Earlier this summer, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 531. This general bill was sponsored by the Health Care Budget Subcommittee and Human Services Subcommittee.
What is HB 531?
This particular bill charges the AHCA (Agency for HealthCare Administration) among other agencies to develop and launch a public webpage outlining background screening requirements. The goal is education and awareness regarding the requirements of background screening. The webpage will include information on: The Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, Level 2 screening standards, live-scan fingerprinting or other third-party systems, searchable catalog of employment classes and positions, and a downloadable checklist for background screening process support.
Level 2 screening standards include: “fingerprinting for statewide criminal history records checks through FDLE and national criminal history checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies.”
The bill was signed June 4, 2025, and became effective on July 1, 2025. The webpage will be active by January 1, 2026, and will be updated by October 1, 2026, and each year after.
Why AHCA
AHCA (Agency for HealthCare Administration) is responsible for licensure of health care facilities as well as regulatory enforcement, inspection, investigations, and for dissemination of information pertaining to healthcare standards.
The AHCA was selected to execute HB 531 due to the fact that it already as the foundations to manage background check specific requirements.
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This blog is intended for Choice Screening's current or prospective clients and partners and may not be forwarded outside of Choice Screening, posted online, or otherwise reprinted in whole or in part. The information contained in this blog is meant to be information only, is not all encompassing, nor contains legal advice, expressed or implied. Consult with qualified legal counsel in all matters of employment, business, and background screening law.
