Florida’s Healthcare Background Check Expansion Law Under Review

Florida is set to implement new legislation that significantly expands the scope of background screening for healthcare workers. Currently, only certain healthcare professionals are required to undergo background screening as a licensure requirement. The new legislation aims to enhance patient safety and ensure the integrity of healthcare professionals.

If passed, House Bill 975 will increase accountability and regulate healthcare statewide by widely expanding the number of healthcare professionals required to undergo background screening as part of Florida’s industry healthcare standard. HB 975 will also include comprehensive changes affecting a wide range of healthcare professionals and facilities across the state. The bill is currently awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature.

What does Florida’s House Bill 975 include?

The bill marks a significant shift from the current regulations, which only mandate background screenings for certain healthcare professionals as a precondition for licensure. Here are a few quick highlights employers need to know about the upcoming changes:

Expanded Scope of Background Screening: The legislation extends the requirement for criminal background checks to a broader category of healthcare professionals. This list includes but is not limited to, naturopaths, optometrists, pharmacists, dentists, and dental hygienists, among other healthcare professionals. To see all inclusions, take a look at House Bill 975 for the complete list of professionals impacted.

Implications for Employment: The legislation emphasizes that healthcare professionals with a disqualifying offense on their criminal record will be deemed ineligible for employment within the sector.

Licensed healthcare facilities should revise their background screening policies to reflect the new requirements, highlighting the importance of compliance to avoid citations during licensure surveys.

To learn more details on exceptions and inclusions of the bill, take a closer look here.

What’s next for HB 975?

On March 7, 2024, the bill passed both the Florida House and the Florida Senate and is currently being prepared for Governor DeSantis’s signature and approval. If passed, additional healthcare professionals licensed by the Department of Health will be required to undergo background screening for initial licensure.

The bill will also require certain individuals seeking licensure by endorsement to undergo background screening. If passed as currently written, healthcare professionals licensed before July 1, 2024, will need to fulfill the background screening requirements by July 1, 2025.

Updates on the development and finalization of Florida’s HB 975 can be found here.

Broader implications for HR professionals nationwide

This legislative development indicates a growing trend toward stringent background screening in the healthcare industry. It reflects broader concerns about patient safety and the integrity of the healthcare workforce. Florida’s comprehensive approach to background screening may serve as a model for other states considering similar measures, setting new standards for healthcare employment eligibility nationwide. For organizations operating in multiple states, staying ahead of legislative trends is crucial for strategic workforce planning and ensuring seamless compliance across jurisdictions.

Employers and HR professionals should closely monitor these developments and consult with legal counsel to navigate the requirements of House Bill 975. This law represents a significant shift in Florida’s healthcare sector and reflects a push towards ensuring higher standards of safety and professionalism in healthcare nationwide.

As the landscape of legal requirements in healthcare continues to change, it is important to stay informed and prepared with the help of your legal counsel. Verified Credentials will attempt to monitor and provide updates on the situation and other healthcare screening requirements as they evolve.