Another legislative tussle in the works over Florida cancer research funding
Florida’s efforts to battle cancer could prove the source of another fight in the state Legislature this year, especially if legislative leaders stick with promises to curtail spending now that federal stimulus dollars have dried up. Florida has four National Cancer Institute–designated research and treatment centers that annually receive $127.5 million in state funds to help them recruit the best and brightest medical minds to advance cancer research. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Free-standing ERs are popping up all over Florida. Don’t confuse them for urgent cares
Free-standing emergency rooms are spreading all over South Florida, extending the reach of hospitals into fast-growing suburbs. In Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, about 30 standalone emergency rooms have opened, are under construction or planned. For health systems, the new construction in targeted neighborhoods is a way to boost their bottom line, lure privately insured patients, and serve an area without the cost of building a full-service hospital. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
As flu cases spike in Florida ERs, the CDC issues new guidance to identify bird flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week advised a need for faster flu testing to help identify possible bird flu cases hiding in the flock of rising flu diagnoses around the country. The new guidance to hospitals and labs to test for flu subtypes within 24 hours, especially for patients in intensive care. Most physicians and hospitals do not have the specific test required to identify bird flu, referred to by medical experts as influenza A(H5). Instead, they look for other subtypes they can check for. [Source: Central Florida Publicc Media]
Florida to get a share of the new $7.4 billion OxyContin settlement with Purdue Pharma
A new multibillion settlement in the case involving OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma is expected to add more than $233 million to Florida’s legal recoveries to help stem the deadly opioid crisis. Members of the Sackler family who own Purdue Pharma, and the company itself, agreed to pay up to $7.4 billion for its role in “fueling waves of addiction and overdose deaths,” Florida’s Acting Attorney General John Guard said. [Source: Health News Florida]
Why some Florida group homes for pregnant women aren’t licensed by the state
As religious groups across the country open more maternity homes for pregnant women and teenagers, the nonprofit that oversees some of those homes in Florida is facing renewed criticism from state lawmakers over its practices. The nonprofit, the Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies, has regulatory authority over about two dozen maternity homes, ranches for troubled youth, and group homes for children whose parents cannot take care of them. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida Blue employee says second wave of layoffs came with no warning as industry faces ‘complex’ challenges
Employees at Florida Blue, the largest health insurance provider in Jacksonville, spoke out Friday about the company’s decision to lay off hundreds of workers. A spokesperson confirmed with News4JAX that the cuts are part of broader efforts by its parent company, GuideWell, to address challenges in the healthcare industry.
› Orlando Regional Medical Center boosts trauma care with ER upgrade
Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center has debuted its redesigned emergency room downtown. The nonprofit health system on Jan. 24 unveiled $25 million in upgrades across 20,000 square feet of space. The ER is home to the region’s only Level One Trauma Center, which handles severe injuries. It is the largest work on the emergency room in more than a decade and was funded entirely via philanthropy.
› HCA Florida sees increased injuries and illness following cold weather
The snow may have been fun to go out and play in, however, it has led to an uptick in injuries seen at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. Doctors say this is because the snow and ice can be slippery, and people around here aren’t used to these conditions. They say that they have seen a slight increase in fractures and head injuries due to people slipping and falling.
› All Children’s unveils plans for new Pasco pediatric center
Specialized pediatric care is coming to Pasco County’s “Connected City”. One year after purchasing land in Wesley Chapel, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has unveiled plans for a 56-bed pediatric center. Construction on the new hospital is scheduled to begin this year and to take roughly two years. The project is part of push to bring care to some of the region’s fastest-growing communities.