2017 Legislation Impacting Your Profession

Posted in Latest News on July 20, 2017.

HB 1121 Child Welfare

Child Welfare
Effective Date: July 1, 2017
HB 1121 (full text)

HB 1121 permits hospitals licensed under Ch. 395, F.S. and physicians’ offices to release patient records to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for investigative purposes. DCF agents or representatives can now obtain records without written permission from the patient, but only when the information will be used to investigate cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that impact children and/or vulnerable adults.

The bill also requires mental health receiving facilities to initiate an involuntary examination of a minor admitted under the Baker Act; this examination must take place within 12 hours of arrival at the facility.

If you’d like to view all 2017 bills impacting health care professions, please go to https://www.flhealthsource.gov/2017-bills



More Latest News

Become a Volunteer
September 16, 2024

Volunteers are vital to the Florida Department of Health’s mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through community efforts. Continue reading


A New Licensure Experience for Health Care Practitioners
May 15, 2024

E-licensing demonstrates the commitment of the Department to expedite
licensure and verification processes. Learn more by clicking here! Continue reading