Emily Adkins Family Protection Act: FAQ for Hospitals
This FAQ provides hospitals and health care systems with key information about the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, its requirements, and the steps for implementation into a statewide venous thromboembolism (VTE) registry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act?
It’s a Florida law aimed at improving the prevention and tracking of blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It requires hospitals to report VTE events to a central registry, strengthening patient safety and reducing preventable blood clot deaths across the state.
Why is a registry being created?
Historically, VTE events have been underreported, leaving gaps in data and prevention efforts. The registry will:
- Provide statewide, standardized data on VTE incidence
- Allow benchmarking across hospitals,
- Identify prevention successes and areas for improvement
- Ensure accountability and transparency in patient safety
What data will hospitals be required to report?
Hospitals must submit de-identified patient-level data, including:
- De-identified patient demographics
- Admission and discharge details
- Type of VTE event (DVT, PE, or both)
- Risk factors present at admission
- Prophylaxis use (when applicable)
- Outcomes related to the VTE event
NBCA will publish detailed data definitions and reporting standards before registry launch.
How often will data be reported?
Hospitals and related health care facilities will submit data quarterly to the registry.
How will the registry be managed?
The registry will be administered by the Florida Department of Health Hospitals will report data through a secure electronic portal.
What resources will NBCA provide to hospitals?
NBCA will offer:
- Monthly webinars on the reporting process
- Implementation toolkits with data definitions workflows, and EHR integration tips
- Technical support for IT and quality teams
- Best practice guides for VTE prevention
- Patient education materials
When does mandatory reporting begin?
It begins July 1, 2026.
How will hospitals and healthcare facilities benefit from this act?
Participation in the registry will:
- Improve patient safety and outcomes
- Reduce preventable readmissions
- Provide statewide benchmarking and quality improvement opportunities
- Demonstrate national leadership in VTE patient care
- Reduce the cost of VTE care in Florida
Who can hospitals and health care facilities contact for support?
Contact NBCA at info@stoptheclot.org.
