Fla. Stat. 641.401
Declaration of legislative intent, findings, and purposes


(1)

Faced with the continuation of mounting health care costs, coupled with the interest of the state in high-quality care, the Legislature has determined that there is a need to explore intermediate or limited levels of delivery of prepaid health care services, with a view toward achieving greater efficiency and economy in the provision of these services.

(2)

Prepaid health clinics, referred to in this part as “clinics,” are developing rapidly in communities in the state. Through these organizations, structured in various forms, basic services are provided directly to groups of people who make regular premium payments as a condition upon their participation. These plans, when properly operated, emphasize effective cost and quality controls.

(3)

It is the purpose of this part to:Minimize legal barriers to the organization, promotion, and expansion of prepaid health clinics.Recognize an exemption for prepaid health clinics, when operating under a subsisting certificate of authority issued pursuant to this part, from the operation of the Florida Insurance Code, as defined in s. 624.01, except in the manner and to the extent set forth in this part.

(a)

Minimize legal barriers to the organization, promotion, and expansion of prepaid health clinics.

(b)

Recognize an exemption for prepaid health clinics, when operating under a subsisting certificate of authority issued pursuant to this part, from the operation of the Florida Insurance Code, as defined in s. 624.01, except in the manner and to the extent set forth in this part.

(4)

Although it is the intent of this part to provide an opportunity for the development of prepaid health clinics, there is no intent to impair the present system for the delivery of health services.

(5)

The Legislature has determined that the operation of a prepaid health clinic, or the issuance, delivery, or renewal of a prepaid health clinic contract, without a subsisting certificate of authority constitutes a danger to the citizens of this state and exposes a subscriber to immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage.

Source: Section 641.401 — Declaration of legislative intent, findings, and purposes, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0641.­401 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

641.40
Short title
641.41
Annual report of prepaid health clinic
641.42
Prepaid health clinic contracts
641.43
Provider contracts
641.44
Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices prohibited
641.45
Revocation or cancellation of certificate of authority
641.401
Declaration of legislative intent, findings, and purposes
641.402
Definitions
641.403
Rulemaking authority
641.405
Application for certificate of authority to operate prepaid health clinic
641.406
Issuance of certificate of authority
641.407
Minimum surplus
641.408
Use of certain words prohibited in the name of a prepaid health clinic
641.409
Insolvency protection
641.411
Other reporting requirements
641.412
Fees
641.414
Investment of funds of prepaid health clinic
641.416
Acquisition
641.418
Examination of prepaid health clinic by the office
641.419
Rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation, or dissolution of prepaid health clinic
641.421
Language used in contracts and advertisements
641.422
Contract provisions incorporating charter or bylaw provisions
641.423
Execution of contracts
641.424
Validity of noncomplying contracts
641.425
Construction of contracts
641.426
Delivery of contract to subscriber
641.427
Notice of cancellation, termination, or nonrenewal of contract
641.428
Nondiscrimination of coverage for certain surgical procedures involving bones or joints
641.429
Acceptable payments to prepaid health clinic
641.432
Providers of service
641.437
Investigatory power of office
641.438
Genetic information restrictions
641.441
Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices defined
641.442
Penalty for operation of prepaid health clinic, or issuance, delivery, or renewal of prepaid health clinic contract, without certificate of authority
641.443
Temporary restraining orders
641.444
Injunction
641.445
Defined practices
641.446
Cease and desist and penalty orders
641.447
Appeal from order
641.448
Penalty for violation of cease and desist order
641.452
Administrative penalty in lieu of suspension or revocation of certificate of authority
641.453
Civil liability
641.454
Civil action to enforce prepaid health clinic contract
641.455
Disposition of moneys collected under this part
641.457
Exemption for certain operational prepaid health clinics
641.459
Construction and relationship to other laws
641.4015
Part exclusive
641.4065
Insurance business not authorized
641.4091
Levy upon deposit

Current through Fall 2025

§ 641.401. Declaration of legislative intent, findings, & purposes's source at flsenate​.gov