Doctors concerned Florida opioids bills would go too far
Doctors concerned Florida opioids bills would go too far
Legislation aimed at fighting opioid abuse in Florida has raised concerns among doctors over provisions to impose limits as short as three days for prescriptions of the potentially addictive painkillers. Doctors have told lawmakers that such limits on prescriptions are not enough for some cases of acute pain. They also argue the limits would go too far in limiting flexibility for practitioners, and would place too much burden on patients. [Source: AP] See text of the bills below:
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Florida lawmakers back health cost-sharing ministries
For some, health care is biblical. And the Florida Legislature wants to keep it that way. A state House committee on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill that could help boost enrollment in health cost-sharing arrangements offered by non-profit religious organizations. [Source: Health News Florida]
Do Florida nursing home patients need a bill of rights?
Advocates for nursing home residents say a constitutional amendment is needed to create a bill of rights for an elderly and vulnerable population. They've introduced Proposal 88, which is being fought by the nursing home industry. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Death takes a toll: Bill helps first responders with PTSD
Former Orlando police officer Gerry Realin isn't the same since he spent five hours in the Pulse nightclub among the bodies of those killed in what was then the nation's deadliest mass shooting. Now his wife is pushing Florida lawmakers to pass a bill that would expand workers' compensation benefits for first responders who suffer from PTSD. [Source: AP]
FDA warns Florida center mammograms may be inaccurate
Mammograms performed at a South Florida office may have been done so improperly, leading to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) urging patients to seek new testing. Helen Barr, MD, and the FDA doctor in charge of mammogram quality said the facility's yearly inspection exposed many violations. See the FDA safety alert here. Also read more at WSVN and Health Imaging.
› Cleveland Clinic chosen to enter talks for takeover of Indian River Medical Center [TCPalm]
Indian River Medical Center leaders chose Cleveland Clinic to take over the county-owned hospital. Its international reputation for high-quality health care sealed the deal.
› Disney partnering with Orlando Health, Florida Hospital to offer HMO plans [Orlando Sentinel]
Walt Disney Co. has rolled out an insurance plan for its Central Florida employees, which involves two major local health systems and bypasses insurance companies — likely the first of its kind here, Orlando doctors say.
› Senators try to set framework for telehealth [WLRN]
A Senate committee last week approved a bill that includes some recommendations made by a state-appointed telehealth advisory panel but ignores other recommendations involving what is known as “parity” in health-care coverage and reimbursements.
› New CEO named at Capital Regional Medical Center [Tallahassee Democrat]
Alan Keesee begins his new role as CEO at Capital Regional Medical Center on March 1. Last month, after three years on the job, the hospital's former CEO Mark Robinson announced plans to head St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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