Florida 2025 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate 2 R cosponsors

SB 172 — Health Care Practitioner Specialty Titles and Designations

Last action — Died in Messages

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Health Care Practitioner Specialty Titles and Designations; Providing circumstances under which the Department of Health may issue a notice to cease and desist and pursue other remedies upon finding probable cause; prohibiting the use of specified titles and designations by health care practitioners not licensed as physicians or osteopathic physicians, as applicable, with an exception; providing that the use of such titles and designations constitutes the unlicensed practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine, as applicable; authorizing the department to pursue specified remedies for such violations, etc.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

282 added · 310 removed

282 line(s) added, 310 removed.

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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 By the Committees on Rules;
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 By the Committee on Health Policy;
and Health Policy;
and Senators Burton and Passidomo 588-02851-25 2025172c1 A bill to be entitled An act relating to health care practitioner specialty titles and designations;
and Senators Burton and Passidomo 595-03120-25 2025172c2 A bill to be entitled An act relating to health care practitioner specialty titles and designations;
prohibiting health care practitioners not licensed as certified registered nurse anesthetists from using a specified title and abbreviations under certain conditions;
providing that the use of such title or abbreviations constitutes the unlicensed practice of nursing;
authorizing the department to pursue specified remedies for such violations;
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words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 providing construction;
authorizing the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, as applicable, to adopt certain rules;
authorizing the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Page 1 of 10 CODING:
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words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 Medicine, as applicable, to adopt certain rules;
(a) Their unregulated practice can harm or endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and when the Page 2 of 11 CODING:
(a) Their unregulated practice can harm or endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and when the potential for such harm is recognizable and clearly outweighs any anticompetitive impact which may result from regulation.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 potential for such harm is recognizable and clearly outweighs any anticompetitive impact which may result from regulation.
Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 456.065, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section Page 2 of 10 CODING:
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 456.065, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
456.65, the department may issue and deliver to such health care practitioner a notice to cease and desist from such violation and may pursue other remedies authorized under this section which apply to the unlicensed practice of a health care Page 3 of 11 CODING:
456.65, the department may issue and deliver to such health care practitioner a notice to cease and desist from such violation and may pursue other remedies authorized under this section which apply to the unlicensed practice of a health care profession.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 profession.
The issuance of a notice to cease and desist shall not constitute agency action for which a hearing under ss.
The issuance of a notice to cease and desist shall not Page 3 of 10 CODING:
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 constitute agency action for which a hearing under ss.
(b) A health care practitioner not licensed as a physician under chapter 459 may not hold himself or herself out to a patient or the public at large as a specialist by describing himself or herself or his or her practice through the use of any Page 4 of 11 CODING:
(b) A health care practitioner not licensed as a physician under chapter 459 may not hold himself or herself out to a patient or the public at large as a specialist by describing himself or herself or his or her practice through the use of any specialist title or designation specifically listed under s.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 specialist title or designation specifically listed under s.
456.065 for such violation.
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 456.065 for such violation.
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(d) A podiatric physician licensed under chapter 461 may use the following titles and abbreviations as applicable to his or her license, specialty, and certification:
“podiatric surgeon,” “Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons,” and any other titles or abbreviations authorized under his or her practice act.
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(e) A dentist licensed under chapter 466 may use the Page 5 of 10 CODING:
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 (d) A podiatric physician licensed under chapter 461 may use the following titles and abbreviations as applicable to his or her license, specialty, and certification:
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 following titles and abbreviations as applicable to his or her license, specialty, and certification:
“podiatric surgeon,” “Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons,” and any other titles or abbreviations authorized under his or her practice act.
(e) A dentist licensed under chapter 466 may use the following titles and abbreviations as applicable to his or her license, specialty, and certification:
(4)(a) A health care practitioner not licensed and certified to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist under chapter 464 may not use the term “certified registered nurse anesthetist” or the abbreviations “C.R.N.A.,” “nurse anesthetist,” or “anesthetist,” either alone or in combination with titles or abbreviations authorized under paragraph (3)(f), to describe himself or herself or his or her practice to a patient or the public at large.
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 (b) A violation of paragraph (a) constitutes the unlicensed practice of nursing, and the department may pursue remedies under s.
456.065 for such violation.
(5) This section may not be construed to prohibit or interfere with the ability of a health care practitioner, group practice as defined in s.
456.053, or health care provider as defined in s.
381.4015 to lawfully bill the Medicare program or other federal health care program using definitions or terminology provided under applicable federal law or regulations for services rendered to a patient enrolled in such program.
(b) Neurosurgeon.
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 (b) Neurosurgeon.
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(f) Allergist.
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words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 (f) Allergist.
(ee) Pathologist.
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 (ee) Pathologist.
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(ii) Pulmonologist.
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words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 (ii) Pulmonologist.
(c) General surgeon.
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 (c) General surgeon.
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(g) Anesthesiologist.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 (g) Anesthesiologist.
(ff) Pediatrician.
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Florida Senate - 2025 CS for SB 172 588-02851-25 2025172c1 (ff) Pediatrician.
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(jj) Radiologist.
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words underlined are additions.
Florida Senate - 2025 CS for CS for SB 172 595-03120-25 2025172c2 (jj) Radiologist.
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How this bill changes current law

