FL S1358

Requires mental health and substance abuse service providers to submit exemption applications within 30 days after being notified of a disqualification.

Requires the Department of Children and Families or Agency for Health Care Administration to notify applicants of incomplete applications within 30 days and list all outstanding items.

Requires the department or agency to grant or deny complete exemption requests within 45 days of receipt, reducing the previous 60-day timeline.

Shifts burden of proof for peer specialists seeking exemptions to require them to demonstrate by preponderance of the evidence that they should not be disqualified, including evidence of rehabilitation and lack of danger to others.

Effective date: July 1, 2023.