FL H0863

Deletes the exemption for investment interests in entities that own or lease and operate licensed hospitals, allowing health care providers to refer patients to hospitals in which they have an investment interest.

Removes the prohibition on physician referrals to hospital entities by clarifying that section 456.053(5)(b) does not apply to referrals involving hospital investments.

Requires health care practitioners to provide written notice to patients when referring them to nonparticipating providers or out-of-network providers, stating that services will be provided on an out-of-network basis and may result in additional cost-sharing.

Requires the notice of out-of-network referrals to be documented in the patient's medical record, with failure to comply resulting in disciplinary action against the practitioner without good cause.

Takes effect January 1, 2020.