FL S0016

Appropriates $1.5 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Cristina Alvarez for the death of her son, Nicholas Patnode, a 5-month-old who died from bacterial meningitis on January 10, 1998, due to negligence at the Martin County Health Department.

Appropriates $900,000 from the General Revenue Fund to compensate George Patnode for the same incident, bringing the total appropriation to $2.4 million.

Requires the Department of Health to repay Medicaid liens for unreimbursed medical payments made on the child's behalf, with amounts deducted equally from each parent's award.

Limits attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and other similar expenses to 25 percent of the total amount awarded under the act.

Takes effect upon becoming law.