Christine Jordan SextonThe House Health Quality Subcommittee will take up three regulatory bills as well as a measure to require newborns to be screened for a genetic disorder called Adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, on Monday.
HB 541 changes the state’s laws regulating athletic trainers to require them to work under the direction of a medical, osteopathic or chiropractic physician. Current law requires that the trainers practice within a written protocol established with a supervising physician.
A strike all amendment has been drafted to HB 541.
Meanwhile, HB 951 changes the licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionist and HB 1049 amends the Florida Pharmacy Act to make clear that a veterinarian can administer a compounded drug to a patient or dispense the compounded drug to the patient’s owner or caretaker. Strike all amendments also are in tow for these bills.
At press time there was no amendment filed to the newborn screening bill, called Gabrielle’s Law, HB 403. The bill directs the Department of Health to establish requirements and adopt rules for screening for Adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD.
Striking mostly boys, ALD is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 17,900 individuals.
The bill requires that ALD be reimbursed by insurance plans and Medicaid.
The staff analysis notes that the mandate will increase Medicaid costs in fiscal year 2015-16 by $2.14 million. Costs will increase to $2.19 million in fiscal year 2017-18.
