FL H1529

Creates section 682.025, Florida Statutes, establishing requirements for arbitration agreements between health care providers/nursing homes and patients regarding medical negligence claims

Prohibits arbitration agreements from restricting substantive or due process rights, or limiting damages and remedies available to patients and nursing home residents

Requires providers to explain pre-dispute arbitration agreements in detail to consumers, with a witnessed signature, and present them as separate documents with specific notice language in 16-point bold red type

Allows consumers to rescind pre-dispute arbitration agreements in writing at any time before arbitration begins; providers cannot refuse services to patients who decline to sign or rescind agreements

Prohibits presenting arbitration agreements to patients requiring emergency treatment or those unable to make rational decisions; requires 72-hour review period for post-dispute agreements

Effective date: July 1, 2010