Florida health care providers adjust to largest U.S. drug shortage list in recorded history

Florida health care providers adjust to largest U.S. drug shortage list in recorded history

According to information from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the United States is dealing with the most serious drug shortage it has seen in more than 20 years. The ASHP currently reports that there is a shortage of 323 different drugs, which is the highest number the group has seen since 2001, when it started tracking shortages. [Source: Spectrum News]

Both sides prepare as Florida's 6-week abortion law takes effect Wednesday

There are 14 states that ban nearly all abortions. A few others limit them to just the first six weeks of pregnancy. In Florida abortions are currently allowed up to 15 weeks until the law changes Wednesday. The change has people on both sides of the issue scrambling. [Source: NPR]

Bacteria infections linked to Florida ‘Brazilian butt lift’ surgeries

The risks of undergoing a “Brazilian butt lift” in Florida are well documented, with dozens of deaths due to surgeries where fat is injected into patients’ buttocks and it enters the bloodstream, causing fatal blockages. But a recent report from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert highlights the potential for another complication: infection. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Can older adults treat depression in their peers? Florida researchers want to find out

Older adults face a lot of challenges that can lead to depression. They're more likely to be grieving the deaths of loved ones. They may have physical health problems that limit what they can do. And some struggle to live on fixed incomes. Do More, Feel Better aims to help seniors stay active and connected with others so that they may live happier, healthier lives. The program is based on a mental health care approach known as behavioral activation. [Source: WUSF]

Board of Medicine dishes on changes for international and domestically trained doctors

Some members of a state regulatory board are clapping back at lawmakers for passing legislation that they say makes it easier for internationally trained physicians to get licensed and practice in Florida, but makes it more difficult for out-of-state trained doctors to do the same. The legislation, which has yet to be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis, would repeal existing law authorizing the BOM to approve licensure applications by endorsement. [Source: Florida Politics]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida health providers share their experiences volunteering at a Gaza hospital [WUFT]
On Saturday, three Florida medical providers spoke at Voices from the Frontline, an event hosted by Alachua County Healthcare Workers for Gaza. Dr. Bashar Alzghoul, Dr. Waleed Sayedahmad and nurse Rana Mahmoud shared their experiences from volunteering for two weeks at the European Hospital in Gaza. The physicians went to Gaza with nine others through the support of the Palestinian American Medical Association and Jordan American Physicians Association.

› Southwest Florida children's hospital unveils autism support program and sensory-friendly ambulance [WGCU]
Autism spectrum disorder impacts one in 36 young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Friday, Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida announced it is now a certified autism center. At the press conference, Alyssa Bostwick, chief nurse and operations executive of the Fort Myers hospital, unveiled its SEA STAR program. SEA STAR stands for safety, education, awareness, sensory training and autism readiness.

› Florida clinic plans to treat 10,000 Alzheimer’s patients a year. Look at what’s coming [Miami Herald]
Within a few months, scientists at the Florida-based Roskamp Institute plan to start administering a new drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. While not a cure, Leqembi, an FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug, has been shown to slow the rate of decline in patients. Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia that progressively worsens a patient’s memory, thinking and language ability.

› USF will open a center to address Florida's mental health workforce shortage [WUSF]
The University of South Florida is creating a center to boost the state's mental health workforce amid a national shortage. The Legislature recently awarded USF $5 million in recurring funds to create the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce, part of the Live Healthy package of bills which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law last month.

Tags: Health Care eNews

Previous Health Care Updates:

• A Florida health provider says better building design can help patients heal
• Florida hospitals: Building boom
• Abortion proposal on Florida's November ballot might not end legal fights about the issue
• More leprosy cases are popping up in Florida. Why an ancient disease might be endemic
• Thousands of Florida kids lost Medicaid, now some have no coverage
• Stuck in licensing limbo, Florida nursing students want answers. They're not getting them
• How a nationwide cyberattack is impacting Florida patients and hospitals
• The computer will see you now: Artificial Intelligence usage grows at Florida hospitals