Diagnosis for 3.24.25: Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy

Welcome back to Diagnosis, a vertical that focuses on the crossroads of health care policy and politics.

___

— No jab —

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries advanced a measure to protect consumers by requiring labels on food products containing vaccines or vaccine materials.

Sen. Joe Gruters sponsored the bill (SB 196) and thanked President Donald Trump for his leadership in prioritizing Americans’ health.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, more Americans are paying closer attention to their health now more than ever,” the Sarasota Republican said. “This legislation enhances transparency to help protect Floridians from untested, experimental processes to genetically modify their food with potentially dangerous mRNA vaccines. I am proud to see this legislation move forward as we work to make America healthy again!”

Senate President Ben Albritton said the bill addresses Floridians’ concerns about the use of genetically modified food.

“As a farmer, I know all too well the healing properties that many foods possess. Food certainly can be medicine,” the Wauchula Republican said. “However, many Floridians have genuine concerns about the practice of genetically engineering foods to contain experimental vaccines. The families across our state deserve to know what is in the food they eat. This legislation ensures transparency in our food supply.”

The bill would require clear labeling on all food products containing vaccines or vaccine materials. A food package including these materials not correctly labeled would be deemed a misbranded drug and food. The legislation would further prohibit fruit from being used as a mechanism to deliver an mRNA vaccine.

During its passage through the Committee, lawmakers made one amendment to include the prohibition of toxic chemicals in cosmetics, including ortho-phthalates, PFAS, formaldehyde, and others. These chemicals would be banned from sale in Florida.

— ‘Free kill’ —

The House is one step away from repealing the so-called “free kill” law, which prohibits adult children and parents older than 25 from collecting negligence and noneconomic damages for medical malpractice after a patient’s death.

Repeal efforts have been filed many times with varying degrees of success. However, this year’s bill, HB 6017, advanced through its Committee stops with few nay votes—it advanced through its stop in the House Judiciary Committee with a 20-1 vote.

The “free kill” law was enacted in 1990 as an update to the state’s 1972 Wrongful Death Act. This provision is unique to Florida; no other state has a similar statute.

While the bill, sponsored by Reps. Dana Trabulsy and Johanna López, only received one downvote in Committee; it has drawn scads of impassioned public testimony both for and against the revision.

Medical and insurance organizations, including major players such as the Florida Medical Association, have been warning about the potential cascading effect of a repeal. They argue that it would spur a glut of lawsuits, cause a spike in malpractice insurance rates, and push physicians to leave the Sunshine State to practice elsewhere.

Supporters reject that argument. Former Rep. Joel Rudman, a longtime physician, argues that only bad doctors stand to lose from a repeal.

“As a physician, my malpractice rates have remained static in the last decade. It’s not even one of (my) top three expenditures,” the Navarre Republican said. “Doctors aren’t going to leave Florida because of this bill — no good doctor. If a bad doctor wants to leave, bye.”

As HB 6017 is being teed up for a floor vote in the House, the Senate twin by Jacksonville Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough (SB 734) has cleared two committees and is scheduled to go before its final panel, Rules, when the Committee meets Wednesday morning.

— Vital mission —

Last week, Aetna Better Health of Florida presented a grant to the South Florida nonprofit Virtutem Populo at the Town of Miami Lakes Government Center.

The contribution is directed to Virtutem Populo’s Florida Student School Board Member Initiative, which advocates for student representation in every school district.

The initiative aims to work with Florida school districts to identify, nominate and elect non-voting student School Board members to participate in School Board meetings. The selected student would provide feedback and clarity on the student experience and perspective on decisions impacting students’ day-to-day lives.

Aetna Better Health of Florida said supporting children and students is a vital part of their mission, and funding Virtutem Populo’s initiative aligns with that goal.

“Supporting students and families is a top priority for us. We understand the importance of personal empowerment and how self-advocation and well-rounded educational experiences can serve to uplift students to become productive members of society,” said Aetna Better Health of Florida CEO Jennifer Sweet. “These are messages and values that Virtutem Populo’s Student School Board Member Initiative embodies through its student-led and student-driven efforts to engage Florida’s youth.”

Virtutem Populo Executive Director Maurits Acosta added, “We believe that students deserve a seat at the table where decisions about their education are made. The FL SSBMI ensures that student voices are heard and valued in the policymaking process. We are incredibly grateful to Aetna Better Health of Florida for recognizing the importance of youth civic engagement and supporting our mission to empower students across the state.”

— Roster —

Brandon Barrett has been elevated to assistant Chief Financial Officer at HCA Florida JFK Hospital, effective March 24.

Barrett has been a controller at HCA Florida JFK Hospital since June 2024. He previously worked as an assistant controller at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. Barrett joined HCA five years ago via Physician Services Group in Nashville, Tennessee, where he held multiple accounting roles.

“We are thrilled to have Brandon step into this leadership role,” HCA Florida JFK Hospital CEO Ken West said. “His financial expertise, commitment to excellence and dedication to our hospital’s mission make him a valuable asset to our leadership team.”

HCA Florida JFK Hospital CFO Tom Schlemmer added, “Brandon has demonstrated exceptional financial acumen and leadership throughout his time with our hospital. His ability to navigate complex financial strategies while maintaining a focus on patient-centered care makes him the perfect fit for this role. We look forward to his continued contributions to our hospital’s success.”

