02/02/2024
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE WEEK 4
February 2, 2024
The clock started running out on legislation, as the fourth week of session is the last time subcommittees are scheduled to advance bills. Both chambers also continued to finalize budget and both chambers will be debating on the full floor next week. Some of the major things that occurred this week in the legislature:
• GUN LAWS – House lawmakers passed a bill to increase the minimum age to buy a rifle from 18 to 21, repealing a provision passed after the Parkland shooting tragedy.
• MEDICAID BALLOT INITIATIVE- A group named Florida Decides Healthcare launched a campaign to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot in November 2026.
• PROPERTY TAXES- The House is calling for a study on eliminating property taxes and replacing them with a new “consumption tax.”
• DANGEROUS DOGS- A House panel would create new rules on how the state handles so-called dangerous dogs, and would create a “dangerous dog registry.”
• MA*****NA- The legislature is preparing for the possible legalization of recreational ma*****na by implementing THC caps.
WHAT HAPPENED IN PHARMACY THIS WEEK…
EMERGENCY REFILLS OF INSULIN:
SB 516- by Senator Rodriguez (R- Doral) would allow a pharmacist to dispense an emergency refill of insulin and insulin-related supplies in treating diabetes up to three times per calendar year.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: SB 516 passed the Health Policy Committee 9-0.
HEALTHCARE PRACTIONER BACKGROUND SCREENING:
SB 1008- by Senator Grall (R- Fort Pierce) revises the licensure requirements for pharmacist applicants, pharmacy intern applicants and pharmacy techs to include background screenings processed by the FDLE and FBI pursuant to FL Statute 456.0135.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: SB 1008 passed the Health Policy Committee 9-0.
HIV PREVENTION DRUGS:
SB 1320- by Senator Catalayud (R- Miami) authorizes a pharmacist to dispense postexposure HIV drugs under a with a medical or osteopathic physician. The legislation also defines the terms: HIV, HIV infection prevention drug, HIV postexposure prophylaxis drug, and HIV preexposure prophylaxis drug. Lastly, the bill requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules that all pharmacies that provide adult screening for HIV exposure submit to DOH for approval.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: SB 1320 passed the Health Policy Committee 9-0.
HB 159- by Representative Franklin (D- Tallahassee) is the companion bill to the above SB 1320.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: HB 159 passed the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee 14-0.
STUDENT HEALTH:
SB 962- by Senator Hooper (R- Palm Harbor) allows a pharmacist to dispense short-acting bronchodilators and components pursuant to a prescription issued in the name of a school for students. The short-acting bronchodilators must be administered by a trained school nurse.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: SB 962 passed the Education Pre-K-12 Committee 11-0.
PHARMACY TECHS:
HB 493- by Representative Roach (R- North Fort Myers) creates a new permit category for remote site pharmacies, including caveats for surveillance. Some of the other aspects of the bill are:
• Allows a remote-site pharmacy to store, hold, and dispense all medicinal drugs, including proprietary drugs and controlled substances. The remote site cannot dispense Schedule II substances without a pharmacist present.
• Authorizes a pharmacist to be the prescription department manager for up to three remote site pharmacies that fall under the same supervising pharmacy, without exceeding a pharmacist-pharmacy technician ratio of 1 to 6.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: Representative Roach proposed a strike all amendment in response to the bill getting temporarily postponed in committee last week. The amendment clarified that the ratio was indeed 1:6. The amendment also included other provisions that tighten up language relating to supervising pharmacist, dispensing of Schedule II drugs, and Board of Pharmacy registration. HB 493 passed the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee 14-4, with Representatives Abbott, Chaney, Franklin, and Rudman the down votes.
