Florida's new mental health law aims to improve crisis response and care
Florida has new guidelines for emergency mental health services starting this week. Commonly referred to as the Baker Act, it focuses on crisis services for people living with a mental illness and gives them involuntary treatment during a potential medical emergency. This new legislation eases access to involuntary services and allows law enforcement officers to request involuntary exams more easily when necessary. More from WESH and WPEC.
Florida sees spike in COVID-19 levels as ‘FLiRT’ variants sweep US
COVID-19 is on the rebound in Florida as new variants spread across the country. Federal health authorities have scaled back what data is available to track the virus, with no more total case counts and as hospitals are no longer are required to report COVID-19 admissions. But Florida has seen a surge in virus levels in sewage since early May. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Gov. DeSantis approves new requirements for out-of-state licensee applicants
Gov Ron DeSantis has approved legislation (SB 1600) giving the Board of Medicine (BOM) 15 days to approve by endorsement licenses for certain out-of-state applicants., But the legislation also blocks many others from getting licensed by endorsement. Some in the health care industry pushed to have the bill vetoed. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida’s dengue travel cases exceed this year’s expectations, data show
Travel-related cases of dengue for June have exceeded what was expected for the year, according to the Florida Department of Health. “The dengue cases concern me,” said Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County Mosquito Control. “I don’t think the public needs to be overconcerned right now, but dengue is on my radar.” [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
After US Supreme Court decision, Florida issues more rules around emergency abortion care
Hours after a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding emergency abortion care, Florida health regulators issued new rules with little fanfare late Thursday to clarify how medical providers should respond to pregnant women with complications that put them in peril. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› An advocacy group expands to Florida to combat the Black maternal mortality rate
People of color in need of support during and after pregnancy can now get help in Florida. An advocacy group called The SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective centers its mission on maternal health with its Birth Justice Care Fund.
› Orlando peer support group offers mental health respite at Eva’s Casita
Eva's Casita opened last month to provide peer-led support and respite to people who need it, focusing on intersectional and marginalized communities. The group opened the space about a month ago, providing peer-led support activities and overnight rest to any adults who need it.
According to medical experts uninvolved in that legal dispute, surgeons don’t do surgeries seven days a week. Rather, the norm is for surgeons to perform surgeries just two to three days a week, giving them time to conduct office visits with patients on the other days.
› Tampa General appoints CEO of behavioral health hospital
Tampa General Hospital hits another benchmark in its quest to open a behavioral health hospital in Tampa. Announced in 2022 and slated to open in 2025 after breaking ground last August, the CEO of the facility has now been chosen by the health care conglomerate.