March 29, 2024
Florida lawmakers look at legislation to combat opioid crisis

Photo: WCTV.tv

Florida Trend Health Care

Florida lawmakers look at legislation to combat opioid crisis

| 10/24/2017

Florida lawmakers look at legislation to combat opioid crisis

Cutting down on the number of painkillers that can be prescribed at any given time is the latest approach lawmakers are considering to curb opioid deaths. The first step; legislation that would end the practice of over prescribing. On Monday, a bill was filed in the Florida Senate that would limit opioid supply to three days for standard prescriptions but would allow doctors up to a seven-day supply for certain medical conditions. The bill, Senate Bill 8, was filed by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and endorsed by Senate President Joe Negron. More from WCTV, the Tampa Bay Newspapers, and the Fort Myers News-Press.

See also:
» No evidence to prove Medicaid expansion is fueling the opioid crisis

Nursing home providers quarrel over quality payments

A bruising battle over how to parcel out billions in Medicaid payments for nursing homes is showing little signs of ending anytime soon. Long-term care remains one of the largest expenses in the Florida's $26 billion Medicaid program. [Source: Health News Florida]

See also:
» More nursing home legislation proposed

Publix expands to new turf: Hospitals

Publix retail pharmacies are now open at St. Anthony’s Hospital’s Suncoast Medical Clinic in St. Petersburg, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and at Morton Plant Hospital’s new Doyle Tower in Clearwater. In addition to retail pharmacy services provided in the hospitals, two more collaborative pieces are under development. By the end of the year, all Publix stores in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties will feature BayCare HealthHubs. See the news release here. Also read more at Business Observer.

CEO of Florida's Adventist Health System talks Hurricane Irma response, relief efforts

Like other Florida healthcare organizations, Altamonte Springs-based Adventist Health System has been busy with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. AHS President and CEO Terry Shaw recently answered questions from Becker's Hospital Review about the system's hurricane response efforts, including the financial relief options. [Source: Becker's Hospital Review]

Flu season is upon Florida

Flu season is getting underway and health officials at all levels are sending out the word for people to get their vaccinations. During the first week of the 2017-18 season – October 1-7 -- influenza activity remained at low levels across Florida. But it’s expected to increase heading into the fall and winter months. [Source: WUWF]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› No maternity wing or trauma unit any time soon, but Florida Hospital Flagler thrives on
If you’ve had occasion to speak about the surgeons at Florida Hospital Flagler or to be under their knives, you have almost certainly heard about Steven Bower, the general surgeon with superstar status locally.

› Indian River Medical Center pitch attracts interest from 12 health systems, 2 competitors
Twelve health systems expressed preliminary interest in a partnership with Indian River Medical Center as of Thursday, and the deadline to submit proposals to take over the county-owned hospital is Nov. 10.

› Growth driving Villages health care boom
Health care growth in The Villages morphed into a new phase last week with the opening of the Brownwood Care Center. Villagers learned that The Villages Health medical facility just north of Grand Traverse Plaza will offer a hybrid slate of specialty and primary care services.

› Florida healthcare provider provides 100 free mammograms
Michelle Bautista, from Panama City, Florida, is challenging her community to raise enough funds to provide 100 women mammograms. In addition to raising funds, she is also offering free mammograms at her own clinic for the next month.

» Go to page 2 for more health care stories in your region

Regional Health Care
News & Updates

Tags: Health Care eNews

Previous Health Care Updates:

Health Care Video Pick

Providing free primary health care is Clearwater woman’s mission
Providing free primary health care is Clearwater woman’s mission

Healthcare Videos | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.