Out-of-state health providers allowed after storm

Out-of-state health providers allowed after storm

State Surgeon General Celeste Philip issued an emergency order that allows certain out-of-state health care professionals to provide services in Florida for another 30 days. Governor Rick Scott issued an executive order on Oct. 7 declaring an emergency in 35 counties because of Hurricane Michael. See the emergency order here and read more from WGCU.

See also:
» Therapists Continue Helping Patients Despite Hurricane Michael Damages
» Gulf Coast hospital partially reopens labor, other services
» United Way providing replacement medication after Michael

Health care not an elixir for Florida Democrats

Florida Democrats pushed health care as a top priority during this year’s elections, hammering Republicans for attempts to repeal Obamacare and the potential loss of insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Democrats also hoped support for a Medicaid expansion would help foment a “blue wave” that was supposed to wash over the state Tuesday. [Source: Health News Florida]

Florida study shows targeted increases in public health spending lead to decrease in infant mortality rates

Despite its preventable nature, infant mortality is a major health care problem in the United States, where mortality rates are significantly higher than most other developed nations. Now, a new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University shows that targeted spending on public health activities specifically related to infant health significantly reduces infant mortality. Read the news release from FAU and see the study here.

Data breach notice issued for patients of Florida Department of Health clinics

The Florida Department of Health is notifying patients of a data breach affecting Northwest Florida clinics. An unauthorized user accessed the account of a children’s medical services employee between October 8 – 16. It’s possible the hacker accessed the names and medical histories of patients served by the District 1 Child Protection Team. [Source: WEAR]

Mayo Clinic names new CEO of Florida campus

A Rochester radiologist has been chosen to take on the leadership of Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus to replace Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, who will soon be Mayo Clinic’s president. The Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees met this week and voted to name Dr. Kent Thielen as Farrugia’s successor as as the Florida CEO. [Source: Post Bulletin]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Mental health resources available in Big Bend area to help with PTSD [WTXL]
The National Center for PTSD reports eight percent of U.S. veterans have had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at some point in their life. The Florida Veterans Foundation is working with other groups to launch an app for veterans who need that help.

› Florida Board of Health suspends or restricts 39 licenses [WFTS]
The Florida Department of Health issued 39 Emergency Suspension Orders and Emergency Restriction Orders for serious violations, including the commission of crimes, violations of standards of care, drug use, impairment, drug diversion, sexual misconduct and defaulting on a student loan.

› Orlando Health partners with eHealth for Medicare Advantage enrollment [Orlando Sentinel]
For the first time during the Medicare open enrollment period, Orlando Health has partnered with the online insurance brokerage company eHealth to let consumers compare and shop for Medicare Advantage plans that are accepted by the health system.

› Trulieve to purchase two out-of-state cannabis companies [WUSF]
Trulieve, Florida’s largest medical marijuana business, has purchased two new businesses that will expand its reach out of state for the first time. The Tallahassee-based company, which operates 23 dispensaries in Florida, has agreed to purchase Life Essense in Massachusetts and Leef Industries in California.

Tags: Health Care eNews

Previous Health Care Updates:

• 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
• Measles is a 'heat-seeking missile' experts warn as Florida outbreak grows
• Florida's Medicaid enrollment numbers dip below 4.8 million in January