adopt rules specifying limitations on the number of registered |
709
|
clinics and licensees for which a medical director or a clinical |
710
|
director may assume responsibility for purposes of this section. |
711
|
In determining the quality of supervision a medical director or |
712
|
a clinical director can provide, the department shall consider |
713
|
the number of clinic employees, clinic location, and services |
714
|
provided by the clinic. |
715
|
(4)(a) Any person or entity providing medical services or |
716
|
treatment that is not a clinic may voluntarily register its |
717
|
exempt status with the department on a form that sets forth its |
718
|
name or names and addresses, a statement of the reasons why it |
719
|
is not a clinic, and such other information deemed necessary by |
720
|
the department.
|
721
|
(b) The department shall adopt rules necessary to |
722
|
implement the registration program, including rules establishing |
723
|
the specific registration procedures, forms, and fees. |
724
|
Registration fees must be reasonably calculated to cover the |
725
|
cost of registration and must be of such amount that the total |
726
|
fees collected do not exceed the cost of administering and |
727
|
enforcing compliance with this section. Registration may be |
728
|
conducted electronically.
|
729
|
(5)(4)(a) All charges or reimbursement claims made by or |
730
|
on behalf of a clinic that is required to be registered under |
731
|
this section, but that is not so registered, or that is |
732
|
otherwise operating in violation of this section,are unlawful |
733
|
charges and therefore are noncompensable and unenforceable. |
734
|
(b) Any person establishing, operating, or managing an |
735
|
unregistered clinic otherwise required to be registered under |
736
|
this section, or any person who knowingly files a false or |
737
|
misleading registration or false or misleading information |
738
|
required by subsection (2), subsection (4), or department rule, |
739
|
commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in |
740
|
s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
741
|
(c) Any licensed health care practitioner who violates |
742
|
this section is subject to discipline in accordance with this |
743
|
chapter and the respective practice act. |
744
|
(d) The department shall revoke the registration of any |
745
|
clinic registered under this section for operating in violation |
746
|
of the requirements of this section or the rules adopted by the |
747
|
department. |
748
|
(e) The department shall investigate allegations of |
749
|
noncompliance with this section and the rules adopted pursuant |
750
|
to this section. The Division of Insurance Fraud of the |
751
|
Department of Financial Services, at the request of the |
752
|
department, may provide assistance in investigating allegations |
753
|
of noncompliance with this section and the rules adopted |
754
|
pursuant to this section. |
755
|
(f) The department may make unannounced inspections of |
756
|
clinics registered pursuant to this section to determine |
757
|
compliance with this section.
|
758
|
(g) A clinic registered under this section shall allow |
759
|
full and complete access to the premises and to billing records |
760
|
or information to any representative of the department who makes |
761
|
a request to inspect the clinic to determine compliance with |
762
|
this section.
|
763
|
(h) Failure by a clinic registered under this section to |
764
|
allow full and complete access to the premises and to billing |
765
|
records or information to any representative of the department |
766
|
who makes a request to inspect the clinic to determine |
767
|
compliance with this section or which fails to employ a |
768
|
qualified medical director or clinical director shall constitute |
769
|
a ground for emergency suspension of the registration by the |
770
|
department pursuant to s. 120.60(6).
|
771
|
Section 6. Paragraphs (dd) and (ee) are added to |
772
|
subsection (1) of section 456.072, Florida Statutes, to read: |
773
|
456.072 Grounds for discipline; penalties; enforcement.-- |
774
|
(1) The following acts shall constitute grounds for which |
775
|
the disciplinary actions specified in subsection (2) may be |
776
|
taken: |
777
|
(dd) With respect to making a claim for personal injury |
778
|
protection as required by s. 627.736:
|
779
|
1. Intentionally submitting a claim, statement, or bill |
780
|
using a billing code that would result in payment greater in |
781
|
amount than would be paid using a billing code that accurately |
782
|
describes the actual services performed, which practice is |
783
|
commonly referred to as "upcoding.” Global diagnostic imaging |
784
|
billing by the technical component provider is not considered |
785
|
upcoding.
|
786
|
2. Intentionally filing a claim for payment of services |
787
|
that were not performed.
|
788
|
3. Intentionally using information obtained in violation |
789
|
of s. 119.105 or s. 316.066 to solicit or obtain patients |
790
|
personally or through an agent, regardless of whether the |
791
|
information is derived directly from an accident report, derived |
792
|
from a summary of an accident report, from another person, or |
793
|
otherwise.
|
794
|
4. Intentionally submitting a claim for a diagnostic |
795
|
treatment or submitting a claim for a diagnostic treatment or |
796
|
procedure that is properly billed under one billing code but |
797
|
which has been separated into two or more billing codes, which |
798
|
practice is commonly referred to as "unbundling.”
|
799
|
(ee) Treating a person for injuries resulting from a |
800
|
staged motor vehicle accident with knowledge that the person was |
801
|
a participant in the staged motor vehicle accident.
|
802
|
Section 7. Subsection (8) is added to section 627.732, |
803
|
Florida Statutes, to read: |
804
|
627.732 Definitions.--As used in ss. 627.730-627.7405, the |
805
|
term: |
806
|
(8) "Global diagnostic imaging billing” means the |
807
|
submission of a statement or bill related to the completion of a |
808
|
diagnostic imaging test that includes a charge which encompasses |
809
|
both the production of the diagnostic image, the "technical |
810
|
component,” and the interpretation of the diagnostic image, the |
811
|
"professional component,” whether or not the individual or |
812
|
entity providing the professional component was performing these |
813
|
services as an independent contractor or employee of the entity |
814
|
providing the technical component.
