Legislative Advocacy
The Florida Association of Children’s Hospitals (FACH) member hospitals are the voice for children’s health care in Florida. Members share a common vision and embrace short- and long-term strategies leading to exemplary health care for Florida’s children. We believe that promoting children’s health is essential for improving the population’s health, and that policies to prevent and/or treat children’s health problems can be wise investments.
Our members partner with policymakers in Florida to develop and implement such policies and programs that improve child health outcomes, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. We continue to closely coordinate with the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, Florida Hospital Association, the Pediatric Society, the Florida Medical Association and others as appropriate.
FACH 2025 Advocacy Priorities
Advocacy: Pediatric Genetic Treatment, Therapies and Genome Sequencing
FACH will support efforts to increase funding, expansion and collaboration for statewide pediatric genetics centers to reduce the backlog of requests for testing and diagnostics for treatment plans, as well as respond to the increased demand for testing and treatment. Efforts may include seeking enhanced funding for genome sequencing capability in coordination with genetic testing centers and calls to develop a statewide assessment and request funding for gene sequencing programs for Florida. FACH will also seek enhanced
funding for genome sequencing capability in coordination with genetic testing centers.
Advocacy: Transform Florida’s Child Protection Team System
Protection of children who experience physical and/or sexual abuse, neglect, or other forms of abuse are among the most vulnerable of Florida’s population, and providing protection to these children is one of the primary responsibilities of the State. Unfortunately, Florida’s Child Protection system has not adapted to the increased demands and changing landscape of our society and is facing a significant workforce shortage crisis in the next few years. Primary issues include compensation, which under state contracts is far below that of almost all pediatric subspecialists and even primary care pediatricians, hampering recruitment and retention.
Advocacy: Medicaid Reimbursement Equity for All Children and for All Children’s Hospitals
FACH will continue to advocate for equity in Medicaid reimbursement to all of Florida’s children’s hospitals for services provided to all children. The equity should be implemented through increases to certain levels of policy adjusters for Medicaid reimbursement to ensure DRG reimbursements reflect the cost of children’s health care services.
Partner Advocacy: Pediatric Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Health Crisis
FACH recommends that the Florida Commission on Mental and Behavioral Health continue to prioritize mental/behavioral health for children in Florida by developing a basis for sound policymaking, systemic improvements and appropriations in the future.
Partner Advocacy: Improve Pediatric Rehabilitation Services and Access throughout the State
Advocacy: Pediatric Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Health Crisis
FACH requests that the Legislature renew the proviso language in the 2024 Budget to affirm Florida’s
support for the critical population served by the ACE Kids Act.
