As part of our ongoing advocacy for Florida’s home health provider community, HCAF has joined a coalition —including the Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, Orlando Health, and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association — in support of Senate Bill 566 and House Bill 353, which would establish Patient-Directed Medical Orders (PDMOs) in Florida.

Sponsored by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez and Representative Susan Plasencia, this legislation would ensure that patients’ treatment preferences are legally documented, easily accessible, and consistently honored across all health care settings, including home health care. With Florida’s growing aging population and rising demand for in-home care services, implementing a statewide electronic registry for PDMOs is a critical step toward improving care coordination, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and strengthening patient autonomy.

This marks the second consecutive year that this legislation has been introduced, and HCAF remains steadfast in advocating for its passage as part of our 2025 Florida Legislative Session priorities, which officially began on March 4.

The introduction of PDMOs would help address longstanding challenges in honoring patients’ medical preferences, ensuring that home health providers and other health care professionals can quickly verify and follow a patient’s documented orders. By reducing confusion and administrative burdens, this legislation would enhance patient-centered care while also mitigating liability concerns for providers.

HCAF commends Senator Rodriguez and Representative Plasencia for their leadership on this critical issue. We urge state lawmakers to pass SB 566/HB 353 and will continue working with policymakers, stakeholders, and coalition partners to advance policies that empower patients, improve care coordination, and support Florida’s home health community.

Click here to view HCAF’s letter of support.