News Service of Florida

According to a report issued Friday, the state had 8,969 new COVID cases from March 10 to Thursday, the lowest total in at least 10 weeks.

Florida doctors could lose their medical licenses if they order puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgery for minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria, under a Florida Board of Medicine rule that took effect.

The measure would allow CNAs to become “qualified medication aides” and free up registered nurses to provide other needed care to residents.

Dr. Barry Gordon, a Venice-based physician who specializes in medical marijuana care, told the Health Care Regulation Subcommittee that using telehealth for renewals would benefit some of the sickest Floridians.

The state had 11,191 reported cases from Feb. 24 to Thursday, the lowest total in at least 10 weeks, according to the data release Friday.

The Florida Division of Elections had received more than 420,000 valid signatures from the PAC Smart & Safe Florida, about half of the what is needed to get a state constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot.

A group is seeking support for a constitutional amendment allowing “caregivers and adult qualifying patients 21 years or older to cultivate marijuana for medical use.”

Friday's report from the Florida Department of Health showed more than 86,000 residents have died with COVID, with 77 percent involving people 65 or older.

The proposal would create a pilot program in Miami-Dade that would provide “comprehensive services” to Medicaid beneficiaries with developmental disabilities.

The funds will help to implement strategies and expand programs for treatment, education and support in Florida as well as establish the DCF Office of Opioid Recovery.