S1842 amends Florida’s health care referral disclosure law to require certain health care providers to give patients a written disclosure before making a referral for specified health care services. The disclosure must identify the provider’s investment interest in the referred-to entity and, if applicable, the provider’s status as a nonparticipating or out-of-network provider for nonemergency services or as a provider not under contract with the patient’s HMO.
The written notice must also state that the services will be provided on an out-of-network basis and may create additional cost-sharing responsibilities for the patient. The bill is aimed at improving transparency when a referring provider has a financial relationship with the entity receiving the referral, so patients can better understand potential billing consequences before receiving care. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill narrows and clarifies disclosure obligations under s. 456.053, Florida Statutes, by adding a specific written-notice requirement for certain referrals involving investment interests and out-of-network or noncontracted providers. It affects health care providers who meet the statute’s existing referral conditions, as well as patients who may face higher out-of-pocket costs for referred services. The bill also interacts with existing insurance and HMO network provisions referenced in ss. 627.64194 and 641.47.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support in the Senate committee process, advancing with favorable votes at each stage and no recorded opposition in the final Senate Fiscal Policy vote. Earlier committee votes were also positive, though not unanimous, suggesting some members had reservations but not enough to block the measure. Overall, the sentiment reflected in the voting history is generally supportive of increased transparency in referral practices.
Contention
The main point of contention is the added administrative and compliance burden on providers who have financial interests in referral entities or who refer patients to out-of-network or noncontracted providers. Supporters are likely focused on patient transparency and informed decision-making, while any opposition appears to center on whether the disclosure requirement is necessary or overly burdensome in routine referral situations. The bill text itself does not include debate, but the non-unanimous committee votes indicate some concern about the scope or practical effects of the mandate.