Diagnosis for 4.28.25: 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.

___

— Eyeball Wars —

A bill that would expand optometrists’ scope of practice has cleared the full House despite objections from ophthalmologists.

Sponsored by Rep. Alex Rizo, HB 449 is this year’s entry in the long-running “Eyeball Wars.” Optometrists have long sought the authority to provide more advanced care, such as laser surgery. Ophthalmologists strongly oppose any expansion of their scope of practice.

Both professions require extensive post-baccalaureate education, though of the two, only ophthalmologists attend medical school — a distinction ophthalmologists say makes them uniquely qualified to perform the procedures covered under Rizo’s bill.

However, bill supporters say the number of ophthalmologists is too few to serve Florida’s population, especially in rural areas.

In each of the bill’s Committee stops, Rizo pointed to American Medical Association data recommending one ophthalmologist per 4,000 residents in a given region. There are approximately 1,700 ophthalmologists in Florida, which would be adequate for a state of 7 million residents, not Florida’s 23.5 million and growing.

The argument carried the bill through the House floor, where it passed on an 88-24 vote.

“Twenty-six of Florida’s 67 counties are without a single ophthalmologist, leaving countless residents stranded without critical eye care,” Rizo said in a press release. “Our world-class optometry schools equip professionals with advanced skills they can use in 30 other states, yet Florida holds them back. This bill is a game-changer, unleashing the expertise of our optometrists to deliver life-changing care to rural and underserved communities. Access to vision care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity, and we’re fighting to make it a reality for every Floridian.”

The bill’s chance of becoming law is slim, however, as no companion measure — nor a broader bill with similar provisions — exists in the Senate.

Per Senate rules, no bill may be considered by the full chamber unless it or a companion bill has been approved by at least one Senate committee. Exceptions to the rule can only be made by unanimous consent.

— Maternity honors —

Four First Coast Baptist Medical Center facilities have been honored for their commitment to maternity care.

The Joint Commission Maternal Levels of Care Verification was bestowed upon Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Clay, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center South. The distinction is given to medical facilities that match the right care for their patients and feature unique newborn and maternal health needs.

“This designation demonstrates that we are committed to ensuring every mother and baby receives care tailored to their unique needs, from routine deliveries to complex cases,” said Kathryn Villano, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialist with Regional Obstetric Consultants, who practices at Baptist Health. “For our community, it means knowing that exceptional, evidence-based care is available close to home, improving outcomes for families and strengthening overall maternal health.”

The verification process involves an on-site review from the Commission’s personnel to verify maternity care at each health care facility. The people conducting the reviews include obstetric providers, nurses, midwives or clinicians.

“This approach ensures every mom has access to care that is right for her and baby,” said Tammy Daniel, executive vice president and Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health. “If a pregnancy is low-risk, moms can deliver close to home with the support they need. But if complications arise, we have a seamless process to connect them with advanced care. It’s all about keeping moms and babies safe while making the best use of health system resources.”

— Roster —

Jennifer Crabtree has been appointed senior vice president of Tampa General and president of the Tampa Medical & Research District, effective Oct. 1, 2025.

In her new role, Crabtree will lead the strategic direction and development of the TMRD, a growing hub of world-class clinical care, academics, research and biotechnology anchored by one of the country’s leading academic health systems — Tampa General, in collaboration with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“Jennifer has been an exceptional leader and an invaluable strategic partner in the growth and development of the Tampa Medical & Research District since its inception,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “I could not think of a better person more equipped to lead the strategic direction and development of the District moving forward. I am confident that her skill set and passion for this work will meaningfully drive our vision for the District and unlock the true potential of our partnerships.”

TMRD is part of a capital commitment from Tampa General to create an ecosystem that attracts highly respected clinicians, scientists, educators and investors. TGH says TMRD will increase “access to esteemed experts, unparalleled research, unique educational opportunities and revolutionary health care services throughout the region.”

According to a third-party study conducted by The Washington Economics Group, the District, upon completion, is projected to create and support nearly 58,000 jobs and generate an $8.3 billion economic impact.

In her capacity as president of the TMRD, Crabtree will oversee the ongoing work of the TMRD Advisory Committee, which was established last year to guide the strategy, continued development and expansion of the District.

