Legislative Update: Influenza Bill (House Bill 1405)
by Molly McCabe

The recent legislative session was relatively uneventful as far as child care legislation goes as our elected officials were grappling with balancing the state’s budget in the midst of the economic crisis. However, one piece of legislation that impacts the child care program did pass.

House Bill 1405, became law (Chapter No. 2009-147, Laws of Florida) when it was approved by the Governor on June 10th. This new law requires child care facilities, family day care homes (registered and licensed) and large family child care homes to provide parents with information detailing the causes, symptoms, and transmission of the influenza virus (the flu) every year during August and September. The Department of Children and Family Services, in consultation with the Department of Health created a brochure for providers to give to parents/legal guardians to meet this new requirement. The brochure explains to parents/legal guardians the causes and symptoms of the flu, how the influenza virus may be transferred, and how it should be treated.

The first page of the brochure contains a tear-off portion for parents/legal guardians to sign and date in order to document that the brochure was received. Once signed, the page should be removed, returned by the parent to the child care provider, and maintained on file at the child care facility, family day care home or large family child care home for review by the licensing authority. The administrative rules and the SansWrite system are being revised to incorporate this new inspection item.