How COVID changed Florida in 5 years
What the COVID-19 pandemic wrought is still all around us every day in Florida. Not just in superficial leftovers, like the fading stickers exactly six feet apart on the floor of a clinic or the ubiquitous sanitizer stations standing sentry at our malls, but in changes so ingrained in how we live that we might not associate them with COVID anymore. Moree from the Tampa Bay Times, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Business Observer.
Column: Florida small businesses have a lot at stake in affordable health care debate
For people who buy coverage through the individual marketplace, health care has been more affordable thanks to enhanced premium tax credits. However, these credits are set to expire at the end of this year. If that happens, premiums will skyrocket, which in turn will force many small businesses to cut back on benefits — jeopardizing both economic mobility and public health. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Judges uphold challenge to Florida rule on license renewals for medical cannabis companies
An appeals court has rejected a challenge to a Florida Department of Health rule that led to dramatically increased license renewal costs for medical marijuana companies. Department of Health officials in December 2022 released a rule that created a formula for establishing a license renewal fee. The rule boosted renewal costs to about $1.3 million, more than 22 times the $60,000 biennial fee paid in the past by pot companies, which are known as medical marijuana treatment centers. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Retired Sarasota nurse talks about women in health care and what motivated her 40-year career
Pam Beitlich started her medical career as a cardiac nurse for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in 1981, before becoming director of Women and Children's Services. In the latter role, she oversaw Labor and Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics, along with other responsibilities. She actually gave birth to her own three children at SMH. Now retired, Beitlich was elected to the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board in November of 2024. [Source: Health News Florida]
Florida House passes proposal that could open doors for more medical malpractice lawsuits
The Florida House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a proposal that could lead to more medical malpractice lawsuits, while a similar bill cleared a major hurdle in the Senate. House members voted 104-6 to approve the bill (HB 6017), which involves wrongful-death lawsuits and what are known as “non-economic” damages for such things as pain and suffering. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Come for prenatal care, earn 'Baby Bucks' towards clothes, car seats and more
When Ashley Adams came into Community Health Northwest Florida’s Women’s Health/OB Care clinic on Thursday, she didn’t expect her prenatal appointment to include a peek into a baby boutique. “I love it. This is the neatest thing ever. I think it will help a lot of families in the community,” said Adams as she browsed through infant and baby items in the recently opened Baby Buck store.
› Strong opposition to selling Tallahassee Memorial during packed commission meeting
A discussion on the future of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s ownership and governance packed the city commission’s chambers Wednesday, with strong sentiment to keep the facility in local hands. During the meeting, in which about 20 citizens spoke, most commissioners agreed they want the hospital to remain locally owned.
› BayCare opens first behavioral health urgent care in Florida
Administrators say the new facility provides timely, comprehensive care that can help reduce the need for hospitalization. The center provides a bridge, a safe space for those needing mental health or substance use services. “We have that same day assessment, that same day provider available for them to walk in and get the help they need and then connected with whatever that next step looks like for them,” said Samantha Clark, behavioral health therapist program supervisor.
› Orlando Health opens new spine center in Southwest Orange
Orlando Health has debuted the new Orlando Health Spine Center in two locations in Southwest Orange. The multidisciplinary center will focus on providing prompt diagnosis and treatment for patients with back and spine concerns. The center will be available at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Windermere and Horizon West.