HB 861 Summary

• Establishes the "Florida Health Care Freedom Act" declaring it public policy that residents have the right to choose or decline any mode of securing health care services without penalty or threat of penalty.

• Prohibits Florida state officials, employees, and political subdivisions from implementing a state health insurance exchange or imposing penalties related to health care choices under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

• Requires immediate suspension of a health insurer's license to issue new business if the insurer accepts remuneration that may result in penalties contrary to the act's public policy, unless the insurer returns such payments and declines future payments.

• Directs the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief and other appropriate remedies to preserve residents' rights and defend state officials against any law or regulation violating the act's public policy.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013.