Judiciary committee grants protections for managing entities’ medical‑quality review committees

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 514 after the sponsor, Senator Harrell, explained the measure would clarify protection for medical‑quality review committees used by managing entities in behavioral‑health systems.

Harrell said managing entities act as agents of the state in disbursing funds and overseeing providers, and that the bill makes clear the review committees they use should have the same civil‑liability protections and public‑records exemptions as physician and hospital review committees.

The committee also adopted amendment barcode 153,390, which Harrell described as removing an erroneous reference to malpractice in the bill’s title and reflecting that the measure addresses medical quality review rather than a malpractice proceeding. The amendment was adopted unanimously by voice vote.

Supporters who filed appearance forms included the Florida Hospital Association, the Florida Association of Managing Entities, and the Florida Smart Justice Alliance; each indicated support in the committee record. There was no extended debate on the floor. Lisa called the roll and the clerk recorded 11 yeas, 0 nays; the committee reported CS for Senate Bill 514 favorably.

Senator Harrell closed by asking for favorable support, saying the change will allow managing entities to carry out quality reviews without burdens related to public‑records or increased civil exposure.

The committee record shows the bill passed unanimously and will be reported to subsequent Senate action.