FL H1403

Authorizes health care providers and health care payors to opt out of participating in or paying for specific health care services based on conscience-based objections (sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical beliefs) without discrimination or adverse action.

Requires health care providers to document and notify patients and their employers or educational institutions when declining a service based on conscience-based objection; does not waive duty to provide informed consent or other non-objectionable services.

Prohibits discriminatory action against health care providers and payors for disclosing violations of the law to employers, regulatory agencies, or federal authorities, and protects disclosure of information reasonably believed to constitute legal violations or ethical guideline breaches.

Provides civil remedies including damages, injunctions, and reasonable attorney fees for violations; grants immunity from civil liability for declining participation in health care services based on conscience objection, except malpractice claims under chapter 766.

Prohibits disciplinary action or license denial by medical boards or Department of Health based on public speech about health care services or public policy on social media, provided the individual is not providing medical advice to a specific patient and speech does not violate other applicable law.

Effective July 1, 2023.