A bill signed into law last month by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will permit advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to order medically necessary home healthcare services. The new law is expected to lower costs and improve outcomes for the state’s most disadvantaged residents.
According to a press release by the Florida House of Representatives, the legislation, CS/CS/HB 935—sponsored by Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) and Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City)—goes into effect on July 1, 2024. The types of healthcare services offered in the home include doctor care; nursing care; physical, occupational, respiratory, or speech therapy; home health aide services; medical social services; and homemaker or companion services.
According to the press release, HB 935 aims to improve the health outcomes of state residents by aligning Florida’s Medicaid safety net for low-income residents with Medicare and private insurers. It will allow coverage of these home healthcare services ordered by advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.
In the press release, Franklin expressed his gratitude to Trumbull for his efforts in advancing the bill in the Senate and the unanimous support it received from the state legislature. "Home is the best place for healing and recovery for many patients. This new law to strengthen home health services promotes independence, enhances Florida’s quality of life, and reduces health care costs by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations," Franklin stated in a press release.