|
815
|
Section 8. Paragraph (g) is added to subsection (4) of |
816
|
section 627.736, Florida Statutes, and subsection (5), paragraph |
817
|
(a) of subsection (7), subsection (8), paragraph (d) of |
818
|
subsection (11), and subsection (12) of said section are |
819
|
amended, to read: |
820
|
627.736 Required personal injury protection benefits; |
821
|
exclusions; priority; claims.-- |
822
|
(4) BENEFITS; WHEN DUE.--Benefits due from an insurer |
823
|
under ss. 627.730-627.7405 shall be primary, except that |
824
|
benefits received under any workers' compensation law shall be |
825
|
credited against the benefits provided by subsection (1) and |
826
|
shall be due and payable as loss accrues, upon receipt of |
827
|
reasonable proof of such loss and the amount of expenses and |
828
|
loss incurred which are covered by the policy issued under ss. |
829
|
627.730-627.7405. When the Agency for Health Care Administration |
830
|
provides, pays, or becomes liable for medical assistance under |
831
|
the Medicaid program related to injury, sickness, disease, or |
832
|
death arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a |
833
|
motor vehicle, benefits under ss. 627.730-627.7405 shall be |
834
|
subject to the provisions of the Medicaid program. |
835
|
(g) Benefits shall not be due or payable to an insured |
836
|
person if that person has committed, by a material act or |
837
|
omission, any insurance fraud relating to personal injury |
838
|
protection coverage under his or her policy if the fraud is |
839
|
admitted to in a sworn statement by the insured or claimant or |
840
|
is established in a court of competent jurisdiction. Any |
841
|
benefits paid prior to the discovery of the insured’s or |
842
|
claimant’s insurance fraud shall be recoverable in their |
843
|
entirety by the insurer from the insured or claimant who |
844
|
perpetrated the fraud upon demand for such benefits. The |
845
|
prevailing party shall be entitled to its costs and attorney’s |
846
|
fees in any action under this paragraph. However, payments to a |
847
|
health care practitioner, who is without knowledge of such |
848
|
fraud, for services rendered in good faith pursuant to this |
849
|
section shall not be subject to recovery. |
850
|
(5) CHARGES FOR TREATMENT OF INJURED PERSONS.-- |
851
|
(a) Any physician, hospital, clinic, or other person or |
852
|
institution lawfully rendering treatment to an injured person |
853
|
for a bodily injury covered by personal injury protection |
854
|
insurance may charge only a reasonable amount for the services |
855
|
and supplies rendered, and the insurer providing such coverage |
856
|
may pay for such charges directly to such person or institution |
857
|
lawfully rendering such treatment, if the insured receiving such |
858
|
treatment or his or her guardian has countersigned the invoice, |
859
|
bill, or claim form approved by the Department of Insurance upon |
860
|
which such charges are to be paid for as having actually been |
861
|
rendered, to the best knowledge of the insured or his or her |
862
|
guardian. In no event, however, may such a charge be in excess |
863
|
of the amount the person or institution customarily charges for |
864
|
like services or supplies in cases involving no insurance. |
865
|
(b)1. An insurer or insured is not required to pay a claim |
866
|
or charges:
|
867
|
a.Made by a broker or by a person making a claim on |
868
|
behalf of a broker. |
869
|
b. For services or treatment by a clinic as defined in s. |
870
|
456.0375, if, at the time the service or treatment was rendered, |
871
|
the clinic was not in compliance with any applicable provision |
872
|
of that section or rules adopted under such section.
|
873
|
c. For services or treatment by a clinic, as defined in s. |
874
|
456.0375, if, at the time the services or treatment were |
875
|
rendered, a person controlled the clinic or its medical |
876
|
director, had been convicted of, or who, regardless of |
877
|
adjudication of guilt, had pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to |
878
|
a felony under federal law or the law of any state.
|
879
|
d. For any service or treatment that was not lawful at the |
880
|
time it was rendered.
|
881
|
e. To any person or entity who knowingly submits false or |
882
|
misleading statements and bills for medical services, or for any |
883
|
statement or bill.
|
884
|
f. For medical services or treatment unless such services |
885
|
are rendered by the physician or are incident to professional |
886
|
services and are included on the physician’s bills. This sub- |
887
|
subparagraph does not apply to services furnished in a licensed |
888
|
health care facility or in an independent diagnostic testing |
889
|
facility as defined in s. 456.0375.
|
890
|
2. Charges for medically necessary cephalic thermograms, |
891
|
peripheral thermograms, spinal ultrasounds, extremity |
892
|
ultrasounds, video fluoroscopy, and surface electromyography |
893
|
shall not exceed the maximum reimbursement allowance for such |
894
|
procedures as set forth in the applicable fee schedule or other |
895
|
payment methodology established pursuant to s. 440.13. |
896
|
3. Allowable amounts that may be charged to a personal |
897
|
injury protection insurance insurer and insured for medically |
898
|
necessary nerve conduction testing when done in conjunction with |
899
|
a needle electromyography procedure and both are performed and |
900
|
billed solely by a physician licensed under chapter 458, chapter |
901
|
459, chapter 460, or chapter 461 who is also certified by the |
902
|
American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine or by a board |
903
|
recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the |
904
|
American Osteopathic Association or who holds diplomate status |
905
|
with the American Chiropractic Neurology Board or its |
906
|
predecessors or the American Chiropractic Academy of Neurology |
907
|
or its predecessorsshall not exceed 200 percent of the |
908
|
allowable amount under Medicare Part B for year 2001, for the |
909
|
area in which the treatment was rendered, adjusted annually by |
910
|
an additional amount equal to the medical Consumer Price Index |
911
|
for Florida. |
912
|
4. Allowable amounts that may be charged to a personal |
913
|
injury protection insurance insurer and insured for medically |
914
|
necessary nerve conduction testing that does not meet the |
915
|
requirements of subparagraph 3. shall not exceed the applicable |
916
|
fee schedule or other payment methodology established pursuant |
917
|
to s. 440.13. |
918
|
5. Effective upon this act becoming a law and before |
919
|
November 1, 2001, allowable amounts that may be charged to a |
920
|
personal injury protection insurance insurer and insured for |
921
|
magnetic resonance imaging services shall not exceed 200 percent |
922
|
of the allowable amount under Medicare Part B for year 2001, for |
923
|
the area in which the treatment was rendered. Beginning November |
924
|
1, 2001, allowable amounts that may be charged to a personal |
925
|
injury protection insurance insurer and insured for magnetic |
926
|
resonance imaging services shall not exceed 175 percent of the |
927
|
allowable amount under Medicare Part B for year 2001, for the |
928
|
area in which the treatment was rendered, adjusted annually by |
929
|
an additional amount equal to the medical Consumer Price Index |
930
|
for Florida based on the month of January for each year, except |
931
|
that allowable amounts that may be charged to a personal injury |
932
|
protection insurance insurer and insured for magnetic resonance |
933
|
imaging services provided in facilities accredited by the |
934
|
American College of Radiology or the Joint Commission on |
935
|
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations shall not exceed 200 |
936
|
percent of the allowable amount under Medicare Part B for year |
937
|
2001, for the area in which the treatment was rendered, adjusted |
938
|
annually by an additional amount equal to the medical Consumer |
939
|
Price Index for Florida based on the month of January for each |
940
|
year. Allowable amounts that may be charged to a personal injury |
941
|
protection insurance insurer and insured for magnetic resonance |
942
|
imaging services provided in facilities accredited by both the |
943
|
American College of Radiology and the Joint Commission on |
944
|
Accreditation of Health Care Organizations shall be 225 percent |
945
|
of the allowable amount for Medicare Part B for 2001 for the |
946
|
area in which the treatment was rendered, adjusted annually by |
947
|
an amount equal to the Consumer Price Index for Florida.This |
948
|
paragraph does not apply to charges for magnetic resonance |
949
|
imaging services and nerve conduction testing for inpatients and |
950
|
emergency services and care as defined in chapter 395 rendered |
951
|
by facilities licensed under chapter 395. |
952
|
(c)1.With respect to any treatment or service, other than |
953
|
medical services billed by a hospital or other provider for |
