Bill > H0647

This bill modifies Florida's statute regarding death and fetal death registration to expand the roles of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in filing and certifying death certificates. Specifically, the bill allows APRNs who are registered under section 464.0123 or providing hospice care through a written protocol with a licensed physician to electronically file death or fetal death certificates when a funeral director is not available. The bill also updates the definition of "primary or attending practitioner" to explicitly include these APRNs, enabling them to certify the cause of death if they treated the decedent through examination, medical advice, or medication during the 12 months preceding death. Additionally, the bill permits these APRNs to note corrections on permanent death certificates, similar to the existing rights of physicians and physician assistants. The changes aim to provide more flexibility in death certificate processing and recognize the expanded clinical responsibilities of advanced practice registered nurses. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/647