8 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies regulations on health care practitioners' use of specialty titles and designations, enhancing enforcement against unlicensed practice.

  • 456.003

    must → shall

    The legislative intent now emphasizes the necessity for regulation.

  • 456.003

    must be regulated → shall be regulated

    Clarifies the requirement for regulation of health professions.

  • 456.065(2)(a)

    When the department has probable cause to believe that any person not licensed by the department, or the appropriate regulatory board within the department, has violated any provision of this chapter or any statute that relates to the practice of a profession regulated by the department, or any rule adopted pursuant thereto, the department may issue and deliver to such person a notice to cease and desist from such violation. → When the department has probable cause to believe that any licensed health care practitioner has engaged in the unlicensed practice of a health care profession by violating s. 456.65, the department may issue and deliver to such health care practitioner a notice to cease and desist from such violation and may pursue other remedies authorized under this section which apply to the unlicensed practice of a health care profession.

    Expands the authority of the Department of Health to issue cease and desist notices to licensed practitioners for violations relating to specialty title misuse.

  • 456.65

    (1)(a) A health care practitioner not licensed as a physician under chapter 458 may not hold himself or herself out to a patient or the public at large as a specialist by describing himself or herself or his or her practice through the use of any specialist title or designation specifically listed under s. 458.3312(2), either alone or in combination, or in connection with other words, unless the practitioner is authorized to use such specialist title or designation under subsection (3).

    Prohibits unlicensed health care practitioners from representing themselves as specialists unless specifically authorized.

  • 456.65

    (2) A violation of subsection (1) constitutes the unlicensed practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine, as applicable, and the department may pursue remedies under s. 456.065 for such violation.

    Establishes that misuse of specialist titles by unlicensed practitioners constitutes unlicensed practice.

  • 456.65(4)(a)

    A health care practitioner not licensed and certified to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist under chapter 464 may not use the term "certified registered nurse anesthetist" or the abbreviations "C.R.N.A.,” "nurse anesthetist," or "anesthetist," either alone or in combination with titles or abbreviations authorized under paragraph (3)(f), to describe himself or herself or his or her practice to a patient or the public at large.

    Specifies that unlicensed practitioners cannot use the title of certified registered nurse anesthetist.

  • 456.65(5)

    This section may not be construed to prohibit or interfere with the ability of a health care practitioner, group practice as defined in s. 456.053, or health care provider as defined in s. 381.4015 to lawfully bill the Medicare program or other federal health care program using definitions or terminology provided under applicable federal law or regulations for services rendered to a patient enrolled in such program.

    Clarifies that the new regulations do not affect lawful billing practices for federal health care programs.

  • 458.3312

    (1) A physician licensed under this chapter may not hold himself or herself out as a board-certified specialist unless the physician has received formal recognition as a specialist from a specialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialties or other recognizing agency that has been approved for that purpose.

    Adds requirements for physicians to only represent themselves as board-certified specialists if formally recognized.