Brandon graduated from Florida State University’s College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance. While at FSU, he played linebacker and defensive end for the Florida State Seminoles football team.

 — ICYMI —

“Lobbyist scolded for ‘scare tactics’ in Committee debate on wrongful-death bill” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix — During public testimony on HB 6017 before the House Judiciary Committee, attorney Mark Berlick said allowing adult children of single parents to sue physicians and hospitals for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, would open the door to estranged children suing Florida’s hospitals and physicians. Berlick, an attorney with the Bolin Law Group, said he represented the Florida Justice Reform Institute, which champions lawsuit limitations. The comments didn’t sit well with Rep. Hillary Cassel, a Republican who noted that most of the people in the Committee hearing who testified on behalf of the bill were Florida residents.

“Florida needs Congress to keep health care affordable for small businesses” via Julio Fuentes for the Miami Herald — Unless Congress acts soon, health insurance costs will rise sharply next year for millions of Americans, including more than 4 million working Floridians and their families. Health care has been more affordable for people who buy coverage through the individual marketplace thanks to enhanced premium tax credits (EPTC). In 2021, Congress increased and expanded eligibility for the tax credits. However, these credits are set to expire at the end of this year. If that happens, premiums will skyrocket, forcing many small businesses to cut back on benefits, jeopardizing economic mobility and public health. Florida’s congressional delegation must work together to extend these tax credits and keep health coverage within reach for working families.

“Split Port Orange City Council votes 3-2 to keep fluoride in city water supply” via Brenno Carillo of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Division was evident among those who spoke about water fluoridation during the City Council’s meeting, which ended with a 3-2 split vote from the Board to keep adding fluoride to the city’s water supply. Port Orange is the first city in Volusia County to approve continuing water fluoridation since the issue became a hot topic at the end of last year. Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach have voted to stop fluoridation in their public water supplies, as have several other Florida cities. Residents worried about their children’s health and some, who argued water fluoridation is a form of forced medical treatment, spoke against the practice as a whole.

“Bill expanding health care options for Florida farmers advances” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee advanced a measure that allows rural farmers and ranchers more access to health care coverage options. Sen. Nick DiCeglie introduced a bill (SB 480) that is part of a massive piece of legislation geared toward improving infrastructure, health care access and other critical projects in rural communities in Florida. “This bill helps to provide affordable health coverage options for Florida farmers and ranchers, who face challenges to find affordable health care options in today’s market,” DiCeglie said. “This coverage is part of the ‘Rural Renaissance’ of Florida’s smaller and less densely populated regions where access to health care may be an issue.” Sen. Kristen Arrington asked if the plans were meant to be supplemental or the only form of insurance.

“Lawmakers move again to ban delta-8, restrict hemp marketplace” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — Less than a year after DeSantis vetoed legislation that would overhaul Florida’s hemp marketplace, Florida Senators are trying again. On Monday, a bill that would reform the hemp marketplace moved through its first Committee meeting in the Senate. The House hasn’t heard any companion legislation yet. Some ideas in the package Senators moved forward are the same as in the bill DeSantis vetoed last year. Others are new. When DeSantis vetoed last year‘s bill, he said it would impose too harsh a burden on small businesses. However, the sponsor of this year’s legislation and the vetoed bill said lawmakers also need to weigh concerns about the health and safety of hemp products.

— Rules —

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s Division of Health Facility and Agency Licensing has issued a proposed rule, 59A-11.019, regarding birth center standards and licensure. More here.

The Board of Osteopathic Medicine’s final rule 64B15-22.004, regarding the mandatory registration of unlicensed physicians, goes into effect Tuesday. More here.

Three final rules issued by the Board of Pharmacy — 64B16-28.702, regarding Class II Institutional Pharmacies; 64B16-28.750 regarding Class III Institutional Pharmacies; and 64B16-28.860, regarding Special Pharmacy Parenteral/Enteral Extended Scope Permits — go into effect today.

— Pencil it in —

March 25

1:30 p.m. — The Senate Health Policy Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Building.

4 p.m. — The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs meets to consider Taylor Hatch’s appointment as Department of Children & Families Secretary. Room 301, Senate Office Building.

March 26

8 a.m. — The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meets. Room 314, House Office Building.

9 a.m. — The Social Services Estimating Conference meets to discuss counties’ contributions to Medicaid. Room 117, Knott Building.

1 p.m. — The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services meets. Room 412, Knott Building.

March 27

It’s Keiser University Days at the Capitol; faculty, students, and alums will come to Tallahassee to highlight the university’s impact across Florida.

It’s Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association Capitol Day. The association will be on the 2nd Floor Rotunda.

3:30 p.m. — The Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee meets. Room 404, House Office Building.

March 28

Happy birthday to Rep. Vicky López!

March 31

Happy birthday to Rep. Dana Trabulsy!

1:30 p.m. — The House Health & Human Services Committee meets. Room 17, House Office Building.

April 1

8 a.m. — The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meets. Room 314, House Office Building.

12:30 p.m. — The House Human Services Subcommittee meets. Room 314, House Office Building.

1:30 p.m. — The Senate Health Policy meets. Room 412, Knott Building.

4 p.m. — The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Office Building.

April 2

1:30 p.m. — The House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee meets. Room 404, House Office Building.

April 3

8 a.m. — The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee meets. Room 102, House Office Building.