954
|
emergency services as defined in s. 395.002 or inpatient |
955
|
services rendered at a hospital-owned facility, the statement of |
956
|
charges must be furnished to the insurer by the provider and may |
957
|
not include, and the insurer is not required to pay, charges for |
958
|
treatment or services rendered more than 35 days before the |
959
|
postmark date of the statement, except for past due amounts |
960
|
previously billed on a timely basis under this paragraph, and |
961
|
except that, if the provider submits to the insurer a notice of |
962
|
initiation of treatment within 21 days after its first |
963
|
examination or treatment of the claimant, the statement may |
964
|
include charges for treatment or services rendered up to, but |
965
|
not more than, 75 days before the postmark date of the |
966
|
statement. The injured party is not liable for, and the provider |
967
|
shall not bill the injured party for, charges that are unpaid |
968
|
because of the provider's failure to comply with this paragraph. |
969
|
Any agreement requiring the injured person or insured to pay for |
970
|
such charges is unenforceable. |
971
|
2.If, however, the insured fails to furnish the provider |
972
|
with the correct name and address of the insured's personal |
973
|
injury protection insurer, the provider has 35 days from the |
974
|
date the provider obtains the correct information to furnish the |
975
|
insurer with a statement of the charges. The insurer is not |
976
|
required to pay for such charges unless the provider includes |
977
|
with the statement documentary evidence that was provided by the |
978
|
insured during the 35-day period demonstrating that the provider |
979
|
reasonably relied on erroneous information from the insured and |
980
|
either: |
981
|
a.1.A denial letter from the incorrect insurer; or |
982
|
b.2.Proof of mailing, which may include an affidavit |
983
|
under penalty of perjury, reflecting timely mailing to the |
984
|
incorrect address or insurer. |
985
|
3.For emergency services and care as defined in s. |
986
|
395.002 rendered in a hospital emergency department or for |
987
|
transport and treatment rendered by an ambulance provider |
988
|
licensed pursuant to part III of chapter 401, the provider is |
989
|
not required to furnish the statement of charges within the time |
990
|
periods established by this paragraph; and the insurer shall not |
991
|
be considered to have been furnished with notice of the amount |
992
|
of covered loss for purposes of paragraph (4)(b) until it |
993
|
receives a statement complying with paragraph (d)(e), or copy |
994
|
thereof, which specifically identifies the place of service to |
995
|
be a hospital emergency department or an ambulance in accordance |
996
|
with billing standards recognized by the Health Care Finance |
997
|
Administration. |
998
|
4.Each notice of insured's rights under s. 627.7401 must |
999
|
include the following statement in type no smaller than 12 |
1000
|
points: |
1001
|
BILLING REQUIREMENTS.--Florida Statutes provide that with |
1002
|
respect to any treatment or services, other than certain |
1003
|
hospital and emergency services, the statement of charges |
1004
|
furnished to the insurer by the provider may not include, and |
1005
|
the insurer and the injured party are not required to pay, |
1006
|
charges for treatment or services rendered more than 35 days |
1007
|
before the postmark date of the statement, except for past due |
1008
|
amounts previously billed on a timely basis, and except that, if |
1009
|
the provider submits to the insurer a notice of initiation of |
1010
|
treatment within 21 days after its first examination or |
1011
|
treatment of the claimant, the statement may include charges for |
1012
|
treatment or services rendered up to, but not more than, 75 days |
1013
|
before the postmark date of the statement. |
1014
|
(d) Every insurer shall include a provision in its policy |
1015
|
for personal injury protection benefits for binding arbitration |
1016
|
of any claims dispute involving medical benefits arising between |
1017
|
the insurer and any person providing medical services or |
1018
|
supplies if that person has agreed to accept assignment of |
1019
|
personal injury protection benefits. The provision shall specify |
1020
|
that the provisions of chapter 682 relating to arbitration shall |
1021
|
apply. The prevailing party shall be entitled to attorney's fees |
1022
|
and costs. For purposes of the award of attorney's fees and |
1023
|
costs, the prevailing party shall be determined as follows:
|
1024
|
1. When the amount of personal injury protection benefits |
1025
|
determined by arbitration exceeds the sum of the amount offered |
1026
|
by the insurer at arbitration plus 50 percent of the difference |
1027
|
between the amount of the claim asserted by the claimant at |
1028
|
arbitration and the amount offered by the insurer at |
1029
|
arbitration, the claimant is the prevailing party.
|
1030
|
2. When the amount of personal injury protection benefits |
1031
|
determined by arbitration is less than the sum of the amount |
1032
|
offered by the insurer at arbitration plus 50 percent of the |
1033
|
difference between the amount of the claim asserted by the |
1034
|
claimant at arbitration and the amount offered by the insurer at |
1035
|
arbitration, the insurer is the prevailing party.
|
1036
|
3. When neither subparagraph 1. nor subparagraph 2. |
1037
|
applies, there is no prevailing party. For purposes of this |
1038
|
paragraph, the amount of the offer or claim at arbitration is |
1039
|
the amount of the last written offer or claim made at least 30 |
1040
|
days prior to the arbitration.
|
1041
|
4. In the demand for arbitration, the party requesting |
1042
|
arbitration must include a statement specifically identifying |
1043
|
the issues for arbitration for each examination or treatment in |
1044
|
dispute. The other party must subsequently issue a statement |
1045
|
specifying any other examinations or treatment and any other |
1046
|
issues that it intends to raise in the arbitration. The parties |
1047
|
may amend their statements up to 30 days prior to arbitration, |
1048
|
provided that arbitration shall be limited to those identified |
1049
|
issues and neither party may add additional issues during |
1050
|
arbitration. |
1051
|
(d)(e)All statements and bills for medical services |
1052
|
rendered by any physician, hospital, clinic, or other person or |
1053
|
institution shall be submitted to the insurer on a properly |
1054
|
completed Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) |
1055
|
Health Care Finance Administration1500 form, UB 92 forms, or |
1056
|
any other standard form approved by the department for purposes |
1057
|
of this paragraph. All billings for such services by |
1058
|
noninstitutional providersshall, to the extent applicable, |
1059
|
follow the Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology(CPT) or |
1060
|
Healthcare Correct Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) in effect |
1061
|
for the year in which services are rendered, and comply with the |
1062
|
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 1500 form |
1063
|
instructions and the American Medical Association Current |
1064
|
Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel and Healthcare |
1065
|
Correct Procedural Coding System (HCPCS). In determining |
1066
|
compliance with applicable CPT and HCPCS coding, guidance shall |
1067
|
be provided by the Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology |
1068
|
(CPT) or Healthcare Correct Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) in |
1069
|
effect for the year in which services were rendered, the Officer |
1070
|
of the Inspector General (OIG), Physicians Compliance |
1071
|
Guidelines, and other authoritative treatises as may be defined |
1072
|
by rule of the Department of Health.No statement of medical |
1073
|
services may include charges for medical services of a person or |
1074
|
entity that performed such services without possessing the valid |
1075
|
licenses required to perform such services. For purposes of |
1076
|
paragraph (4)(b), an insurer shall not be considered to have |
1077
|
been furnished with notice of the amount of covered loss or |
1078
|
medical bills due unless the statements or bills comply with |
1079
|
this paragraph, and unless the statements or bills are properly |
1080
|
completed in their entirety with all information being provided |
1081
|
in such statements or bills, which means that the statement or |
1082
|
bill contains all of the information required by the Centers for |
1083
|
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 1500 form instructions and |
1084
|
the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology |
1085
|
Editorial Panel and Healthcare Correct Procedural Coding System. |
1086
|
An insurer shall not deny or reduce claims based upon compliance |
1087
|
with s. 456.0375(2)(d) unless the insurer can show the required |
1088
|
certification was not provided to the insurer.
