Health measures prominent among new Florida laws

AP/Miami Herald, January 5, 2009

A handful of new laws are going into effect across Florida, including one that requires hospitals and healthcare facilities to give patients a good-faith estimate of anticipated charges for planned procedures if requested. They must also post notices in reception areas advising patients how they can get information on charity and discount policies. Another new measure requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to compile data on the non-discounted costs of some 150 common procedures and diagnostic treatments for comparison purposes.