Health

DeSantis announces implementation of Florida’s Prescription Drug Reform Act

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis and members of the Florida Cabinet approved rules to implement several provisions of the Prescription Drug Reform Act (SB 1550). The rules approved increase accountability among pharmaceutical middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Florida enrollment in Medicaid continues recent decline

(The Center Square) — Florida’s Medicaid enrollment continue to decline, according to recent data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on health policy, research and polling.

According to data from the Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker, the number of people on Medicaid in the Sunshine State declined 7% from April to July, shrinking from 5.78 million to 5.36 million.

CF receives $5 million commitment from Citrus County Hospital Board

OCALA, Fla. (Aug. 24, 2023) — The College of Central Florida has received a $5 million commitment from the Citrus County Hospital Board to support its Debbie Ressler Nursing Program. The college plans to use the funds to cover the costs of tuition for Citrus County residents who enroll in the Associate Degree in Nursing program as well as add additional nursing faculty members.

 

Florida task force prosecuted 67 for fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic

(The Center Square) — The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office has announced the results of an investigation into fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March 2020, the Middle District U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement, combined resources to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to investigate and prosecute cases of fraud that happened during the pandemic.

Florida's medical marijuana program has grown 71% in the past two years

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — According to the official in charge of Florida’s medical marijuana program, the number of active patients has increased 71% over the past two years.

Christopher Kimball, the Director of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, provided statistics to the Florida House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee Tallahassee Wednesday as they discussed the medical marijuana industry in the Sunshine State.

DeSantis plans to make protection from COVID mandates permanent

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed legislation to make permanent the protections against what the governor calls "the COVID-19 biomedical security state."

The news conference was held in Panama City Beach and DeSantis joined Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo to unveil the governor’s plans to protect the rights of Floridians.