Florida Trend Exclusive
Behind the frontlines
The words “health care professional” typically conjure up images of doctors or nurses, both of which are facing highly publicized shortages in Florida. Lesser known: the shortage of allied health professionals, which support those positions and comprise nearly 60% of the state’s health care workforce. Despite year-over-year improvements, the state’s average allied health vacancy rate sat at 11% last year with more than 8,000 unfilled positions, according to the Florida Hospital Association. It’s a gap that Ultimate Medical Academy, among other Florida institutions, is trying to bridge. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida 'rural renaissance’ reemerges. Bill would help medical practices and more
In a top priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, the Senate on Thursday released a wide-ranging bill aimed at boosting such things as health care, education, transportation and economic development in rural areas. The 138-page bill, for example, would provide $25 million for a new program aimed at helping physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses set up practices in rural communities. [Source: Halth News Florida]
Florida Medicaid program for kids had 1,000 unqualified therapists
A majority of music, art and other expressive therapists approved to treat disabled and autistic children in Florida were not professionally certified and had not undergone a comprehensive background check, an internal state review has revealed. State subcontractor MTM Health registered more than 1,700 therapists across Florida qualifying them for payments from a Medicaid program for children with complex medical issues. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
‘It’s dismal’: Why Florida struggles to diagnose and treat lung cancer early
Florida continues to struggle in its efforts to detect and treat lung cancer early, ranking low in several key measures, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. Nearly 27% of Floridians diagnosed with lung cancer do not receive any treatment — one of the worst rates in the nation. The state ranks 45th out of 49 states with available data. The findings are especially worrisome for a disease that remains the deadliest form of cancer in the nation. [Source: WUSF]
Statewide insurance trust offers millions in tax savings for school districts
The Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT) is offering millions in health savings for participating school districts, the group announced this week. The nonprofit health insurance trust is established to help Florida school districts save on employee health plans without having to pass along benefit reductions. Formerly known as the FSHIP program, it was established in 2009 by the Florida School Board Insurance Trust. [Source: Florida Politics]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› UCF researchers use music and saliva to better understand Alzheimer’s
Scientists at the University of Central Florida are studying saliva from dementia patients to better understand how music can benefit aging brains. It’s no secret that music impacts people. Hearing a familiar song, especially one from your formative years, can bring back all sorts of memories. But there’s still a lot scientists don’t know about the effects of music, especially on people with dementia.
› Pushback over nursing not listed as 'professional degree' in proposed student loan rules
There is pushback from nurses in Florida and across a nation against the U.S. Department of Education and proposed rules regarding student loans. A proposal in the "One Big Beautiful Bill" slated to take effect doesn't list nursing as a professional degree, prompting several nursing associations to condemn the move and petition for government officials to reverse course.
› Miami business gives up license after accusations of illegal plastic surgeries
A Miami plastic surgery center whose owner is accused of helping with at least one liposuction by one of the unlicensed doctors who performed surgeries there has surrendered its office surgery license. Before the final order on its license relinquishment posted last week, Little Havana’s New World Medical & Mystic Cosmetic Surgery Center, had been on suspension since May.
› New 90-bed HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital on track to open in May 2026
Drivers along Archer Road have likely noticed the ongoing construction of HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital. The new facility is set to become HCA Florida’s second Gainesville location, with doors scheduled to open in May 2026. It will be Gainesville's first new hospital in 50 years. The four-story, 205,000-square-foot facility will feature 90 beds — 60 for medical surgical and 30 for inpatient rehab — four operating rooms, and surgical, imaging and emergency services.