FL H1109

Creates the Patient Compensation System, an alternative to medical malpractice litigation, administered by a new Patient Compensation Board with 11 members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders.

Establishes a "medical injury" standard broader than negligence, covering treatment that deviates from national practice standards or could have been avoided using equally effective alternative methods, determined by independent medical review panels.

Requires health care providers to pay annual contributions (ranging from $100-$2,500 depending on provider type) to fund the system, with options to opt out; failure to pay results in license revocation.

Provides expedited compensation determination through multi-stage review process: initial medical review (10 days), expedited review if provider supports claim (30 days), or formal review with independent panel (75 days total), with administrative law judge and appellate court review available.

Requires all licensed health care providers to complete a 2-hour course on medical error communication and prevention as part of licensure and renewal; applies to medical incidents occurring after July 1, 2016.