For Immediate Release
March 26, 2021
Contact: Mary Katherine Delegal
(850) 566-8065
The Florida Behavioral Health Association’s COVID Liability Bill Statement
“The Florida Behavioral Health Association applauds both Senate and House leadership for supporting the COVID-19 liability protection bill and including mental health and substance abuse treatment providers among those covered,” said FBHA President and CEO Melanie Brown-Woofter.
“It has been well-documented that the stresses of the pandemic have exacerbated mental health and substance use challenges for Floridians of all walks of life and created added pressures for the dedicated caregivers across the state who treat these patients,” Brown-Woofter said. “While FBHA’s members are committed to adhering closely to all local, state and federal health guidelines related to COVID-19 safety precautions, it is reassuring that our mental health and substance use providers can continue to serve people in need without facing the risk of frivolous litigation related to the coronavirus.”
“FBHA is proud to see this good piece of legislation go to Governor Ron DeSantis,” Brown-Woofter said.
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The Florida Behavioral Health Association is a non-profit organization that provides statewide leadership on behavioral health policy and practice. FBHA supports member agencies offering services to those in need of mental health and substance use disorder assistance and support. Its members include a broad range of provider types, ranging from small specialty organizations to comprehensive treatment organizations with multiple locations within a geographic region. For more information, please visit www.floridabha.org.