|
1089
|
(e) Each physician, clinic, or other medical institution, |
1090
|
except for a hospital, providing medical services upon which a |
1091
|
claim for personal injury protectin benefits is based shall |
1092
|
require an insured person to either sign a form acknowledging |
1093
|
that the diagnostic or treatment services listed on the form |
1094
|
were provided to the insured on the date that the insured signs |
1095
|
the form, or in the alternative, the insured may sign the |
1096
|
patient records generated that day reflecting the diagnostic or |
1097
|
treatment procedures received.
|
1098
|
(f) An insurer may not bundle codes or change a diagnosis |
1099
|
or diagnosis code on a claim submitted by a health care provider |
1100
|
without the consent of the health care provider. Such action |
1101
|
constitutes a material misrepresentation under s. |
1102
|
626.9541(1)(i)2. |
1103
|
(7) MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF INJURED PERSON; |
1104
|
REPORTS.-- |
1105
|
(a) Whenever the mental or physical condition of an |
1106
|
injured person covered by personal injury protection is material |
1107
|
to any claim that has been or may be made for past or future |
1108
|
personal injury protection insurance benefits, such person |
1109
|
shall, upon the request of an insurer, submit to mental or |
1110
|
physical examination by a physician or physicians. The costs of |
1111
|
any examinations requested by an insurer shall be borne entirely |
1112
|
by the insurer. Such examination shall be conducted within the |
1113
|
municipality where the insured is receiving treatment, or in a |
1114
|
location reasonably accessible to the insured, which, for |
1115
|
purposes of this paragraph, means any location within the |
1116
|
municipality in which the insured resides, or any location |
1117
|
within 10 miles by road of the insured's residence, provided |
1118
|
such location is within the county in which the insured resides. |
1119
|
If the examination is to be conducted in a location reasonably |
1120
|
accessible to the insured, and if there is no qualified |
1121
|
physician to conduct the examination in a location reasonably |
1122
|
accessible to the insured, then such examination shall be |
1123
|
conducted in an area of the closest proximity to the insured's |
1124
|
residence. Personal protection insurers are authorized to |
1125
|
include reasonable provisions in personal injury protection |
1126
|
insurance policies for mental and physical examination of those |
1127
|
claiming personal injury protection insurance benefits. An |
1128
|
insurer may not withdraw payment of a treating physician without |
1129
|
the consent of the injured person covered by the personal injury |
1130
|
protection, unless the insurer first obtains a valid report by a |
1131
|
physician licensed under the same chapter as the treating |
1132
|
physician whose treatment authorization is sought to be |
1133
|
withdrawn, stating that treatment was not reasonable, related, |
1134
|
or necessary. A valid report is one that is prepared and signed |
1135
|
by the physician examining the injured person or reviewing the |
1136
|
treatment records of the injured person and is factually |
1137
|
supported by the examination and treatment records if reviewed |
1138
|
and that has not been modified by anyone other than the |
1139
|
physician. The physician preparing the report must be in active |
1140
|
practice, unless the physician is physically disabled. Active |
1141
|
practice means that for during the 3 consecutiveyears |
1142
|
immediately preceding the date of the physical examination or |
1143
|
review of the treatment records the physician must have devoted |
1144
|
professional time to the active clinical practice of evaluation, |
1145
|
diagnosis, or treatment of medical conditions or to the |
1146
|
instruction of students in an accredited health professional |
1147
|
school or accredited residency program or a clinical research |
1148
|
program that is affiliated with an accredited health |
1149
|
professional school or teaching hospital or accredited residency |
1150
|
program. The physician preparing a report at the request of an |
1151
|
insurer, or on behalf of an insurer through an attorney or |
1152
|
another entity, shall maintain, for at least 3 years, copies of |
1153
|
all examination reports as medical records and shall maintain, |
1154
|
for at least 3 years, records of all payments for the |
1155
|
examinations and reports. Neither an insurer nor any person |
1156
|
acting at the direction of or on behalf of an insurer may change |
1157
|
an opinion in a report prepared under this paragraph or direct |
1158
|
the physician preparing the report to change such opinion. The |
1159
|
denial of a payment as the result of such a changed opinion |
1160
|
constitutes a material misrepresentation under s. |
1161
|
626.9541(1)(i)2.
|
1162
|
(8) APPLICABILITY OF PROVISION REGULATING ATTORNEY'S |
1163
|
FEES.--With respect to any dispute under the provisions of ss. |
1164
|
627.730-627.7405 between the insured and the insurer, or between |
1165
|
an assignee of an insured's rights and the insurer, the |
1166
|
provisions of s. 627.428 shall apply, except as provided in |
1167
|
subsection (11), provided a court must receive evidence and |
1168
|
consider the following factors prior to awarding any multiplier:
|
1169
|
(a) Whether the relevant market requires a contingency fee |
1170
|
multiplier to obtain competent counsel.
|
1171
|
(b) Whether the attorney was able to mitigate the risk of |
1172
|
nonpayment in any way.
|
1173
|
(c) Whether any of the following factors are applicable:
|
1174
|
1. The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty |
1175
|
of the question involved, and the skill requisite to perform the |
1176
|
legal service properly.
|
1177
|
2. The likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the |
1178
|
acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other |
1179
|
employment by the lawyer.
|
1180
|
3. The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar |
1181
|
legal services.
|
1182
|
4. The amount involved and the results obtained.
|
1183
|
5. The time limitations imposed by the client or by the |
1184
|
circumstances.
|
1185
|
6. The nature and length of the professional relationship |
1186
|
with the client.
|
1187
|
7. The experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer |
1188
|
or lawyers performing the services.
