Bill > S1736

This bill addresses insulin administration in group home facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities by allowing direct-support professionals (DSPs) and relatives to administer insulin under specific conditions. The bill defines a direct-support professional as a paid worker who provides services to clients receiving home and community-based services, and establishes a framework for insulin administration that requires group home facilities to provide comprehensive training by qualified healthcare professionals such as registered nurses, physicians, or physician assistants. The legislation mandates that facilities develop detailed policies including maintaining prescribed insulin dosages, coordinating administration to avoid duplication, establishing emergency procedures, and certifying DSPs and relatives who administer insulin. Importantly, the bill provides civil liability immunity for group home facilities, direct-support professionals, and relatives who follow the prescribed guidelines, and explicitly includes sliding scale insulin therapy, which involves calculating insulin doses based on current blood glucose levels. The bill also expands the ability of unlicensed direct service providers to administer insulin subcutaneously using devices like insulin pens, and makes a technical amendment to a cross-reference in another statute. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving healthcare access and support for individuals with developmental disabilities in group home settings.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services (S), Children, Families, and Elder Affairs (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1736