CS/HB 7183 Summary

• Reorganizes the Department of Health by revising its mission to focus on communicable disease control, emergency preparedness, environmental health regulation, and vital statistics management, while eliminating health practitioner regulation effective July 1, 2011

• Requires the Department of Health to submit a reorganization plan to the Legislature by November 1, 2010, identifying functions inconsistent with delegated responsibilities and proposing reductions in bureaus, divisions, and executive positions

• Transfers regulatory authority over drugs, devices, and cosmetics (Part I of Chapter 499) and the Division of Medical Quality Assurance (all health practitioner licensing boards) from the Department of Health to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, effective July 1, 2011

• Creates the Physician Workforce Advisory Council with 23 members to advise the State Surgeon General on physician workforce assessment and development, including strategies to address physician shortages in specialties and underserved areas

• Expands the Prescription Drug Donation Program (formerly Cancer Drug Donation Program) to include additional prescription drugs and supplies, and authorizes dispensing practitioners in addition to pharmacists to participate in the program