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Phil AmmannMay 14, 2015

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a bill allowing the Lakeland hospice closed by the state over a paperwork error a chance to reopen. The governor signed HB 441, which allows Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) on Drane Field Road access to an expedited process to reapply for its license with the Florida Agency for Health […]

Phil AmmannMay 4, 2015

For those wondering which big name Florida Republican will choose to seek higher office 2018, one puzzle piece may soon fall into place. Conservative women’s group Maggie’s List is hosting a major Tampa fundraiser on May 19 that’s to feature a “special announcement” from Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi is widely considered one of the […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

A Lakeland hospice forced to close by the state over a paperwork error is near reopening by way of a bill passed last week by the Legislature. On Friday, both the Senate and House passed HB 441, giving Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) on Drane Field Road access to an expedited process to reapply for its license. […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

As the 2015 legislative session winds down – and the state’s budget standoff heats up – money is on everyone’s mind. With that, the darkening prospects of the House and Senate settling differences over Medicaid expansion lead a casual (and maybe not so casual) observer to ask the obvious question. Why? Why is the Senate […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

As the 2015 legislative session winds down – and the state’s budget standoff heats up – money is on everyone’s mind. With that, the darkening prospects of the House and Senate settling differences over Medicaid expansion lead a casual (and maybe not so casual) observer to ask the obvious question. Why? Why is the Senate […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 23, 2015

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The Senate Appropriations Committee quickly moved a health care train Thursday with little-to-no debate. The underlying nursing bill became a “train” after the committee tagged on two House priorities: direct primary care and site selection for new veteran nursing homes or HBs 7047 and 7045, respectively. Both bills were developed by the House Health Innovation Subcommittee. […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 20, 2015

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A Senate committee tagged a controversial health care bill to a measure expanding the scope of practice for Florida’s nurses, a priority for the Florida House this year. The Senate Rules Committee on Monday committee agreed to tack on an amendment to CS/CS/SB 614 that would allow doctors to override step therapy protocols within 24 hours if a […]

Phil AmmannApril 20, 2015

A Lakeland hospice threatened with closing by the state, could be saved by a bill making its way through the Legislature. On Tuesday, Estero Republican Rep. Ray Rodrigues will introduce an amendment to HB 441, with legislative language to help Compassionate Care Hospice on Drane Field Road to continue serving terminally ill patients. This year, the […]

Ryan RayApril 14, 2015

It seems lawmakers hit the annual “drink, drop and dash” scene exceptionally hard this year. Legislators are prohibited from raising campaign cash during the Legislative Session in Tallahassee. However, in the run-up beforehand, statehouse pols pulled in more than $1 million dollars in eleventh-hour contributions. Much of it came from lobbyists and business interests who […]

Ryan RayApril 12, 2015

A proposal to allow grocers and big-box retailers to sell hard liquor in the same store as more wholesome wares lives on, Rep. Greg Steube said Friday. The Sarasota Republican’s HB 107 was pulled from consideration during week six of this year’s lawmaking Session after intense pushback from public health advocates and liquor store industry lobbyists, […]

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Alyssa Gay. Image via AG Creative.

Governor’s signature to allow shuttered Lakeland hospice to reopen

Pam Bondi to make “special announcement” at May 19 fundraiser

Bill to reopen Lakeland hospice goes to governor’s desk

Peter Schorsch: In the deadlock over the state budget, follow the money

For some Florida Senators, healthcare budget standoff isn’t business, it’s personal

Senate panel OKs nursing bill; it’s now a health care train

Step therapy amendment added to latest health care train bill

Amended House bill may save Lakeland hospice

Legislators raked in campaign cash just before Session start

Greg Steube’s “whiskey and Wheaties” bill re-emerges in House