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HB0047

Rules for Medical Diagnoses in Child Safety Investigations

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

In one sentence

This law allows Florida to delay sending some child abuse reports to police if a parent claims the child has certain medical conditions or requests an exam, while requiring doctors' input and specific reporting duties.

Allows the Department of Children and Families to delay sending allegations of criminal conduct to police if a parent says the child has a preexisting medical diagnosis listed in state law or requests a new medical exam.
Requires that any delayed reports be sent to law enforcement immediately after the investigation ends, but only if criminal conduct is still suspected.
Mandates that investigators tell parents they must report changes in address and provide details about certain specific medical diagnoses within 10 days of being told this duty.
Requires Child Protection Teams to talk with experienced doctors or nurses when reviewing reports involving specific medical conditions.
Allows parents to request a new medical exam for the child during an investigation, which must be paid by the parent or their insurance.

The text does not list the specific medical diagnoses covered by this law, only referring them as those specified in section 39.303(4).
The bill summary mentions a written report from doctors but does not state exactly how many days they have to submit it.
The provided excerpt ends before fully detailing all requirements for the medical examinations or case staffing meetings.

Plain language

Preexisting medical diagnosis: A health condition the child had before the current investigation started, which is listed as a specific type in state law.
Child Protection Team: A group of professionals that works together to evaluate reports of child abuse or neglect.

Official record

Source attached

Specific Medical Diagnoses in Child Protective Investigations

Official activity