SB 714 – Relating to Testing for and Treatment of Influenza and Streptococcus

On Tuesday, February 18, SB 714 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard by the Senate Health Policy Committee and was reported favorable with 6 yeas and 3 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

Pharmacy is the third largest health profession behind nursing and medicine and the Board of Pharmacy, in conjunction with the Department of Health, regulates the practice of pharmacists and pharmacies.

The bill amends the definition of the “practice of the profession of pharmacy” to include the testing for and treatment of influenza (flu) and streptococcus (the bacteria that causes strep throat) by a pharmacist.

SB 714 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

AIF supports increased access to care which keeps healthcare and insurance costs low for businesses while providing a healthy workforce.

SB 1676 – Relating to Direct Care Workers

On Tuesday, February 18, SB 1676 by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and was reported favorable with 7 yeas and 3 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in support of Amendment 899862.

The amendment expands the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), allowing APRNs to operate their own facilities without direct supervision of a physician.

SB 1676 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AIF supports legislative efforts that expand access to healthcare for employers and keep healthcare costs low for Florida businesses.