by Mia McKown, Eddie Williams III - JD Supra

House Bill 975, if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will have a significant impact on the Florida criminal background screening requirements for healthcare professionals and facilities. Currently, only certain healthcare professionals are required to undergo background screening as a requirement for licensure. Such professionals include the following: allopathic and osteopathic physicians, interns and fellows, physician assistants, chiropractic physicians and assistants, orthotists and prosthetists, podiatric physicians and podiatric x-ray assistants, certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, athletic trainers and massage therapists. However, the majority of healthcare professionals licensed by the Florida Department of Health are not required to undergo background screening as part of their initial licensure requirements.