The 2009 Legislative Session begins Tuesday, March 3, 2009 and is scheduled to adjourn on Friday, May 1, 2009. Click here to view the 2009 OCMS/FMA Legislative Agenda.
March 20, 2009 Legislative Update
On Wednesday (3/18/09) the FMA successfully defeated legislation that would have allowed Optometrists to prescribe oral medications, including narcotics. OCMS past president and AMA candidate for President Elect, Cecil B. Wilson, MD provided testimony against the bill in the Florida Senate Health Care Regulation Committee that would have been a major scope of practice expansion for optometrists in Florida. As always, Dr. Wilson did an outstanding job representing the position of the AMA and the FMA. His testimony was critical to rebutting the “rural access” argument that is so often used to advance the scope of practice of non-medical doctors. Click here for more information from the FMA Legislative Update.
Clarification on Emergency Services/Care Cap
The 2003 success for securing a cap on non-economic damages for provision of emergency services and care was significant. The Florida College of Emergency Physicians has learned that some hospitals and physicians are unaware of the extension of the $150,000 cap which provides coverage to all physicians who come to the emergency department to care for patients. This is not just a cap for emergency physicians. The FCEP has provided a brief overview of the cap which you can read here.