Florida Health Law Update
June 20, 2002
Shannon Hartsfield - Tallahassee
The Florida legislature just passed a health care bill
that, among other things, amends the definition of "referral" in the Florida
Patient Self-Referral Act by removing the exemption for referrals by a health
care provider for diagnostic clinical laboratory services where those services
are directly related to renal dialysis. It also creates an exception for
referrals by a health care provider whose principal professional practice
consists of treating patients in their private residences, except nursing homes.
This law becomes effective on October 1, 2002, except for three sections that
become effective on July 1, 2002
The new law may be viewed online at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/data/session/2002E/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s0046Eer.pdf