— ICYMI —

“Ron and Casey DeSantis blame ‘political agendas’ for Hope Florida ‘misunderstanding’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis are countering questions about Hope Florida finances in a familiar area of the state. Appearing at St. Augustine’s Anchor Faith Church, the First Couple told a crowd in what once was his congressional district not to believe what they’ve heard about Hope Florida. Roughly an hour after a House Subcommittee’s probe into the program was frustrated by not getting voluntary witnesses to show up, the Governor addressed critics of the Hope Florida Foundation. DeSantis said a letter from the Agency for Health Care Administration’s lawyer, which said the unorthodox fund transfer was legal, “totally debunks the bogus media narratives that were out there” about the money being diverted from the program’s core function of helping people emerge from what the Governor and First Lady call “the culture of dependency.”

“Lawmakers end Hope Florida charity probe without hearing from key players” via Lawrence Mower and Alexandria Glorioso of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau — A Florida House probe into Gov. DeSantis’ Hope Florida Foundation is halting without key testimony, despite the lead investigator accusing State Attorney General Uthmeier and the charity’s lawyer of criminal conspiracy and fraud. Andrade alleged Uthmeier and Jeff Aaron funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement through the foundation and two nonprofits into a political committee Uthmeier controlled, primarily to fight marijuana legalization. With the Legislative Session ending, Andrade said prosecution falls to federal authorities. Uthmeier, Aaron, and the heads of the nonprofits receiving grants refused to give final testimony, citing legal issues. Uthmeier and Aaron deny wrongdoing and threatened lawsuits against Andrade, who stands by his claims and vows policy action next Session.

“Nonprofit leader said she was wrongly pressured to testify in Hope Florida scandal” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The head of a nonprofit that received a grant from the Hope Florida Foundation says she was pressured to testify to lawmakers. Amy Ronshausen, Executive Director of Save Our Society From Drugs, sent a letter to Speaker Daniel Perez, saying that House Health Care Budget Subcommittee Chair Alex Andrade brought up pending funding requests when she was pushed to testify. She also said the Pensacola Republican wasn’t honest about how the information gleaned would be used. Her letter discusses a telephone conversation she had with Andrade and lobbyist RJ Myers. Andrade disputed the description of events. “Nothing she said in that letter happened,” he told Florida Politics.

“Don Gaetz: Senate won’t confirm two of Ron DeSantis’ top health care secretaries” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — The Florida Senate confirmation prospects for two top DeSantis agency heads, Shevaun Harris at AHCA and Taylor Hatch at DCF, look grim this Session, entangled in the swirling controversy around First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida initiative. Sen. Gaetz, chairing the crucial Ethics and Elections Committee, which vets appointees, signals that time has run out. But time isn’t the only obstacle. Gaetz expresses serious reservations, particularly about Harris. “I’d have a hard time voting for Secretary Harris unless she came clean and had a very different story than what she’s telling the House,” he stated, referencing ongoing scrutiny over the Hope Florida Foundation. He confirmed that he had “serious questions for both of them.”

“House passes mental health and substance abuse bill” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — In a unanimous vote Thursday, the Florida House passed a measure to enhance substance abuse and mental health care services in the state. Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman presented the bill (HB 1091) and explained that the legislation would improve access, update procedures for involuntary services and refine the training and qualifications of mental health professionals. “We have identified the need to update the processes and regulations around the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the medication-assisted needs assessment and our forensic evaluators,” Gonzalez Pittman said. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) would oversee 988 crisis lifeline centers, which were established by the federal government in 2022, to ensure they meet accreditation standards. DCF would further adopt rules to deliver the service and implement statewide interoperability with the 911 system.

— Rules —

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding payment methodology for services in facilities that are neither publicly owned nor publicly operated (59G-6.045) takes effect April 30. More here.

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding reimbursement methodology for services provided by medical school faculty (59G-6.005) takes effect April 30. More here.

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding developmental disabilities individual budgeting waiver services provider rate table (59G-13.081) takes effect April 30. More here.

The Agency for Health Care Administration’s final rule regarding developmental disabilities individual budgeting waiver services (59G-13.070) takes effect April 30. More here.

— Pencil it in —

April 29

10 a.m. — The Senate will hold a floor Session.

10:30 a.m. — The House will hold a floor Session.

April 30

58th Day Rule: After the 58th Day of Session, the House may only consider returning messages, conference reports and concurrent resolutions.

10 a.m. — The Senate will hold a floor Session.

10:30 a.m. — The House will hold a floor Session.

May 1

Happy birthday to Rep. Richard Gentry!

10 a.m. — The Senate will hold a floor Session.

10:30 a.m. — The House will hold a floor Session.

May 2

10 a.m. — The Senate will hold a floor Session.

10:30 a.m. — The House will hold a floor Session.

May 6

Happy birthday to Reps. Tracie Davis and Toby Overdorf!