FL S0128

Expands the definition of "harm" to a child's health or welfare to include violations of child restraint and seatbelt requirements (sections 316.613 and 316.614) that result in a child's death or injury requiring emergency room or trauma center treatment, when substantiated by a licensed physician

Allows the central abuse hotline to accept reports of out-of-state child abuse, abandonment, or neglect if the child is currently being evaluated in a Florida medical facility, and requires transfer of information to the appropriate state or country

Requires the Department of Children and Families to initiate an investigation when a report is received from an emergency room physician

Mandates referral to Child Protection Teams for cases involving out-of-state children being evaluated in Florida medical facilities and children improperly restrained in motor vehicles whose injuries were exacerbated or who died as a result

Effective date of July 1, 2019