Action History

  1. Died in Messages

  2. Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration

  3. In Messages

  4. Immediately certified

  5. CS passed; YEAS 37 NAYS 0

  6. Read 3rd time

  7. Read 2nd time

  8. CS/CS by Rules read 1st time

  9. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 04/09/25

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

  11. Pending reference review -under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

  12. CS/CS by- Rules; YEAS 22 NAYS 1

  13. On Committee agenda-- Rules, 04/01/25, 9:00 am, 412 Knott Building

  14. CS by Health Policy read 1st time

  15. Now in Rules

  16. Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

  17. CS by Health Policy; YEAS 7 NAYS 3

  18. On Committee agenda-- Health Policy, 03/25/25, 1:30 pm, 412 Knott Building

  19. Introduced

  20. Referred to Health Policy; Rules

  21. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 160 not signed on · 3 voted No

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (160)

160 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 160 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Third Reading

Passed 37 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 10000
Republican 24001
Unaffiliated 2000
No Party Affiliation 1000
Total 37001
% of votes cast 97%0%0%3%
How each member voted (38)
Member Party Vote
Ingoglia — Yea
Collins — Yea
Arrington, Kristen Aston Democrat Yea
Berman, Lori Democrat Yea
Bernard, Mack Democrat Yea
Davis, Tracie Democrat Yea
Jones, Shevrin D. "Shev" Democrat Yea
Osgood, Rosalind Democrat Yea
Polsky, Tina Scott Democrat Yea
Rouson, Darryl Ervin Democrat Yea
Sharief, Barbara Democrat Yea
Smith, Carlos Guillermo Democrat Yea
Pizzo, Jason W. B. No Party Affiliation Yea
Albritton, Ben Republican Yea
Boyd, Jim Republican Yea
Bradley, Jennifer Republican Yea
Brodeur, Jason Republican Yea
Burgess, Danny Republican Yea
Burton, Colleen Republican Yea
Calatayud, Alexis Republican Yea
DiCeglie, Nick Republican Yea
Gaetz, Don Republican Yea
Garcia, Ileana Republican Not Voting
Grall, Erin Republican Yea
Gruters, Joe Republican Yea
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Hooper, Ed Republican Yea
Leek, Thomas J. "Tom" Republican Yea
Martin, Jonathan Republican Yea
McClain, Stan Republican Yea
Passidomo, Kathleen Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Ana Maria Republican Yea
Simon, Corey Republican Yea
Truenow, Keith L. Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea
Vacant Republican Yea
Wright, Tom A. Republican Yea
Yarborough, Clay Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Favorable with Committee Substitute

Passed 22 Yea · 1 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 17001
Democrat 4100
No Party Affiliation 1000
Unaffiliated 0001
Total 22102
% of votes cast 88%4%0%8%
How each member voted (25)
Member Party Vote
Ingoglia — Not Voting
Berman, Lori Democrat Yea
Davis, Tracie Democrat Nay
Jones, Shevrin D. "Shev" Democrat Yea
Osgood, Rosalind Democrat Yea
Rouson, Darryl Ervin Democrat Yea
Pizzo, Jason W. B. No Party Affiliation Yea
Boyd, Jim Republican Yea
Bradley, Jennifer Republican Yea
Brodeur, Jason Republican Not Voting
Burgess, Danny Republican Yea
Burton, Colleen Republican Yea
DiCeglie, Nick Republican Yea
Gaetz, Don Republican Yea
Garcia, Ileana Republican Yea
Gruters, Joe Republican Yea
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Hooper, Ed Republican Yea
Martin, Jonathan Republican Yea
Passidomo, Kathleen Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Ana Maria Republican Yea
Simon, Corey Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea
Vacant Republican Yea
Wright, Tom A. Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Favorable with Committee Substitute

Passed 7 Yea · 3 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 7000
Democrat 0300
Total 7300
% of votes cast 70%30%0%0%
How each member voted (10)
Member Party Vote
Berman, Lori Democrat Nay
Davis, Tracie Democrat Nay
Osgood, Rosalind Democrat Nay
Burton, Colleen Republican Yea
Calatayud, Alexis Republican Yea
Gaetz, Don Republican Yea
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Leek, Thomas J. "Tom" Republican Yea
Passidomo, Kathleen Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare health-insurance
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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 172 do?
Health Care Practitioner Specialty Titles and Designations; Providing circumstances under which the Department of Health may issue a notice to cease and desist and pursue other remedies upon finding probable cause; prohibiting the use of specified titles and designations by health care practitioners not licensed as physicians or osteopathic physicians, as applicable, with an exception; providing that the use of such titles and designations constitutes the unlicensed practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine, as applicable; authorizing the department to pursue specified remedies for such violations, etc.
Who sponsors SB 172?
SB 172 is sponsored by Passidomo, Kathleen (Republican), Burton, Colleen (Republican), Health Policy, and Rules.
What is the current status of SB 172?
This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 172?
Track SB 172 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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