Medical marijuana operators ready to light up
Weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis helped quash a proposal seeking to allow recreational marijuana, state health officials announced they intend to award medical-marijuana licenses to 22 of dozens of applicants who vied for the licenses more than a year ago. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Addressing mental health
Tampa General Hospital, in affiliation with the University of South Florida, is one of four partnerships to receive the state’s newly created “behavioral health teaching hospital” designation and the only one on Florida’s west coast. The teams — all comprised of licensed teaching hospitals pairing with state university schools of medicine — can apply for up to $100 million in grant funding in their first year to develop and implement behavioral health education programs that can be replicated around the state. [Source: Florida Trend]
They help to hold back the storm for Florida’s hospitalized patients and nursing home residents
On the health care front lines in Florida, these are the people who work to hold back the storm for hospitalized patients and nursing home residents. The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which ended on Saturday, put many of them to the test. Florida Hospital Association CEO and President Mary Mayhew said hospitals take storm planning and preparation seriously. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida’s Deloitte-run computer system cut off new moms entitled to Medicaid
An unknown number of mothers in Florida have abruptly lost Medicaid coverage after giving birth, despite being eligible, according to an ongoing federal lawsuit filed against the state in August 2023. The issue is linked to the state’s computer eligibility system, run by Deloitte Consulting, according to trial testimony from state and Deloitte employees. It is yet one more example of problems states and beneficiaries have encountered with Medicaid management systems operated by Deloitte, a giant consulting firm. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida nurse registry companies that refer nurses to disabled and elderly patients exempt from liability
Nurse registries are businesses that provide nurses to care for elderly or disabled clients in their own homes. They do background screenings, arrange schedules, pay nurses, and accept payments. But an investigation has discovered that if something goes wrong, the companies aren’t liable under Florida law. [Source: WFTS]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› New cancer-fighting proton machine arrives in Fort Myers
The Southwest Florida Proton Oncology Center has just received a groundbreaking piece of equipment called the Proteus One. Doctors say this machine will revolutionize the way they treat cancer. Proton therapy is an alternative to traditional radiation that is less intrusive.
› Injured Palestinian teen from Gaza arrives in Orlando for medical care
More than 60 people from the Central Florida community came bearing signs and tokens of love at the Orlando International Airport for 17-year-old Hala, who flew into the U.S. Monday night. "It's amazing. I love this love, how people are showing support. I hope she doesn't feel overwhelmed. She sees how many people are welcoming her and love her," said Reem Saeed, Hala's friend.
› COVID, flu, and walking pneumonia. Here’s what is making Miami sick at holiday time
Do you have a cough? The sniffles? A sore throat? COVID, RSV, and the flu are going around town. So are other respiratory and bacterial infections, including STDs, walking pneumonia, strep throat and the stomach flu. South Florida doctors say they’re on alert. “We will see probably an uptick on respiratory viruses” during the holiday season as people travel, gather and stay indoors more to avoid chilly weather, said Dr. David Farcy.
› AdventHealth agrees to purchase ShorePoint hospitals in Charlotte County
AdventHealth has signed a definitive agreement with affiliates of Community Health Systems to purchase a pair of Charlotte County hospitals, one that remains closed to inpatient care due to hurricane damage. The deal to acquire 254-bed ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and 208-bed ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda was valued at $265 million. The transaction includes ShorePoint physician clinics, outpatient services and the ShorePoint Health Emergency Department in Cape Coral.