Passage of Amendment 3 would have contributed to the false impression that marijuana is safe. Use of recreational drugs inflicts harm on the individual user, as well as the family and society. Young people are especially susceptible to its adverse effects and negative impacts on brain function. We urge that increased educational efforts are undertaken to inform adults and youth alike about the harmful and dangerous effects of marijuana use.
On Thursday, the Florida House of Representatives passed (117-1) SB 7016, known as "Live Healthy" - a priority for Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples). Since the Senate passed this bill unanimously (39-0) last month, the Legislature will now send it to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.
On Thursday, the House Health & Human Services Committee unanimously passed HB 1549 (Grant), a comprehensive health care reform known as “Live Healthy.” This bill seeks to expand access to health care by recruiting and retaining a highly skilled workforce, increasing the use of preventive services and primary care, and incentivizing more providers to serve the poor.
SB 1580 (Trumbull) was approved by the full Senate on Friday by a 28-11 vote. "Nothing in this bill allows a medical professional to decline to serve a patient because of who they are," said bill sponsor Senator Jay Trumbull in his closing statement. "Rather, it specifically focuses on what procedure the doctor or nurse is asked to perform and protects them from performing anything that violates their religious, moral or ethical beliefs."
SB 1580 (Trumbull) was approved by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday by a 14-5 vote and is now available to be taken up by the full Senate. FCCB's Mike Barrett was present at the committee meeting and indicated FCCB's support for the bill. "We must remember that we live in a diverse society, and protecting diverse viewpoints even in the medical process protects access to care for patients," said bill sponsor Senator Trumbull.
The Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Health & Human Services Committee took up and passed SB 582 (Rodrigues, R.) and HB 241 (Grall), respectively. FCCB supports these measures that create the "Parents' Bill of Rights." The bills enumerate a list of rights that a parent possesses, making it easier for parents to readily know their rights in order to better direct the education and health care of their children.
SB 698 (Book) seeks to limit the harm done in the current practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by providing a framework to discipline physicians who commit egregious acts. While the Church prohibits the practice of IVF, the FCCB sees value in the intent of the proposal. FCCB is pursuing amendments to better reflect the dignity of human embryos created in this process.
SB 348 (Bean) and HB 6031 (Pigman) would remove the lifetime maximum cap on covered expenses for children enrolled in the Florida KidCare program. KidCare is funded through a state/federal partnership and provides affordable health insurance for about 345,000 of Florida's children from families with lower-incomes. The current $1 million cap on benefits applies to a small number of children whose high medical bills leave them without coverage.
On November 6, a number of workers came to the Capitol to advocate for legislation providing protections for Florida workers at high risk for heat illness. SB 882 (Torres, Jr.) and HB 513 (Smith (C)) would require outdoor laborers to have free access to cool water, shade, and short breaks during periods of intense heat. The bills include required worker and supervisor training on how to identify symptoms of heat stress and how to administer first aid to affected workers on the job. FCCB supports this measure that promotes and protects the dignity and health of workers.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (October 29, 2019) – Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) is pleased to announce that Ken Kniepmann has joined the staff as associate for health. Kniepmann will serve the bishops and Catholic health ministry leaders in the state as a professional resource person on matters related to health care. He will advocate on behalf of the Church and Catholic health care ministry on legislative, regulatory and other public policy proposals with particular attention to ethical and moral issues.
Formal negotiations on the state budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2019, began earlier this week. The House and Senate reached agreement on allocations - specific amounts divided among major budget areas - and the budget conference process where details are negotiated is currently underway. A final budget must be passed by both chambers before the session ends on May 3.
A bill that exempts those caring for the terminally ill from checking the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) was passed (9-0) by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The PDMP was established in 2009 as a registry to assist law enforcement in reducing abuse of prescription drugs. Its use became mandatory last year, and an unintended consequence was a significant burden placed on those requiring end-of-life care. Experience has shown the terminally ill do not engage in drug seeking among multiple physicians. SB 592 would simplify the process of care for these terminal patients.
An FCCB opposed bill that makes permanent a change in the retroactive eligibility of Medicaid was passed (6-4) by the Senate Health Policy Committee. SB 192 would cement a policy, which became active February 1, that restricts the period patients are eligible for Medicaid coverage to the calendar month before their application. The prior policy, which the Legislature changed last year as a cost cutting measure, allowed Medicaid coverage up to three months before the date individuals applied for coverage.
The only vaccines readily available in the U.S. for some contagious diseases (e.g. rubella and hepatitis A) have been manufactured using fetal tissue from induced abortions. This has created a problem of conscience for many Catholics. As recommended by the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2005, a long-term solution lies in working to ensure that future vaccines and other medicines are not developed in cooperation with practices that demean human life.
Designating a health care surrogate and providing guidance for end-of-life decisions is the best way to ensure that morally acceptable procedures are followed if you become incapacitated or unable to express your own wishes in the event of a medical emergency. The Florida Catholic Conference has resources available to assist with advance care planning.
On Tuesday, February 20, HB 157 (Spano) was adopted by the full House on a voice vote. This FCCB-supported resolution recognizes the public health risk created by pornography and acknowledges the need for education, prevention, research and policy change to protect the residents of Florida. Lawmakers in eight other states have passed similar resolutions.
Leaders of Catholic Health Ministries in Florida visited the capitol on Wednesday to speak with lawmakers about funding mechanisms for long-term care providers. While in town, they were also able to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol activities.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Health and Human Services had its final discussion on a new funding mechanism for long-term care providers before advancing it to the full Appropriations Committee.