CS/CS/HB 1165 Summary

• Requires the Auditor General to conduct operational and financial audits of the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association every 3 years, including assessment of compliance with relevant statutes and public records/meetings laws.

• Increases maximum award to parents or legal guardians of infants with birth-related neurological injuries from $100,000 to $250,000 beginning January 1, 2021, with annual 3% increases thereafter; increases death benefit from $10,000 to $50,000.

• Authorizes parents or legal guardians to petition the Division of Administrative Hearings to dispute denial or amount of reimbursement for actual expenses under the plan.

• Reduces board of directors from 7 to 5 members, imposes 6-year consecutive term limit, and requires board meetings to comply with public meetings laws with 7-day notice and published agendas on the association's website.

• Requires the association to furnish annually a list of compensable expenses to benefit recipients and publish an annual report including board member names, employee compensation, claim disputes, and attorney/lobbying fees by January 1 each year.

• Takes effect July 1, 2021; amendments to award provisions apply retroactively to petitions pending or filed on or after January 1, 2021.