|
1189
|
8. Whether the fee is fixed or contingent.
|
1190
|
|
1191
|
If the court determines, pursuant to this subsection, that a |
1192
|
multiplier is appropriate, and if the court determines that |
1193
|
success was more likely than not at the outset, the court may |
1194
|
apply a multiplier of 1 to 1.5; if the court determines that the |
1195
|
likelihood of success was approximately even at the outset, the |
1196
|
court may apply a multiplier of 1.5 to 2.0; and if the court |
1197
|
determines that success was unlikely at the outset of the case, |
1198
|
the court may apply a multiplier of 2.0 to 2.5. |
1199
|
(11) DEMAND LETTER.-- |
1200
|
(d) If, within 107business days after receipt of notice |
1201
|
by the insurer, the overdue claim specified in the notice is |
1202
|
paid by the insurer together with applicable interest and a |
1203
|
penalty of 10 percent of the overdue amount paid by the insurer, |
1204
|
subject to a maximum penalty of $250, no action for nonpayment |
1205
|
or late payment may be brought against the insurer. To the |
1206
|
extent the insurer determines not to pay the overdue amount, the |
1207
|
penalty shall not be payable in any action for nonpayment or |
1208
|
late payment. For purposes of this subsection, payment shall be |
1209
|
treated as being made on the date a draft or other valid |
1210
|
instrument that is equivalent to payment is placed in the United |
1211
|
States mail in a properly addressed, postpaid envelope, or if |
1212
|
not so posted, on the date of delivery. The insurer shall not be |
1213
|
obligated to pay any attorney's fees if the insurer pays the |
1214
|
claim within the time prescribed by this subsection. |
1215
|
(12) CIVIL ACTION FOR INSURANCE FRAUD.-- |
1216
|
(a) An insurer and an insuredshall have a cause of action |
1217
|
against any person who has committedconvicted of, or who, |
1218
|
regardless of adjudication of guilt, pleads guilty or nolo |
1219
|
contendere toinsurance fraud under s. 817.234, patient |
1220
|
brokering under s. 817.505, or kickbacks under s. 456.054, |
1221
|
associated with a claim for personal injury protection benefits |
1222
|
in accordance with this section. Any partyAn insurerprevailing |
1223
|
in an action brought under this subsection may recover treble |
1224
|
compensatory damages, consequential damages, and punitive |
1225
|
damages subject to the requirements and limitations of part II |
1226
|
of chapter 768, and attorney's fees and costs incurred in |
1227
|
litigating a cause of action underagainst any person convicted |
1228
|
of, or who, regardless of adjudication of guilt, pleads guilty |
1229
|
or nolo contendere to insurance fraud under s. 817.234, patient |
1230
|
brokering under s. 817.505, or kickbacks under s. 456.054, |
1231
|
associated with a claim for personal injury protection benefits |
1232
|
in accordance withthis section. |
1233
|
(b) Notwithstanding its payment, neither an insurer nor an |
1234
|
insured shall be precluded from maintaining a civil cause of |
1235
|
action against any person or business entity to recover payment |
1236
|
for services later determined to have not been lawfully rendered |
1237
|
or otherwise in violation of any provision of this section.
|
1238
|
Section 9. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section |
1239
|
627.745, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: |
1240
|
627.745 Mediation of claims.-- |
1241
|
(1)(a) In any claim filed with an insurer for personal |
1242
|
injury in an amount of $10,000 or lessor any claim for property |
1243
|
damage in any amount, arising out of the ownership, operation, |
1244
|
use, or maintenance of a motor vehicle, either party may demand |
1245
|
mediation of the claim prior to the institution of litigation. |
1246
|
Section 10. Section 627.747, Florida Statutes, is created |
1247
|
to read: |
1248
|
627.747 Legislative oversight; reporting of |
1249
|
information.--In order to ensure continuing legislative |
1250
|
oversight of motor vehicle insurance in general and the personal |
1251
|
injury protection system in particular, the following agencies |
1252
|
shall, on January 1 and July 1 of each year, provide the |
1253
|
information required by this section to the President of the |
1254
|
Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the |
1255
|
minority party leaders of the Senate and the House of |
1256
|
Representatives, and the chairs of the standing committees of |
1257
|
the Senate and the House of Representatives having authority |
1258
|
over insurance matters.
|
1259
|
(1) The Office of Insurance Regulation of the Financial |
1260
|
Services Commission shall provide data and analysis on motor |
1261
|
vehicle insurance loss cost trends and premium trends, together |
1262
|
with such other information as the office deems appropriate to |
1263
|
enable the Legislature to evaluate the effectiveness of the |
1264
|
reforms contained in the Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance |
1265
|
Affordability Reform Act of 2003, and such other information as |
1266
|
may be requested from time to time by any of the officers |
1267
|
referred to in this section.
|
1268
|
(2) The Division of Insurance Fraud of the Department of |
1269
|
Financial Services shall provide data and analysis on the |
1270
|
incidence and cost of motor vehicle insurance fraud, including |
1271
|
violations, investigations, and prosecutions, together with such |
1272
|
other information as the division deems appropriate to enable |
1273
|
the Legislature to evaluate the effectiveness of the reforms |
1274
|
contained in the Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance Affordability |
1275
|
Reform Act of 2003, and such other information as may be |
1276
|
requested from time to time by any of the officers referred to |
1277
|
in this section.
|
1278
|
Section 11. Subsections (8) and (9) of section 817.234, |
1279
|
Florida Statutes, are amended to read: |
1280
|
817.234 False and fraudulent insurance claims.-- |
1281
|
(8)(a)1. It is unlawful for any person, intending to |
1282
|
defraud any other person,in his or her individual capacity or |
1283
|
in his or her capacity as a public or private employee, or for |
1284
|
any firm, corporation, partnership, or association, to solicit |
1285
|
or cause to be solicited any business from a person involved in |
1286
|
a motor vehicle accident by any means of communication other |
1287
|
than advertising directed to the public for the purpose of |
1288
|
making motor vehicle tort claims or claims for personal injury |
1289
|
protection benefits required by s. 627.736. Charges for any |
1290
|
services rendered by a health care provider or attorney who |
1291
|
violates this subsection in regard to the person for whom such |
1292
|
services were rendered are noncompensable and unenforceable as a |
1293
|
matter of law. Any person who violates the provisions of this |
1294
|
paragraphsubsection commits a felony of the secondthird |
1295
|
degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. |
1296
|
775.084. Such person shall be sentenced to a minimum term of |
1297
|
imprisonment of 2 years.
|
1298
|
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01 with |
1299
|
respect to any person who is found to have violated this |
1300
|
paragraph, adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence shall |
1301
|
not be suspended, deferred, or withheld nor shall such person be |
1302
|
eligible for parole prior to serving the mandatory minimum term |
1303
|
of imprisonment prescribed by this paragraph. A person sentenced |
1304
|
to a mandatory term of imprisonment under this paragraph is not |
1305
|
eligible for any form of discretionary early release, except |
1306
|
pardon or executive clemency or conditional medical release |
1307
|
under s. 947.149, prior to serving the mandatory minimum term of |
1308
|
imprisonment.
|
1309
|
3. The state attorney may move the sentencing court to |
1310
|
reduce or suspend the sentence of any person who is convicted of |
1311
|
a violation of this paragraph and who provides substantial |
1312
|
assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any |
1313
|
of that person’s accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or |
1314
|
principals. The arresting agency shall be given an opportunity |
1315
|
to be heard in aggravation or mitigation in reference to any |
1316
|
such motion. Upon good cause shown, the motion may be filed and |
1317
|
heard in camera. The judge hearing the motion may reduce or |
1318
|
suspend the sentence if the judge finds that the defendant |
1319
|
rendered such substantial assistance.
