Hospital patients will have improved consumer protection, check-cashing businesses will see tighter regulation and state employees will get a bit more job security in the new year.
Florida has only six new laws that took effect on New Years Day. Most of the 2008 legislative sessions output went into effect upon signature by the governor, with the start of the new fiscal year on July 1 or the federal budget year October 1, or on a specified date that coincided with other laws or regulations. The new law most noticeable for the average Floridian will require health-care facilities give uninsured patients a copy of charity-care policies. The bill (SB 1488) by Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, also requires hospitals to give those patients a good-faith estimate of anticipated charges for planned procedures, if they request an estimate, and to post notices in reception areas advising patients how they can get information on charity and discount policies. The new law also requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to compile data on the undiscounted costs of common procedures and diagnostic treatments posting at least 150 inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic and preventive services for consumers to compare. “The purpose of this act is to provide health care consumers with reliable and understandable information about facility charges to help them make informed decisions about their health care,” said AHCA spokesman Fernando Senra. “Floridians will also be able to learn more about even more conditions and procedures at health care facilities that are tracked by the Agency.” Information is posted at www.FloridaHealthFinder.gov. The check-cashing law (SB 2158) resulted partly from a statewide grand jury report on the business. It will increase the frequency of audits of businesses that cash checks, which previously had no scheduled requirement for examinations, and hike penalties for violations of state regulations. Terry Straub, director of the Division of Finance, said there are about 1,500 businesses that cash checks for a fee. Instead of merely registering, they will be licensed under the new law, and they will be regulated as “money-services businesses.” “What this does is increase the level of regulatory supervision over these outfits,” said Straub. He said audits will help enforce the Anti-Money Laundering Act and Bank Secrecy Act, requiring check cashers to report to the IRS on transactions of $10,000 or more. The new law (SB 887) does not restore “bumping” rights for laid-off state workers, but requires agencies to set objective criteria, with seniority as a consideration, in deciding which workers to retain. It also removes the probationary status for employees who are promoted or transferred, allowing them to return to their old jobs if a new one does not work out. The bill also forbids involuntary transfer of employees beyond a 50-mile radius. The other new laws are:- SB 2760, revising requirements for taking dentistry examinations and making other regulatory changes in an effort to get better dental service for rural and poor areas.
- HB 535, redefining bone-marrow transplants and requiring health-insurance companies to include specified information on patient identification cards.
- HB 803, revising application procedures for psychological licensure.