FL H0647

Department of Health must convene a study group to evaluate state surveillance, mandatory reporting, public notification, prevention, and response activities related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Study group must include representatives from licensed facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities), licensed health care practitioners, Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Elderly Affairs, and Department of Health, with at least one certified infection control practitioner.

Study group shall evaluate the list of reportable antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reporting procedures, notification methods, response procedures including coordination with state and local governments and CDC, and examine ways to expand public access to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection information.

Study group must submit a report with findings, recommended action plan for implementation, and any recommended legislation to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House by January 1, 2015.

$50,000 in nonrecurring funds from the Administrative Trust Fund is appropriated to the Department of Health for 2014-2015 fiscal year, with the act effective July 1, 2014.