On April 2, 2021, my son, Anthony Isaiah Mejias, a bright 19-year-old college student from Pembroke Pines, Florida, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while on his way home for Easter weekend. Devastatingly, he did not have his ID with him at the time. In the frantic days following the accident, I desperately tried to locate him. I posted missing persons flyers, worked tirelessly with law enforcement, and even visited the hospital where he had been taken. Heartbreakingly, the hospital failed to identify my son due to the absence of a standardized policy for identifying unconscious patients without identification.

In Florida, there is no consistent process for hospitals to identify 'John Doe' patients, people like Anthony, who end up in medical facilities without any form of identification. This not only delays crucial medical treatment but also prolongs the agony for families who are left in the dark about their loved ones' fate. It's time for change.

We propose establishing a statewide 'John Doe' Standardized Policy in all Florida hospitals. This policy would adhere to HIPAA regulations and enable hospitals to record and share key non-identifiable information — such as photographs, age estimates, distinguishing features — that could assist in identifying unconscious patients and potentially resolve open missing persons cases.

A standardized policy would empower healthcare professionals and authorities to act swiftly and efficiently, saving invaluable time and potentially saving lives. By adopting this policy, we can ensure that no family has to endure the same heartbreaking experience we did.

Florida has the opportunity to lead the nation in setting a precedent for how hospitals should address the treatment and identification of unidentified patients, ensuring they receive the urgent care they need and that their loved ones are notified as soon as possible.

Help us make Florida hospitals safer and more responsive by implementing this much-needed 'John Doe' policy. Your signature can drive this critical change, bringing peace and closure to many families in their greatest times of need. Please sign and share this petition to make a difference.