Topic: FL Dept. of Health

Health officials have confirmed a second U.S. case of a mysterious virus that has sickened hundreds in the Middle East. MERS is a respiratory illness that begins with flu-like fever and cough but can lead to shortness of breath, pneumonia and death.

This week, Gov. Rick Scott celebrates the end of the 2014 Legislative Session with a state-wide "victory" tour highlighting a state budget approved by lawmakers, Republican and Democrats disagree about whether the proposed spending plan includes a record amount for public schools and the NAEP says Florida students learning gains are flat.

Lawmakers failed to reach agreement on addressing a physician shortage and resolving a trauma center dispute but did agree to prop up the Low Income Pool for at least another year.

A strain of low-THC marijuana would be legal in Florida for medical use under a bill passed by the Senate. The marijuana would be converted into a liquid form for medical use. The bill goes to the House, where a companion proposal is waiting.

Among the several issues addressed in HB 7113 are new regulations for trauma centers, requirements for telemedicine and more responsibilities for highly-trained nurses. The Senate takes a different approach on many of the issues.

Sen. Greg Evers said the bill, in its current form, provides no accountability for out-of-state physicians. The proposal establishes a regulatory framework and also extends telemedicine privileges to physician assistants, advanced nurse practitioners and pharmacists.

Bill by Rep. Larry Ahern would double the number of physician assistants a physician could supervise and streamlines the licensing process for a physician assistant to prescribe medication.

Lawmakers demanded a state drug-purchasing contract be rebid in 2011 and when it was the Department of Management Services awarded the contract to the same vendor. The losing bidder protested, but the protest was dismissed this week.

Republican leaders in the Legislature say they intend to address a physician shortage in the state and Democrats say they will continue a push to expand Medicaid; citing the opportunity to use federal money to provide coverage to the uninsured and to boost the economy.

The senator, who represents Clay, Bradford and Alachua counties, acknowledges that his support to legalize the compound from the marijuana plant has raised concerns among his voters. He said he was drawing a distinction between the abuse of an illegal substance and the legitimate use of a plant to help suffering children. ... Related Research: Sen.Rob Bradley Letter to Constituents Regarding SB 1030.

Members of the Health Policy Committee say they need to do more work on a proposal that would put in place the regulatory framework for telemedicine in Florida. Senators hope to reach agreement on language concerning licensing and reimbursement rates during the next week.

Lawmakers appear to be embracing digital technology and real-time video and audio to relieve a physician shortage in the state. Tuesday, the Senate Health Policy Committee will continue work on an all-encompassing proposal to establish a regulatory structure allowing health care providers to use technology to provide services in rural and isolated locations.

Gov. Rick Scott's plan includes a $542 million increase in education spending, but part of the increase will likely come from an increase in property values and property taxes. ... Related Research: Governor's Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.

The chair of a key House committee wants to set up an advisory board and research program to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The bill also creates an emergency shelter registration program for people afflicted with dementia and sets staffing requirements.