Modernizing health care rules to expand access for Florida patients

Florida’s health care system is at a crossroads. The state is growing rapidly, the population is aging, and families across Florida are struggling to access timely, affordable care.

In many cases, the challenge is not a shortage of skilled providers. Instead, outdated laws limit competition, restrict who can provide care, and reduce patient choices.

Rep. Mike Redondo has filed legislation to remove these government barriers and modernize Florida’s health care delivery system. HB 693 is designed to expand access to care by addressing multiple structural obstacles that prevent services from reaching patients who need them most.

Rather than relying on a single narrow reform, the bill addresses several long-standing issues simultaneously. When providers have greater flexibility to serve patients and patients have more options, care becomes more accessible and more affordable.

HB 693 eliminates remaining Certificate-of-Need requirements for nursing homes, hospice services, and intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. It also allows Florida to join interstate compacts for physician assistants and emergency medical services professionals, making it easier for qualified providers to move to Florida and meet growing demand without unnecessary delays.

The legislation expands independent practice authority for advanced registered nurse practitioners, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. These highly trained professionals already play a critical role in patient care, particularly in mental health and underserved communities.

HB 693 also removes the supervisory cap on physician assistants, allowing physicians to oversee more PAs and increase patient capacity. This reflects modern, team-based care models and helps ensure patients are seen sooner without sacrificing quality.

Importantly, the bill includes commonsense transparency protections. Patients would receive notice of out-of-network referrals, and payments made for cost-effective care would count toward deductibles, helping families avoid surprise expenses and make informed decisions.

Together, these reforms promote a patient-centered approach that prioritizes access, choice, and transparency. At a time when families are feeling the pressure of rising health care costs, HB 693 offers a path toward a more responsive and modern system.

Rep. Redondo’s bill puts patients first, and lawmakers should support its passage.

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Skylar Zander is the State Director of Americans for Prosperity-Florida.