Though there were several bills in play, none of them ultimately passed. Physician lobbyists pushed lawmakers earlier this year to update the state’s telehealth laws. Telehealth was relied on heavily during the pandemic as physicians tried to limit in-person visits to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Diaz, who works for Doral College, said the committee will take up a telehealth - also known as telemedicine - bill during the 2022 Session. The Senate Health Policy Committee will do more than focus on COVID-19, however. “I think there’s a distinction when you have something that is proven to work and doesn’t have any side effects,” Diaz said.

But he said there was a difference between long-tested vaccines and the new COVID-19 vaccine. Under current law, only parents who cite religious or health reasons can exempt their children from vaccination requirements.ĭiaz said it might be time to “review” those mandates, in place for such illnesses as mumps and measles. Republicans opposed to so-called “vaccine passports” have faced criticism, particularly as it relates to schools where current law already requires a bevy of vaccinations. It “gets more complicated,” Diaz said of striking a balance between individuals’ and employers’ rights. Unlike some Republican colleagues, Diaz said he does not endorse blocking private employers from requiring vaccines. But the bill did not ban employers from requiring their employees to be vaccinated. At the urging of the Governor, the Legislature earlier this year passed a bill that would prevent private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination from their customers. The Senator, who acknowledges he hasn’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, says he’s firmly against vaccine mandates.

Ron DeSantis’ work on getting monoclonal antibody treatments to those who test positive for COVID-19. His work could include revisiting existing vaccine requirements long in place in schools, a response to the debate about whether COVID-19 vaccines should also be required.ĭiaz, who came down with COVID-19 last winter, said he wants to review the state’s vaccination efforts as well as Gov. Manny Diaz, the top Republican shaping health care policy in the upper chamber. Florida’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be a major focus during the 2022 Legislative Session for Sen.

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