FL S1468

Creates s. 39.01305, F.S. to require court appointment of an attorney for dependent children with disabilities who are medically or technologically dependent and placed in or being considered for placement in skilled nursing facilities.

Defines "dependent child with a disability" as a medically or technologically dependent child requiring continuous therapeutic interventions or skilled nursing supervision in a skilled nursing facility.

Requires attorney appointments to be in writing and continue until the attorney is permitted to withdraw, discharged by court, or the case is dismissed, covering all proceedings from removal through appellate proceedings.

Mandates adequate compensation for appointed attorneys and funding access for expert witnesses, depositions, and other litigation costs.

Implementation is subject to appropriations expressly provided for this purpose and the act takes effect July 1, 2013.