Bill > H0355

This bill requires hospitals with emergency departments to implement several new requirements focused on improving pediatric emergency care. Hospitals must develop and implement evidence-based policies and procedures for pediatric patient care, including specific protocols for triage, vital signs, weight measurement, medication dosage calculation, and pediatric instrument usage. They must conduct annual staff training that includes clinical simulations and emergency situation drills. Each emergency department must designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator (who can be a physician, physician assistant, nurse, or paramedic) responsible for implementing these policies. Hospitals are also required to participate in the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, which evaluates their preparedness to care for pediatric patients. The Agency for Health Care Administration must collect and publish these assessment scores, providing a comparison to national averages, and establish minimum standards for pediatric emergency care in consultation with the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program. Additionally, the bill updates comprehensive emergency management plan requirements to explicitly include the needs of pediatric and neonatal patients. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving hospitals time to prepare and implement the new requirements.

Health and Social Services

Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/355