Bill > S1354

This bill requires the Florida Department of Children and Families to significantly enhance oversight and reporting requirements for Behavioral Health Managing Entities (organizations responsible for coordinating behavioral health services). Specifically, the bill mandates biennial operational and financial audits of each managing entity, which will review business practices, financial records, service administration, referral patterns, and provider network participation. The department must contract for comprehensive audits that compare services, expenditures, and analyze how managing entities fund services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Managing entities will be required to report data in a standardized electronic format with specific technical requirements, ensuring interoperability and facilitating data analysis. They must also electronically submit documents with detailed metadata and report monthly on 11 specific performance measures, including wait times for services, emergency department visits, medication errors, and readmission rates. These measures will be stratified by age and Medicaid status and posted on the department's website by the 15th of each month. The bill culminates in a requirement for the department to prepare a final report on these findings by December 1, 2025, which will be presented to the Governor and Legislature. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving transparency, accountability, and performance in behavioral health service delivery.

Budget and Finance

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1354