Florida’s ‘free kill’ law limits who can sue for medical malpractice. Will it end in 2025?
Lauren Korniyenko was devastated when her 70-year-old mother died in a Brevard County hospital two days after hip surgery. Her anguish worsened with a subsequent discovery: Florida law essentially blocked her from suing doctors and the hospital alleging shoddy medical care. Now, she’s part of a network of families pushing to repeal a state statute critics have dubbed the “free kill law.” Often, Floridians discover that law only when a loved one dies, and no attorney will take their case because of the sharp limits it places on medical malpractice suits. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Watertight wall
It’s 1,000 feet long and stands up to 10 feet high. It’s secured with metal anchors and sealed to the ground. And for Tampa General Hospital, it made a huge difference during this year’s hurricane season. It’s called the AquaFence, a watertight barricade that TGH began installing this year when hurricanes approached. Previously used in countries like Norway, the fence is designed to protect the low-lying hospital from storm surge. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida leads the nation in unnecessary back surgeries. Here’s what a patient should know
Back surgeries are some of the most common operations in Florida, but also the most risky and often unnecessary. New research proves why anyone suffering from back pain should approach surgery cautiously and choose a surgeon selectively. Classic back surgery has one of the highest failure rates of any operation (36%), and in a newly released analysis of Medicare data, Florida ranks the highest in the country for the number of low-value and unnecessary back and spine surgeries. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Opinion: Florida hospitals make gains in workforce shortages
Florida’s hospitals are laser-focused on growing, supporting, and retaining health care clinicians, administrative professionals, technicians, and numerous other staff members to meet the Sunshine State’s growing population of people whose health care needs need to be met today and tomorrow. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida is UnitedHealthcare’s 2nd largest market. What that means for insurance denials.
About 4 million people in Florida are insured by UnitedHealthcare, a company facing backlash after its CEO was shot to death in Manhattan, followed by public outrage over its pattern of coverage denials. Florida represents UnitedHealthcare’s second largest market after Texas, providing coverage through employee plans, the Affordable Care Act open marketplace and Medicare Advantage plans. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› FC Naples signs multiyear partnership deal with Physicians Regional Healthcare System
Collier County’s Physicians Regional Healthcare System signed a multiyear agreement to be the FC Naples professional soccer team’s title sponsor and health care partner, team officials announced. As title sponsor, Physicians Regional’s logo will be prominently displayed on the front of FC Naples’ jerseys and throughout the stadium. Throughout the season, the hospital’s orthopedic specialists will treat players.
› Tampa General Hospital agrees to run Belle Glade's Lakeside Medical Center
The Palm Beach County Health Care District has approved a five-year agreement with Tampa General Hospital to partner on operating Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade. According to Stet News, the district’s board of commissioners approved the deal during a Dec. 11 meeting, although specifics of the agreement are reportedly still being negotiated. In a statement, the district said it expects Tampa General to “provide administrative leadership, operational and strategic support and deep expertise.”
› Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute ramps up expansion
Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute will grow its footprint in Central Florida. The orthopedic practice — part of the nonprofit health system — just opened an 8,700-square-foot office in Melbourne at 5565 N. Wickham Road which will have 15 exam rooms, one casting room and a rehabilitation space. The office has 20 total staff and includes the Orlando Health Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center.
› Emergency care options multiply as 4 hospital systems expand into Lakeland
For generations, Lakeland residents facing serious medical emergencies had one place to go: Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Within a few years, they might have nine. Local dignitaries cut the ribbon Wednesday on HCA Florida’s second standalone emergency room in Lakeland, at the northeast corner of Carpenter’s Way and U.S. Highway 98 North.