TUESDAY , MAY 31, 2005
Contact:
JACOB DIPIETRE
(850) 488-5394
 

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today signed House Bill 1041, the Women's Health and Safety Act, into law. The legislation gives the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) new authority to develop and enforce common sense health and safety standards for abortion clinics performing abortions after the first trimester. Prior to the signing of the Women's Health and Safety Act, AHCA's regulatory authority at abortion clinics was severely limited.

"Safeguarding the health and welfare of all patients in Florida is a top priority," said Governor Bush. "I applaud the Florida Legislature for acting to erase a health care double standard and giving women who undergo procedures in abortion clinics the same safety assurances they would have in physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, or hospitals."

The Women's Health and Safety Act will allow AHCA to develop health and safety standards that include equipment sterilization, clinic personnel, pre-procedure medical screenings, adequate staffing, recovery rooms, incident reporting and follow-up care. Until today, AHCA has only had meaningful authority to regulate hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers; the Department of Health has authority to regulate doctors' offices. In those facilities, the state sets standards for the physical building, cleanliness, clinical equipment, staffing and post-procedure care. However, AHCA's ability to set standards for abortion clinics had been limited to licensure and inspection, the performance of procedures by licensed physicians only, the disposal of fetal remains, and the creation and preservation of patient records.

"Patients deserve the same quality of care and safety standards regardless of where they decide to have a procedure performed," said AHCA Secretary Alan Levine. "The Women's Health and Safety Act will allow AHCA to hold abortion clinics to some of the same safety standards as hospitals or doctors' offices, ensuring the safety of women throughout Florida."

Although previously introduced in the legislature in 2002, 2003 and 2004, the bill never made it to the Senate floor and passed the House of Representatives only during the 2002 Regular Session.

"We have tried to pass this bill as it has been a priority of mine for the past four years," said Representative Aaron Bean. "We had a great team this session, and I am thrilled to have gotten the bill this year."

"By regulating health and safety standards for abortion clinics, women undergoing medical procedures can be assured their safety is a high priority," said Senator Paula Dockery. "I'm proud of the efforts by everyone involved in the creation and passage of this very important legislation."

Governor Bush was joined at the bill signing ceremony today by Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, AHCA Secretary Alan Levine, Representatives Aaron Bean, Paige Kreegel and Denise Grimsley and Senator Paula Dockery.