|
1320
|
(b)1. It is unlawful for any person to solicit or cause to |
1321
|
be solicited any business from a person involved in a motor |
1322
|
vehicle accident, by any means of communication other than |
1323
|
advertising directed to the public, for the purpose of making, |
1324
|
settling, or adjusting motor vehicle tort claims or claims for |
1325
|
personal injury protection benefits required by s. 627.736, |
1326
|
within 60 days after the occurrence of the motor vehicle |
1327
|
accident. Any person who violates the provisions of this |
1328
|
subparagraph commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as |
1329
|
provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
|
1330
|
2. It is unlawful for any person, at any time after 60 |
1331
|
days have elapsed from the occurrence of a motor vehicle |
1332
|
accident, to solicit or cause to be solicited any business from |
1333
|
a person involved in a motor vehicle accident, by means of any |
1334
|
personal or telephone contact at the person's residence, other |
1335
|
than by mail or by advertising directed to the public, for the |
1336
|
purpose of making motor vehicle tort claims or claims for |
1337
|
personal injury protection benefits required by s. 627.736. Any |
1338
|
person who violates the provisions of this subparagraph commits |
1339
|
a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. |
1340
|
775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
1341
|
(c) Charges for any services rendered by any person who |
1342
|
violates this subsection in regard to the person for whom such |
1343
|
services were rendered are noncompensable and unenforceable as a |
1344
|
matter of law. Any contract, release or other document executed |
1345
|
by a person involved in a motor vehicle accident, or a family |
1346
|
member of such person, related to a violation of this section is |
1347
|
unenforceable by the person who violated this section or that |
1348
|
person’s principal or successor in interest.
|
1349
|
(d) For purposes of this section, the term “solicit” does |
1350
|
not include an insurance company making contact with its |
1351
|
insured, nor does it include an insurance company making contact |
1352
|
with a person involved in a motor vehicle accident where the |
1353
|
person involved in a motor vehicle accident has directly or |
1354
|
indirectly requested to be contacted by the insurance company. |
1355
|
(9)(a) It is unlawful for any person to organize, plan, or |
1356
|
in any way participate in an intentional motor vehicle crash for |
1357
|
the purpose of making motor vehicle tort claims or claims for |
1358
|
personal injury protection benefits as required by s. 627.736 |
1359
|
attorney to solicit any business relating to the representation |
1360
|
of a person involved in a motor vehicle accident for the purpose |
1361
|
of filing a motor vehicle tort claim or a claim for personal |
1362
|
injury protection benefits required by s. 627.736. The |
1363
|
solicitation by advertising of any business by an attorney |
1364
|
relating to the representation of a person injured in a specific |
1365
|
motor vehicle accident is prohibited by this section. Any person |
1366
|
attorney who violates the provisions of this paragraph |
1367
|
subsection commits a felony of the secondthirddegree, |
1368
|
punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
1369
|
A person who is convicted of a violation of this subsection |
1370
|
shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of 2 years.
|
1371
|
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01, with |
1372
|
respect to any person who is found to have violated this |
1373
|
subsection, adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence |
1374
|
shall not be suspended, deferred, or withheld nor shall such |
1375
|
person be eligible for parole prior to serving the mandatory |
1376
|
minimum term of imprisonment prescribed by this subsection. A |
1377
|
person sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment |
1378
|
under this subsection is not eligible for any form of |
1379
|
discretionary early release, except pardon, executive clemency, |
1380
|
or conditional medical release under s. 947.149, prior to |
1381
|
serving the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.
|
1382
|
(c) The state attorney may move the sentencing court to |
1383
|
reduce or suspend the sentence of any person who is convicted of |
1384
|
a violation of this subsection and who provides substantial |
1385
|
assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any |
1386
|
of that person’s accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or |
1387
|
principals. The arresting agency shall be given an opportunity |
1388
|
to be heard in aggravation or mitigation in reference to any |
1389
|
such motion. Upon good cause shown, the motion may be filed and |
1390
|
heard in camera. The judge hearing the motion may reduce or |
1391
|
suspend the sentence if the judge finds that the defendant |
1392
|
rendered such substantial assistance.Whenever any circuit or |
1393
|
special grievance committee acting under the jurisdiction of the |
1394
|
Supreme Court finds probable cause to believe that an attorney |
1395
|
is guilty of a violation of this section, such committee shall |
1396
|
forward to the appropriate state attorney a copy of the finding |
1397
|
of probable cause and the report being filed in the matter. This |
1398
|
section shall not be interpreted to prohibit advertising by |
1399
|
attorneys which does not entail a solicitation as described in |
1400
|
this subsection and which is permitted by the rules regulating |
1401
|
The Florida Bar as promulgated by the Florida Supreme Court. |
1402
|
Section 12. Section 817.236, Florida Statutes, is amended |
1403
|
to read: |
1404
|
817.236 False and fraudulent motor vehicle insurance |
1405
|
application.--Any person who, with intent to injure, defraud, or |
1406
|
deceive any motor vehicle insurer, including any statutorily |
1407
|
created underwriting association or pool of motor vehicle |
1408
|
insurers, presents or causes to be presented any written |
1409
|
application, or written statement in support thereof, for motor |
1410
|
vehicle insurance knowing that the application or statement |
1411
|
contains any false, incomplete, or misleading information |
1412
|
concerning any fact or matter material to the application |
1413
|
commits a felonymisdemeanor of the thirdfirstdegree, |
1414
|
punishable as provided in s. 775.082,or s. 775.083, or s. |
1415
|
775.084. |
1416
|
Section 13. Section 817.2361, Florida Statutes, is created |
1417
|
to read: |
1418
|
817.2361 False or fraudulent motor vehicle insurance |
1419
|
card.--Any person who, with intent to deceive any other person, |
1420
|
creates, markets, or presents a false or fraudulent motor |
1421
|
vehicle insurance card commits a felony of the third degree, |
1422
|
punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
|
1423
|
Section 14. Section 817.413, Florida Statutes, is created |
1424
|
to read: |
1425
|
817.413 Sale of used motor vehicle goods as new; |
1426
|
penalty.--
|
1427
|
(1) With respect to a transaction for which any charges |
1428
|
will be paid from the proceeds of a motor vehicle insurance |
1429
|
policy and in which the purchase price of motor vehicle goods |
1430
|
exceeds $100, it is unlawful for the seller to misrepresent |
1431
|
orally, in writing, or by failure to speak that the goods are |
1432
|
new or original when they are used or repossessed or have been |
1433
|
used for sales demonstration.
