A bill that would enhance screening and treatment for blood clots is ready for the Governor’s signature after it was unanimously passed by the Senate.

Jacksonville Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough presented the bill (SB 890) that creates the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act. The bill was substituted for its House bill companion (HB 1421), sponsored by Jacksonville Republican Rep. Dean Black.

Emily Adkins was a 23-year-old Floridian who died suddenly when she developed a blood clot. After her death, the Legislature created a first-in-the-nation blood clot and pulmonary embolism work group to study and make recommendations. This newest legislation is the result of those recommendations.

The bill requires training and protocols to assess and treat patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when a patient is admitted to hospital with an emergency room or an ambulatory surgical center.

It also requires the Department of Health to contract with a nonprofit entity to establish and maintain a statewide VTE registry at no cost to the state. Each hospital with an emergency department would be required to report certain information to the registry.

Certified nursing assistants serving in a nursing home would be required to receive training on recognizing the signs and symptoms of VTE and techniques for providing an emergency response.

Assisted living facilities would be required to provide a detailed pamphlet to residents upon admission containing information on VTE, risk factors, and how residents can recognize the signs of VTE.

An amendment was adopted that inserted language from the House companion bill concerning collecting information on the race and ethnicity of those affected by blood clots, which Yarborough said was done to allow a more holistic view of how VTE’s are affecting Floridians and what groups are regularly impacted.

In closing, Yarborough thanked the stakeholder groups and health care professionals who offered insight and input on VTEs and also thanked Emily Adkins’ parents, Doug and Janet Adkins, and Emily’s brother, Douglas Adkins.

“It’s because of their tireless work and dedication that we’re at the point that we are today, and I just wanted to give them a very big thank you,” Yarborough said.

Yarborough added that the Adkins family had done an incredible amount of work and said that not only did the legislation mean a lot to the family personally, but their work will also go a long way in helping to extend the lives of Floridians.

Post Views: 0

The Senate has signed off on a bill that would teach Florida public school students about disabilities as part of their education.

Under the “Evin B. Hartsell Act,” School Boards throughout the state would be authorized to consult with the Evin B. Hartsell Foundation to help develop the curriculum.

Tampa Republican Sen. Jay Collins sponsored the Senate bill (SB 540). The Senate bill was swapped out for the House version (HB 447) that was approved in that chamber Friday. The measure will go to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.

Current law mandates a specific two-week period each year during which students would receive intensive instruction to expand their knowledge, understanding and awareness of individuals with disabilities, the history of disability and the disability rights movement.

Collins’ bill would set up varying levels of education for different disabilities depending on age group, beginning with kindergarten to third graders, then fourth to sixth graders, seventh to ninth graders and 10th to 12th graders.

“What this thing does is make sure that we see people for who they are, where they are (and) the way they are. And that their disabilities are understood and nobody is ever overlooked or undervalued,” said Collins, noting he is disabled himself after eventually having a leg amputated from injuries he suffered in combat while serving as a Green Beret in Afghanistan for the U.S. Army.

The K-3 curriculum would be required to teach about physical disabilities and bullying. “Such conversations may address what students should do if they are being bullied; what they should do if they see someone being bullied; why bullying is not the victim’s fault; what different types of bullying look like; the possibility that a friend could be a bully; or the school’s antibullying policy,” the bills reads.

The grade 4-6 curriculum would add instruction about autism spectrum disorder. Students in grades 7-9 would learn about hearing impairments. Those in grades 10-12 would be taught about other learning and intellectual disabilities.

While Sen. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, supported the proposed measure, she questioned why Republican lawmakers’ concern was limited to people with disabilities.

“The challenge I have is we are doing everything we can possibly do in every other bill that we have been presented in this Session to remove diversity, equity and inclusion,” Davis said.

Collins said his measure doesn’t guarantee special treatment.

“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean the government has to solve your problem. This bill walks a very capable line,” Collins said. “The ‘D’ in diversity doesn’t necessarily mean disabled. … It’s not giving access. It’s saying that just because someone’s here doesn’t mean they need your help, want your help or anything else. Just understand who they are and what they bring to the table.”

Sen. Rosalind Osgood, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, asked Collins if the measure goes far enough.

“Do I think you can do more? Sure,” Collins said. “Do I think this is the first step? Absolutely. We’ll get this there. If it means we have to come back later, that’s OK.”

Sen. Tina Scott Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat, said she applauded the measure but still argued Republicans are being hypocritical by opposing DEI programs writ large.

“We all feel really good right now because we’re helping people with disabilities. (But) we have been hurting other people who feel marginalized with all the policy we have passed in the past few years,” Polsky said.

The House measure was sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, an Escambia County Republican. She said the measure, also known as the “Disability History and Awareness Instruction” bill, is about providing a sense of decency in schools for students who deal with disabilities.

Post Views: 0

A major South Florida hospital chain is in better financial health after securing a long-term ratings boost for its bonds.

S&P Global Ratings is now rating Broward Health’s 2017B revenue bonds to an “A+,” increasing the health network two notches from its previous “A-” rating.

“This substantial, two-jump upgrade in our S&P rating highlights our dedication to financial excellence and our resilience in a constantly evolving health care environment, particularly in a time when many health systems are facing challenges,” said Shane Strum, President and CEO of Broward Health.

“It not only reflects our robust financial strategies and adaptability, but also demonstrates our resilience and ability to thrive in a competitive and often turbulent health care environment.”

S&P Global Ratings cited volume growth and operational efficiencies in making the decision. The change is especially notable amid volatility in the economy, with S&P recently issuing a “stable but shaky” forecast for health care organizations in particular.

“The upgrade reflects the S&P Global Ratings’ view of Broward Health’s strengthened enterprise profile, coupled with the continued trend of solid financial performance and improved balance-sheet metrics. The outlook additionally reflects Broward Health’s strong balance sheet and very favorable debt profile,” according to S&P.

Stephen Infranco, a credit analyst at S&P Global Ratings, explained what the ratings boost means for Broward Health’s financial future.

“The stable outlook reflects our expectation that Broward Health will continue to generate solid operating margins, supported by its position as an essential health care provider in Broward County, unused tax millage capacity which provides flexibility and ongoing implementation of operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives,” Infranco said.

Broward Health is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale and is one of the 10 largest health care systems in the nation, employing more than 11,000 people.

“We are incredibly proud of this upgraded rating, as it underscores our strong financial health and strategic planning,” said Alisa Bert, Interim Chief Financial Officer and senior vice president of financial operation at Broward Health.

“This achievement highlights our commitment to operational excellence and positions us to invest in innovative health care solutions that will enhance the overall experience for our patients and their families.”

Post Views: 0