FL S0528

Creates a new Department of Health and Human Services by consolidating the Agency for Health Care Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Children and Family Services, and Department of Health into one department effective July 1, 2011.

Establishes a Secretary of Health and Human Services appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with authority to appoint six deputy secretaries to lead six regional divisions aligned with Florida's judicial circuits.

Organizes the department into 16 program divisions including Adult Services, Child Care, Foster Care, Medicaid Services, Mental Health Services, and Substance Abuse Services, which can be consolidated or restructured by the secretary.

Creates a Central Office of Investigative Services with an Office of Inspector General to oversee investigations of child abuse, adult abuse, Medicaid fraud, and health care professional complaints, with separate investigative offices in each region.

Directs the Board of Governors to establish regional policy development and research exchange centers at state universities in each of the six regions to conduct research and provide recommendations on health and human services policy.