Bill > H0587

This bill amends Florida Statute 766.101 to revise the definition of a "medical review committee" and expand its scope, particularly concerning committees of the Department of Children and Families and managing entities as defined in s. 394.9082(2), allowing them to include additional individuals for peer review, utilization review, or mortality review of treatment services. It also clarifies that investigations, proceedings, and records of these committees, including those of a managing entity, are protected from discovery or introduction into evidence in civil or administrative actions against healthcare providers or managing entities, and individuals attending committee meetings are generally not required to testify about committee matters, though they can be asked about their direct knowledge. Furthermore, the bill specifies that proceedings of all medical review committees are exempt from public meeting requirements and their advisory reports to the Department of Health are confidential and exempt from public records laws, with similar protections for committee members regarding testimony in disciplinary proceedings, all to encourage voluntary service on these committees. This act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services, Justice

Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/587