Politics
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.
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— Health freedom —
Former House Speaker and Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner is making “health freedom” a centerpiece of his 2026 campaign, rolling out a sweeping plan to end vaccine mandates, overhaul school nutrition, and push for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
Renner unveiled his Florida Health Freedom and Wellness Initiative during a Naples appearance, calling for Congress to repeal Obamacare and for Florida lawmakers to ban “medical vaccine mandates,” including any segregation of patients based on vaccination status. He said the federal health law “caused the costs of health care to skyrocket” and argued that “the solution is not to keep subsidizing.”
Renner’s priorities: protecting medical freedom, strengthening parental rights, improving school wellness and nutrition, and promoting preventive and alternative care options such as naturopathic and nutritional medicine. It also proposes “responsible guardrails” for artificial intelligence in schools, requiring parental consent before use and restricting it to classroom learning.
The initiative mirrors Gov. Ron DeSantis’ opposition to pandemic-era mandates but extends that approach with new provisions on parental authority. Renner said his administration would ensure that “parents and only parents” make medical and mental health decisions for their children, adding that “children get vaccines at too early an age” and should receive them only after discussion with their pediatrician.
Renner also emphasized childhood wellness, promising to partner with Florida farmers to bring fresh, healthy food into school cafeterias and to eliminate harmful additives from meals. Advocacy groups, including Stand for Health Freedom and Parental Rights Florida, praised the plan as a bold step toward “restoring transparency and empowering parents.”
— Anesthesia autonomy —
Rep. Mike Giallombardo is once again seeking to expand autonomous practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
The Cape Coral Republican refiled legislation (HB 375) that would allow CRNAs in Florida to work independently, removing the current requirement for written supervisory agreements with physicians in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.
Under current law, only specific advanced practice registered nurses — including those in primary care, family medicine, general pediatrics and internal medicine — may practice autonomously. Giallombardo’s bill would extend that same authority to CRNAs, revising state statutes to permit them to administer anesthesia and perform related procedures without direct physician oversight.
The measure builds on similar efforts from the 2025 Session, when the House passed an earlier version (HB 649) in a 77–30 vote, though the companion bill in the Senate (SB 718) stalled in Committee. Critics raised concerns about patient safety and liability in the absence of physician supervision, while supporters argued the change would help close workforce gaps and improve access to care, particularly in rural communities.
The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists has long supported the proposal, noting that more than 30 states already allow CRNAs to practice independently and that Florida’s current framework contributes to provider shortages. Opponents, including the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists and the Florida Medical Association, continue to warn of risks to patient safety and the potential for reduced quality of care.
If approved, the measure would take effect July 1, 2026.
— Sky salute —
Last month, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) partnered with Dream Flights to honor local Veterans living in Big Bend long-term care facilities with flights in iconic WWII-era, open-cockpit biplanes.
“These Veterans who took to the skies are the model of service to the country,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA CEO. “FHCA and our member centers are focused on enriching the lives of the residents entrusted to our care, and it’s our honor to provide this unforgettable experience to these brave men and women. We’re thrilled to partner with Dream Flights to make this memorable experience possible for them.”
Veteran residents, their families, and team members from the care centers they reside in gathered at Million Air FBO in Tallahassee for the Dream Flight experience. Each Veteran resident received a FHCA challenge coin, a veteran’s service medal from the Florida Veterans Foundation, and additional recognition from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
FHCA sponsored the Dream Flights experience to thank Veterans for their service during Florida’s Veterans Appreciation Month. Dream Flyers experienced the freedom of soaring in the same aircraft used to train aviators during WWII.
— ICYMI —
“Community focused or ‘out of touch’? Divide over hospital leadership bursts into open” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Florida State University are clashing over control of a proposed academic medical center’s Governing Board, with TMH insisting on a community majority to prevent political interference in medical decisions. The dispute, long simmering behind closed doors, has erupted publicly through dueling opinion pieces and a controversial text poll from Grow Tallahassee, which TMH called misleading and defamatory. TMH Board Chair James Killius says protecting community oversight is vital to keep health care decisions free from state politics, while business leader Bugra Demirel accuses TMH of blocking progress. City leaders are weighing competing Board proposals that would include FSU, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College, as both sides press their visions for the hospital’s future.
“Florida health agency submits application for millions of federal rural health funding” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration has applied for millions in federal funding through Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocates $50 billion over five years to improve rural health care. Deputy Medicaid Secretary Brian Meyer told state lawmakers the proposal emphasizes workforce development, expanded access to primary, maternal, dental and mental health services and telehealth technology. The state also outlined plans to promote nutrition and physical activity. Lawmakers voiced frustration over the short Nov. 5 deadline. Still, Meyer said officials will collaborate with the Legislature once funds are awarded on Dec. 31. Grants will be distributed in two phases, with spending restrictions and federal monitoring to ensure Florida meets improvement benchmarks.
