BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed five bills Thursday aimed at growing the health care workforce, expanding access and fostering innovation in the industry.
During a press conference in Bonita Springs, the governor signed the bills, which are included in the 2024 “Live Healthy” legislation package.
Press play below to watch the full press conference
“We are taking action to bolster our health care workforce to keep pace with our state’s unprecedented growth,” said Gov. DeSantis.
The five bills include:
SB 1758: Formalizes provisions related to programs and services provided by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
SB 330: Creates a new category of teaching hospitals dedicated to advancing behavioral health care through research, collaborating with our colleges and universities, and partnering with the state of Florida to address acute behavioral health care needs.
SB 7016: Creates and expands training programs that will help develop and retain Florida’s health care workforce to meet the demands of population growth.
SB 7018: Fosters innovation and creativity of entrepreneurs and industry leaders to meet the needs and challenges of Florida’s evolving health care system.
SB 322: Creates public record and meeting exemptions for personal identifying information for practitioners participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, and the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.
The governor was joined by President of the Florida Senate Kathleen Passidomo, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, and Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch.
“Expanding access to care for pregnant moms and Floridians in rural and underserved areas will help make Florida a healthier state,” said Dr. Ladapo. “I look forward to working with Senate President Passidomo, the Florida State Legislature and Governor DeSantis to implement this legislation at the Florida Department of Health.”