Legislative

Christopher L. Nuland, Esq., FSGS lobbyist and General Counsel

The 2010 Florida Legislative session will be remembered for the bills that did not pass, as the House and Senate rarely came to a consensus on the major issues presented. This political dynamic, combined with our efforts, ensured the bills we opposed were defeated, but also left many more ambitious projects pending for another year.

For instance, tort reform efforts ended in a draw, as both pro-medicine initiatives to extend sovereign immunity to all emergency services and anti-medicine proposals to increase physician exposure to malpractice suits failed to pass all the necessary committees. On a positive note, we helped pass legislation that would ensure a permanent funding source for trauma and emergency services, as a portion of red light infraction citations will now go to such programs.

Of course, Florida healthcare legislation was overshadowed by the national healthcare debate. While most of the national legislation’s provisions do not take effect for several years, physicians offering diagnostic imaging in their offices must immediately provide patients with written notice that the services may be obtained from outside sources and must provide a list of such outside providers.

Moreover, healthcare reform has yet to repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, which threatens Medicare physicians with in impending 21percent cut. A temporary fix was passed in late June that reverse the pay cut through November 30. We will continue our national efforts on this critical issue and will keep members alerted to our progress.

I would like to extend special thanks to all members who traveled to Tallahassee or even emailed their legislators. Legislators, whether friend or foe, value input from constituents. Likewise, I always invite comments from members, as our advocacy program is designed to reflect the wishes and desires of our entire membership. You can reach me via email, nulandlaw@aol.com.