Today, the Florida House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 7014, COVID-19-Related Claims Against Health Care Providers. The legislation extends the COVID-19 limitations of liability for health care providers, including home health agencies, through June 1, 2023. Click here for a detailed analysis of the legislation.

The House of Representatives voted 87-31 to pass the measure, which was approved last month by the Senate. It now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to approve the bill which will immediately become law.

During the previous legislative session, lawmakers implemented COVID-19 liability protections for health care providers for one year through March 29, 2022. With no end to the pandemic in sight, HCAF advocated for an extension during the recent Home Care Day at the Capitol and in meetings with lawmakers and legislative staff. 

"The Florida home care community commends lawmakers for helping to shield health care providers from COVID-19 lawsuits in light of the ongoing pandemic," stated Bobby Lolley, RN, Executive Director. "Home health agencies that have operated in good faith for nearly two years deserve these protections until the pandemic is behind us once and for all."