|
1434
|
(2) A person who violates the provisions of this section |
1435
|
commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in |
1436
|
s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
1437
|
Section 15. Section 860.15, Florida Statutes, is amended |
1438
|
to read: |
1439
|
860.15 Overcharging for repairs and parts; penalty.-- |
1440
|
(1) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly charge for |
1441
|
any services on motor vehicles which are not actually performed, |
1442
|
to knowingly and falsely charge for any parts and accessories |
1443
|
for motor vehicles not actually furnished, or to knowingly and |
1444
|
fraudulently substitute parts when such substitution has no |
1445
|
relation to the repairing or servicing of the motor vehicle. |
1446
|
(2) Any person willfully violating the provisions of this |
1447
|
section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, |
1448
|
punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. |
1449
|
(3) If the charges referred to in subsection (1) will be |
1450
|
paid from the proceeds of a motor vehicle insurance policy, a |
1451
|
person who willfully violates the provisions of this section |
1452
|
commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in |
1453
|
s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
|
1454
|
Section 16. Paragraphs (c) and (e) of subsection (3) of |
1455
|
section 921.0022, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: |
1456
|
921.0022 Criminal Punishment Code; offense severity |
1457
|
ranking chart.-- |
1458
|
(3) OFFENSE SEVERITY RANKING CHART |
1459
|
|
1460
|
Florida Statute | Felony Degree | Description |
|
1461
|
|
1462
|
119.10(3) | 3rd | Unlawful use of confidential information from police reports. |
|
1463
|
316.066(3)(d)-(f) | 3rd | Unlawfully obtaining or using confidential crash reports. |
|
1464
|
316.193(2)(b) | 3rd | Felony DUI, 3rd conviction. |
|
1465
|
316.1935(2) | 3rd | Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officer in marked patrol vehicle with siren and lights activated. |
|
1466
|
319.30(4) | 3rd | Possession by junkyard of motor vehicle with identification number plate removed. |
|
1467
|
319.33(1)(a) | 3rd | Alter or forge any certificate of title to a motor vehicle or mobile home. |
|
1468
|
319.33(1)(c) | 3rd | Procure or pass title on stolen vehicle. |
|
1469
|
319.33(4) | 3rd | With intent to defraud, possess, sell, etc., a blank, forged, or unlawfully obtained title or registration. |
|
1470
|
327.35(2)(b) | 3rd | Felony BUI. |
|
1471
|
328.05(2) | 3rd | Possess, sell, or counterfeit fictitious, stolen, or fraudulent titles or bills of sale of vessels. |
|
1472
|
328.07(4) | 3rd | Manufacture, exchange, or possess vessel with counterfeit or wrong ID number. |
|
1473
|
376.302(5) | 3rd | Fraud related to reimbursement for cleanup expenses under the Inland Protection Trust Fund. |
|
1474
|
456.0375(4)(b) | 3rd | Operating a clinic without registration or filing false registration or other required information. |
|
1475
|
501.001(2)(b) | 2nd | Tampers with a consumer product or the container using materially false/misleading information. |
|
1476
|
697.08 | 3rd | Equity skimming. |
|
1477
|
790.15(3) | 3rd | Person directs another to discharge firearm from a vehicle. |
|
1478
|
796.05(1) | 3rd | Live on earnings of a prostitute. |
|
1479
|
806.10(1) | 3rd | Maliciously injure, destroy, or interfere with vehicles or equipment used in firefighting. |
|
1480
|
806.10(2) | 3rd | Interferes with or assaults firefighter in performance of duty. |
|
1481
|
810.09(2)(c) | 3rd | Trespass on property other than structure or conveyance armed with firearm or dangerous weapon. |
|
1482
|
812.014(2)(c)2. | 3rd | Grand theft; $5,000 or more but less than $10,000. |
|
1483
|
812.0145(2)(c) | 3rd | Theft from person 65 years of age or older; $300 or more but less than $10,000. |
|
1484
|
815.04(4)(b) | 2nd | Computer offense devised to defraud or obtain property. |
|
1485
|
817.034(4)(a)3. | 3rd | Engages in scheme to defraud (Florida Communications Fraud Act), property valued at less than $20,000. |
|
1486
|
817.233 | 3rd | Burning to defraud insurer. |
|
1487
|
817.234(8)(b)&(9) | 3rd | Certain unlawful solicitation of persons involved in motor vehicle accidents. |
|
1488
|
817.234(11)(a) | 3rd | Insurance fraud; property value less than $20,000. |
|
1489
|
817.236 | 3rd | False and fraudulent motor vehicle insurance application. |
|
1490
|
817.2361 | 3rd | False and fraudulent motor vehicle insurance card. |
|
1491
|
817.413 | 3rd | Sale of used motor vehicle goods as new. |
|
1492
|
817.505(4) | 3rd | Patient brokering. |
|
1493
|
828.12(2) | 3rd | Tortures any animal with intent to inflict intense pain, serious physical injury, or death. |
|
1494
|
831.28(2)(a) | 3rd | Counterfeiting a payment instrument with intent to defraud or possessing a counterfeit payment instrument. |
|
1495
|
831.29 | 2nd | Possession of instruments for counterfeiting drivers' licenses or identification cards. |
|
1496
|
838.021(3)(b) | 3rd | Threatens unlawful harm to public servant. |
|
1497
|
843.19 | 3rd | Injure, disable, or kill police dog or horse. |
|
1498
|
860.15(3) | 3rd | Overcharging for motor vehicle repairs and parts; insurance involved. |
|
1499
|
870.01(2) | 3rd | Riot; inciting or encouraging. |
|
1500
|
893.13(1)(a)2. | 3rd | Sell, manufacture, or deliver cannabis (or other s. 893.03(1)(c), (2)(c)1., (2)(c)2., (2)(c)3., (2)(c)5.,(2)(c)6., (2)(c)7., (2)(c)8., (2)(c)9., (3), or (4) drugs). |
|
1501
|
893.13(1)(d)2. | 2nd | Sell, manufacture, or deliver s. 893.03(1)(c),(2)(c)1., (2)(c)2., (2)(c)3., (2)(c)5., (2)(c)6., (2)(c)7.,(2)(c)8., (2)(c)9., (3), or (4) drugs within 200 feet of university or public park. |
|
1502
|
893.13(1)(f)2. | 2nd | Sell, manufacture, or deliver s. 893.03(1)(c),(2)(c)1., (2)(c)2., (2)(c)3., (2)(c)5., (2)(c)6., (2)(c)7.,(2)(c)8., (2)(c)9., (3), or (4) drugs within 200 feet of public housing facility. |
|
1503
|
893.13(6)(a) | 3rd | Possession of any controlled substance other than felony possession of cannabis. |
|
1504
|
893.13(7)(a)8. | 3rd | Withhold information from practitioner regarding previous receipt of or prescription for a controlled substance. |
|
1505
|
893.13(7)(a)9. | 3rd | Obtain or attempt to obtain controlled substance by fraud, forgery, misrepresentation, etc. |
|
1506
|
893.13(7)(a)10. | 3rd | Affix false or forged label to package of controlled substance. |
|
1507
|
893.13(7)(a)11. | 3rd | Furnish false or fraudulent material information on any document or record required by chapter 893. |
|
1508
|
893.13(8)(a)1. | 3rd | Knowingly assist a patient, other person, or owner of an animal in obtaining a controlled substance through deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in or related to the practitioner's practice. |
|
1509
|
893.13(8)(a)2. | 3rd | Employ a trick or scheme in the practitioner's practice to assist a patient, other person, or owner of an animal in obtaining a controlled substance. |
