Florida Senate Mandates Sickle-cell Continuing Education for Certain Health Professionals

Citizen Portal (02/24/26)

The Florida Senate unanimously approved SB 844, a measure requiring certain licensed physicians and nurses to complete a two-hour, board-approved continuing education course on sickle-cell disease care as part of initial licensure or renewal. The mandated training will address evidence-based treatment across the lifespan, ongoing patient and family education, comprehensive evaluations, psychosocial support, genetic counseling, and pain management — areas where patients often report delayed or inadequate care. After smooth committee consideration and no amendments, the bill passed 37–0, with sponsors thanking advocates and local stakeholders, and it now moves to administrative implementation so the new requirement can be integrated into licensure processes.

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