FL S1126

Authorizes reimbursement of per diem and travel expenses to members of the pediatric cardiac technical advisory panel established within the Agency for Health Care Administration.

Adds 3 alternate at-large members to the panel with different program affiliations and implements 2-year term limits for voting members, allowing reappointment after a full 2-year retirement period.

Provides civil and criminal liability immunity to panel members for good faith performance of duties assigned by the Secretary of Health Care Administration.

Requires the Secretary to consult the panel for advisory recommendations on all certificate of need applications to establish pediatric cardiac surgical centers, and authorizes announced or unannounced site visits to existing and new facilities.

Establishes procedures for site visit teams composed of in-state and out-of-state physician experts to conduct inspections, submit written findings, and present recommendations to the Secretary regarding facility compliance and corrective actions.