State grapples with physician shortage

| 12/12/2023

State grapples with physician shortage

With Florida’s population growing and an anticipated shortfall of nearly 18,000 physicians by 2035, a research arm of the Legislature is suggesting ways that lawmakers could increase retention of new doctors. “Florida’s physician workforce is inadequate to meet projected demand,” according to a presentation given Monday by the Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to members of the House Select Committee on Health Innovation. [Source: News Service of Florida]

New Florida website for Medicaid, food assistance hit with early problems

Florida launched a new computer system this week intended to make it easier to access government benefit programs including food assistance. But problems with the system and a requirement that every recipient must re-register have sparked worries that some residents may struggle to obtain and keep benefits. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida lawmakers propose 'Live Healthy' package to revive healthcare industry

The healthcare industry took a big hit during the COVID-19 pandemic – never fully recovering. But, a new package of bills in Tallahassee hopes to help remedy those challenges. Included in the nearly $900 million plan are creative loan repayment options to drive workers to underserved areas, more residency slots to attract and keep people, and removing barriers for out-of-state and foreign-trained physicians. [Source: WTVT]

Petition to place abortion protection on ballot nears 700,000 signatures

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure abortion rights in Florida continue moving closer to submitting enough petition signatures to get on the 2024 ballot. The Florida Division of Elections website Friday showed 687,700 valid petition signatures for the measure, which is sponsored by the political committee Floridians Protecting Freedom. The committee by Feb. 1 will need to submit at least 891,523 valid signatures statewide and meet signature requirements in at least half of the state’s congressional districts to get on the November ballot. [Source: News Service of Florida]

New gene-editing treatment for sickle cell could be great news in Central Florida

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a gene-editing therapy that's seen success in treating the most severe form of the disease. Casgevy, manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, is the first approved therapy based on CRISPR, the gene editing tool that won its inventors the Nobel Prize in 2020. Also approved was another gene therapy made by Bluebird Bio that works differently. [Source: WMFE]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Tampa General gets greenlight for $510 million Davis Islands expansion [Tampa Bay Times]
The skyline on Davis Islands is set for a remake. Tampa City Council members on Thursday approved a rezoning request from Tampa General Hospital to begin construction of 13-story pavilion, which will become the tallest structure on the islands, according to hospital officials. The $510 million project is the centerpiece of the hospital’s master plan to meet the region’s growing demand for health care.

› As flu strain spreads in Palm Beach County, a program offers free testing, treatment [Palm Beach Post]
As a strain of flu spreads in Palm Beach County, free testing for COVID and the flu as well as free virtual treatment are available through a federally funded program. A program funded by the National Institutes of Health is offering free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu. Anyone who is interested can sign up and they don't need insurance. The Influenza B virus is on the rise as its harsher cousin, Influenza A, is declining, sewage readings provided by the Jupiter-area Loxahatchee River District show.

› Sarasota nonprofit medical agency for underserved names C-suite execs [Business Observer]
CenterPlace Health, a nonprofit that provides primary care, dental care and integrated behavioral health services for an at-risk, vulnerable, underserved and/or uninsured client base, has named a new COO and a new chief strategy and growth officer. Anna Ferguson, named COO, will be responsible for directing the business operations of seven clinics and programs, including the 340B pharmacy, vaccine program, lab services, call center and scheduling.

› How does Jacksonville's Wolfson fare in national children's hospital rankings? [Florida Times-Union]
Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville has been named one of the top eight children's hospitals in the country by a national health care watchdog organization that evaluates patient safety and care quality. The almost 70-year-old Wolfson was one of three health care facilities in Florida to make The Leapfrog Group's Top Children's Hospital list for 2023.

Tags: Health Care eNews

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