|
1510
|
893.13(8)(a)3. | 3rd | Knowingly write a prescription for a controlled substance for a fictitious person. |
|
1511
|
893.13(8)(a)4. | 3rd | Write a prescription for a controlled substance for a patient, other person, or an animal if the sole purpose of writing the prescription is a monetary benefit for the practitioner. |
|
1512
|
918.13(1)(a) | 3rd | Alter, destroy, or conceal investigation evidence. |
|
1513
|
944.47(1)(a)1.-2. | 3rd | Introduce contraband to correctional facility. |
|
1514
|
944.47(1)(c) | 2nd | Possess contraband while upon the grounds of a correctional institution. |
|
1515
|
985.3141 | 3rd | Escapes from a juvenile facility (secure detention or residential commitment facility). |
|
1516
|
|
1517
|
316.027(1)(a) | 3rd | Accidents involving personal injuries, failure to stop; leaving scene. |
|
1518
|
316.1935(4) | 2nd | Aggravated fleeing or eluding. |
|
1519
|
322.34(6) | 3rd | Careless operation of motor vehicle with suspended license, resulting in death or serious bodily injury. |
|
1520
|
327.30(5) | 3rd | Vessel accidents involving personal injury; leaving scene. |
|
1521
|
381.0041(11)(b) | 3rd | Donate blood, plasma, or organs knowing HIV positive. |
|
1522
|
790.01(2) | 3rd | Carrying a concealed firearm. |
|
1523
|
790.162 | 2nd | Threat to throw or discharge destructive device. |
|
1524
|
790.163(1) | 2nd | False report of deadly explosive or weapon of mass destruction. |
|
1525
|
790.221(1) | 2nd | Possession of short-barreled shotgun or machine gun. |
|
1526
|
790.23 | 2nd | Felons in possession of firearms or electronic weapons or devices. |
|
1527
|
800.04(6)(c) | 3rd | Lewd or lascivious conduct; offender less than 18 years. |
|
1528
|
800.04(7)(c) | 2nd | Lewd or lascivious exhibition; offender 18 years or older. |
|
1529
|
806.111(1) | 3rd | Possess, manufacture, or dispense fire bomb with intent to damage any structure or property. |
|
1530
|
812.0145(2)(b) | 2nd | Theft from person 65 years of age or older; $10,000 or more but less than $50,000. |
|
1531
|
812.015(8) | 3rd | Retail theft; property stolen is valued at $300 or more and one or more specified acts. |
|
1532
|
812.019(1) | 2nd | Stolen property; dealing in or trafficking in. |
|
1533
|
812.131(2)(b) | 3rd | Robbery by sudden snatching. |
|
1534
|
812.16(2) | 3rd | Owning, operating, or conducting a chop shop. |
|
1535
|
817.034(4)(a)2. | 2nd | Communications fraud, value $20,000 to $50,000. |
|
1536
|
817.234(8)(a) | 2nd | Unlawful solicitation of persons involved in motor vehicle accidents intending to defraud. |
|
1537
|
817.234(9) | 2nd | Intentional motor vehicle crashes. |
|
1538
|
817.234(11)(b) | 2nd | Insurance fraud; property value $20,000 or more but less than $100,000. |
|
1539
|
817.568(2)(b) | 2nd | Fraudulent use of personal identification information; value of benefit, services received, payment avoided, or amount of injury or fraud, $75,000 or more. |
|
1540
|
817.625(2)(b) | 2nd | Second or subsequent fraudulent use of scanning device or reencoder. |
|
1541
|
825.1025(4) | 3rd | Lewd or lascivious exhibition in the presence of an elderly person or disabled adult. |
|
1542
|
827.071(4) | 2nd | Possess with intent to promote any photographic material, motion picture, etc., which includes sexual conduct by a child. |
|
1543
|
839.13(2)(b) | 2nd | Falsifying records of an individual in the care and custody of a state agency involving great bodily harm or death. |
|
1544
|
843.01 | 3rd | Resist officer with violence to person; resist arrest with violence. |
|
1545
|
874.05(2) | 2nd | Encouraging or recruiting another to join a criminal street gang; second or subsequent offense. |
|
1546
|
893.13(1)(a)1. | 2nd | Sell, manufacture, or deliver cocaine (or other s. 893.03(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d), (2)(a), (2)(b), or(2)(c)4. drugs). |
|
1547
|
893.13(1)(c)2. | 2nd | Sell, manufacture, or deliver cannabis (or other s. 893.03(1)(c), (2)(c)1., (2)(c)2., (2)(c)3., (2)(c)5.,(2)(c)6., (2)(c)7., (2)(c)8., (2)(c)9., (3), or (4) drugs) within 1,000 feet of a child care facility or school. |
|
1548
|
893.13(1)(d)1. | 1st | Sell, manufacture, or deliver cocaine (or other s. 893.03(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d), (2)(a), (2)(b), or(2)(c)4. drugs) within 200 feet of university or public park. |
|
1549
|
893.13(1)(e)2. | 2nd | Sell, manufacture, or deliver cannabis or other drug prohibited under s. 893.03(1)(c), (2)(c)1., (2)(c)2.,(2)(c)3., (2)(c)5., (2)(c)6., (2)(c)7., (2)(c)8., (2)(c)9.,(3), or (4) within 1,000 feet of property used for religious services or a specified business site. |
|
1550
|
893.13(1)(f)1. | 1st | Sell, manufacture, or deliver cocaine (or other s. 893.03(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d), or (2)(a), (2)(b), or (2)(c)4. drugs) within 200 feet of public housing facility. |
|
1551
|
893.13(4)(b) | 2nd | Deliver to minor cannabis (or other s. 893.03(1)(c),(2)(c)1., (2)(c)2., (2)(c)3., (2)(c)5., (2)(c)6., (2)(c)7.,(2)(c)8., (2)(c)9., (3), or (4) drugs). |
|
1552
|
Section 17. The amendment to s. 456.0375(1)(b)1., Florida |
1553
|
Statutes, in this act is intended to clarify the legislative |
1554
|
intent of that provision as it existed at the time the provision |
1555
|
initially took effect. Accordingly, the amendment to s. |
1556
|
456.0375(1)(b)1., Florida Statutes, in this act shall operate |
1557
|
retroactively to October 1, 2001. |
1558
|
Section 18. The Office of Insurance Regulation is directed |
1559
|
to undertake and complete not later than January 1, 2004, a |
1560
|
report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the |
1561
|
President of the Senate evaluating the costs citizens of this |
1562
|
state are required to pay for the private passenger automobile |
1563
|
insurance that is presently mandated by law, in relation to the |
1564
|
benefits of such mandates to citizens of this state. Such report |
1565
|
shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the costs |
1566
|
and benefits of the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.
|
1567
|
(1) Effective October 1, 2005, ss. 627.730, 627.731, |
1568
|
627.732, 627.733, 627.734, 627.736, 627.737, 627.739, 627.7401, |
1569
|
627.7403, and 627.7405, Florida Statutes, constituting the |
1570
|
Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, are repealed, unless |
1571
|
reenacted by Legislature during the 2004 Regular Session and |
1572
|
such reenactment becomes law to take effect for policies issued |
1573
|
or renewed on or after October 1, 2004.
|
1574
|
(2) Insurers are authorized to provide, in all policies |
1575
|
issues or renewed after October 1, 2003, that such policies may |
1576
|
terminate on or after October 1, 2005, as provided in subsection |
1577
|
(1).
|
1578
|
Section 19. Except as otherwise provided herein, this act |
1579
|
shall take effect October 1. 2003. |