Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineSeptember 19, 2018

An insurance industry analysis undermines any assumption that employees delay reporting weekend injuries into the work week to take advantage of workers’ compensation benefits. Were that true, one might expect the number of workers’ comp claims filed during the work week to have declined since the Affordable Care Act brought 8 million people into the ranked of the insured. […]

Michael MolineJuly 16, 2018

An insurance industry analysis projects medical inflation of more than 2 percent through the end of 2019, chiefly because of improved treatment quantity driven by hospital consolidation. What that means for Florida’s workers’ compensation system remains unclear, according to a briefing paper, “The Impact of Hospital Consolidation on Medical Costs,” published by the National Council […]

Scott PowersJune 6, 2018

Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is launching the first digital ad of his election campaign emphasizing his role in getting expanded mental health benefits for first responders, and showing them expressing tearful appreciation for his efforts. The 30-second spot, “First Responders,” begins with Patronis at a March news conference with Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney […]

Michael MolineApril 18, 2018

On Wednesday, a state appellate court overruled a workers’ compensation judge who denied death and funeral benefits for an employee’s widow on the ground that he was intoxicated when he stepped into the path of a truck on U.S. 1. State law allows denial of benefits when a workplace death or injury is attributable to […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Scott made the announcement early Wednesday at a “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters at The Capitol. The legislation (SB 376) is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

Without debate, the Florida Senate on Saturday unanimously passed a bill to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure (SB 376) was among several added to a rare weekend sitting to handle pending school safety legislation. That’s in response to last month’s deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 16, 2018

“Recovering a toddler’s body from the river, pulling bodies from a car that ended up in a canal and carrying a decapitated teen’s body across the sand who was the victim of a shark attack would certainly take a toll on anyone,” Leslie Dangerfield said behind teary eyes. She was describing the atrocities her husband, […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 15, 2018

First responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if they don’t have physical injuries under proposed legislation that will be considered Tuesday by a Senate panel. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the head of the state agency that ensures businesses have workers’ compensation coverage for employees, said his […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

Right out of the gate, the Florida House took several major steps toward statewide insurance reform during the first week of the 2018 Legislative Session. On Friday, lawmakers advanced a trio of House bills: repealing the state’s motor vehicle no-fault law and PIP insurance requirements, addressing “assignment of benefits” abuse and making significant changes in […]

Tag: workers compensation

Obamacare had little effect on timing of workers’ comp claims, study says

Study projects rising medical inflation through next year

Jimmy Patronis’ first ad focuses on efforts for first responders

Appeal court: Evidence didn’t prove worker was drunk when hit by a truck on U.S. 1

Rick Scott says he’ll sign first responders’ benefits bill

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

Senate passes PTSD benefits for first responders

With emotion, legislators and relatives of late firefighters push PTSD bill

Jimmy Patronis backs expanding PTSD benefits for first responders

In first week of Session, Florida House took big steps toward insurance reform