2023 Florida Legislature

Data show physical attacks on hospital personnel by patients, family members and others are on the rise, and that nurses are most likely to be the victims.

The legislation, which unanimously passed the state Senate last month, would allow certified nursing assistants to become trained as “qualified medication aides.”

The bill is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who during his annual State of the State address in March called for making PBM changes.

The GOP-controlled House gave the proposal final passage on a party-line vote with Republicans in support. It passed the Senate last week and now moves to the governor's office to be signed into law.

The Florida House has passed a permanent tax exemption on baby diapers and adult incontinence products in the state.

The bill comes after long-running concerns about people with developmental disabilities being stuck on a waiting list for services.

Some worry the measure could lead many people to avoid care. The bill requires hospitals that accept Medicaid to ask patients about immigration status and inform them that personal information won't be reported to immigration authorities.

The request for info from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Florida Psychiatric Society comes amid wrangling in a lawsuit challenging the state’s prohibition against Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care.

The House Appropriations Committee on Friday approved a bill that would make a series of changes to regulate PBMs. The Senate unanimously passed its version on Wednesday.

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee approved a bill that would increase an income threshold to qualify for subsidized coverage.