“Poll shows most Floridians concerned about U.S. reliance on Chinese medical tech” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Nearly three-quarters of Floridians say America relies too much on Chinese medical gear. More would vote for politicians who support cracking down on Chinese influence on U.S. health care. That’s according to a poll commissioned by the Protecting America Initiative, which surveyed likely voters on issues related to China’s impact on U.S. medical services. The survey found 72% of Florida voters believe the U.S. is “too dependent” on Chinese-made medical technologies. About 81% support more decisive government action to reduce that reliance. “Florida voters are sending a clear warning about America’s growing dependence on Chinese-made medical technology. They view it as a direct threat to both patient safety and national security,” a polling memo from the group reads.
“Ron and Casey DeSantis announce pediatric cancer research initiative in Florida” via Beth Reese Cravey of The Florida Times-Union — DeSantis announced a five-year funding initiative today to boost pediatric cancer research at four Florida specialty children’s hospitals, including Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. The other facilities are Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. Each will receive $7.5 million each year — a total of $30 million this year — for five years, through the state’s Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator.
“‘We Are TGH Day’: Tampa General, USF Health bring academic medicine to Capitol” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — More than 100 patients, family advocates, medical students, and team members from across Florida gathered at the State Capitol to highlight the academic distinction that defines Tampa General Hospital and USF Health. “As our region’s only true university-affiliated academic health system, we are incredibly proud to provide compassionate, innovative, high-quality, and complex care to millions of people each year across an ever-growing network of seven hospitals and more than 150 care locations statewide,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “This event is an opportunity for Floridians who benefit from the power of academic medicine at Tampa General and USF Health to share their stories with our state’s leaders.”
— RULES —
The Board of Medicine’s final rule regarding application for licensure and licensure requirements for anesthesiologist assistants goes into effect Nov. 16. More here.
The Board of Medicine’s final rule regarding licensure by endorsement for electrologists and electrology facilities goes into effect Nov. 19. More here.
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine’s final rule regarding application for licensure and licensure requirements for anesthesiologist assistants goes into effect Nov. 16. More here.
The Board of Occupational Therapy’s final rule regarding application by endorsement for occupational therapists goes into effect Nov. 19. More here.
— PENCIL IT IN —
Nov. 12
Happy birthday to Sen. Nick DiCeglie!
10 a.m. — The Florida Association of Health Plans kicks off its annual conference, running Nov. 12-14, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando. 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando.
Nov. 13
Happy birthday to Rep. Sam Garrison!
Nov. 19
8 a.m. — The House Subcommittee on Health Care Facilities & Systems meets. Room 404 H, The Capitol.
8:30 a.m. — Hosted by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the summit brings together leaders in health, aging and long-term care to discuss policy and innovation for Florida’s growing senior population. Secretary Michelle Branham will deliver keynote remarks. DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee, 101 S. Adams St., Tallahassee.
9 a.m. — The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services meets. Room 412 K, The Capitol.
Nov. 20
9 a.m. — The Social Services Estimating Conference will focus on KidCare caseload projections and related health service expenditures. Room 117 K, The Capitol.
Nov. 21
Happy birthday to Rep. Lindsay Cross!
9 a.m. — The Revenue Estimating Impact Conference will review updated data on health-related and general revenue streams affecting state programs. Room 117 K, The Capitol.
For the first time in a decade, hunters armed with rifles and crossbows are fanning out across Florida’s swamps and flatwoods to legally hunt the Florida black bear, over the vocal opposition of critics.
The state-sanctioned hunt began Saturday, after drawing more than 160,000 applications for a far more limited number of hunting permits, including from opponents who are trying to reduce the number of bears killed in this year’s hunt, the state’s first since 2015.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awarded 172 bear hunt permits by random lottery for this year’s season, allowing hunters to kill one bear each in areas where the population is deemed large enough. At least 43 of the permits went to opponents of the hunt who never intend to use them, according to the Florida chapter of the Sierra Club, which encouraged critics to apply in the hopes of saving bears.
The Florida black bear population is considered one of the state’s conservation success stories, having grown from just several hundred bears in the 1970s to an estimated more than 4,000 today.
The 172 people who were awarded a permit through a random lottery will be able to kill one bear each during the 2025 season, which runs from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28. The permits are specific to one of the state’s four designated bear hunting zones, each of which have a hunting quota set by state officials based on the bear population in each region.
In order to participate, hunters must hold a valid hunting license and a bear harvest permit, which costs $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents, plus fees. Applications for the permits cost $5 each.
The regulated hunt will help incentivize maintaining healthy bear populations, and help fund the work that is needed, according to Mark Barton of the Florida chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, an advocacy group that supported the hunt.
Having an annual hunt will help guarantee funding to “keep moving conservation for bears forward,” Barton said.
According to state wildlife officials, the bear population has grown enough to support a regulated hunt and warrant population management. The state agency sees hunting as an effective tool that is used to manage wildlife populations around the world, and allows the state to monetize conservation efforts through permit and application fees.
“While we have enough suitable bear habitat to support our current bear population levels, if the four largest subpopulations continue to grow at current rates, we will not have enough habitat at some point in the future,” reads a bear hunting guide published by the state wildlife commission.
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Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
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