More than 100 hospital leaders from across Florida gathered on Wednesday for Hospital Days at the State Capitol.
The goal of the event was to meet with lawmakers on a range of key priorities, including strong support for rural health care, improving timely access to care by reducing unnecessary and delayed prior authorizations, maintaining critical support for graduate medical education and sustaining vital funding for hospital services delivered to some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations.
Hosted by the Florida Hospital Association, Hospital Days gave hospital leaders the opportunity to engage in critical policy discussions, calling for strong partnerships and supportive policies to build a future vision of health care in Florida centered on superior, world-class care close to home.
“Across Florida, hospitals are making thoughtful, necessary investments to keep pace with medical innovation and to meet the health needs of a growing and aging population,” said Randy Haffner, FHA Board Chair and group president and CEO of AdventHealth Florida and Clinical Services. “This is a shared opportunity for hospitals, policymakers and communities to work together to ensure timely, high-quality care for every Floridian, when and where they need it.”
The event highlighted innovation throughout Florida’s hospitals, from reimagined emergency departments and same-day cancer care to the use of virtual reality and expanded home-based care, while also recognizing rising demand as the state’s population continues to grow and age.
Several elected officials took part in Hospital Days events. Sen. Jim Boyd spoke during the Legislative Reception Tuesday evening at the Florida Historic Capitol, thanking hospital leaders for the care their hospitals provide to local communities.
Hospital Days Day Two began with a breakfast and legislative briefing, where lawmakers, including Reps. Alex Andrade, Hillary Cassel, Sam Garrison, Gallop Franklin and Josie Tomkow, shared insights on current legislative priorities.
On the third floor of the Florida Capitol, hospital leaders, legislators, aides and visitors explored the Florida Hospital Association booth, which featured innovative care models and technology, including the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system used to facilitate minimally invasive procedures. The event concluded with hospital leaders visiting legislators’ offices.
“Great policy decisions are informed through broad public engagement and input. Having physicians, nurses and numerous other hospital staff and leaders tell their stories about the lifesaving and life-changing care in their communities is vital for policymakers as they consider health care policy and funding decisions,” said Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association. “We are grateful for the missions our hospitals deliver every day to meet the broad array of health care needs of Floridians and visitors alike.”
