A House Republican on Monday filed a proposal that would lead to marketing Florida as a "medical tourism" destination — and put state money behind it.

The proposal (HB 945), filed by Rep. Fred Costello, R-Ormond Beach, would require Enterprise Florida to market the state as a "destination for quality health care services."

That would include efforts such as promoting the qualifications and expertise of health-care providers and promoting medical-related conferences or business opportunities in Florida.

The proposal calls for setting aside at least $3.5 million a year for medical-tourism marketing from a broader pot of tourism-marketing money.

Senate Health Policy Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, has filed an identical bill (SB 86) in the Senate.