Senate committee approves requirement for sickle cell continuing education for certain health professionals

Senator Jones explained CS for SB 844 would add sickle cell disease care management to controlled-substance prescribing education and initial licensure-renewal requirements for specified health professionals, requiring a one-time, two-hour board-approved continuing education course.

Multiple advocates and patients gave testimony. Kemba Gosher, president of Advancing Sickle Cell Advocacy Project, urged support and described lived experience for thousands of Floridians. Reverend Dr. Selena Webster Bass recounted personal loss and asked the committee to support the bill to improve culturally responsive care; she said the disorder is widely misunderstood and patients face stigma in emergency care. A patient speaker said, “sickle cell crisis, pains are very excruciating,” and urged lawmakers to require more clinician education.

Senators thanked speakers and the sponsor and the committee reported SB 844 favorably.