— Meet the new boss(es) —
With the commencement of the 2024-26 term, the Florida House is ushering in a dynamic group of new Committee Chairs, marking a significant shift in legislative leadership.
Rep. Josie Tomkow will now lead the policy initiatives within the House as she has been appointed Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee by the newly elected House Speaker, Daniel Perez.
Notably, Tomkow, a Republican from Polk City, did not have a role on any health care-specific committees during her previous term when she focused on education as Chair of the House PreK-12 Leadership Committee. However, she did contribute to health-related discussions during her first full term by serving on the Health Market Reform Subcommittee.
“From our aging populations to young families, health care is at the center of the lives of all Floridians. I’m excited to facilitate an open, robust, and in-depth conversation about how to improve our health care system,” she expressed in a press release regarding her new position.
While the House has yet to announce the lead for health care appropriations, the subcommittee will receive a new title aligning with the House’s “Budget Committee.” Rep. Lawrence McClure is set to serve as the House Budget Chief during Pérez’s tenure.
In the Senate, incoming President Ben Albritton has appointed Panama City Republican Sen. Jay Trumbull to lead the chamber’s Appropriations Committee on Health & Human Services, indicating a continued focus on health-related legislative efforts.
“If you don’t have your health, it’s hard to focus on anything else. (Trumbull) is a thoughtful and innovative leader who will work diligently to ensure our state investments in the health of Floridians are achieving better outcomes,” Albritton tweeted last week, underscoring his support for the new chair.
— European vacation —
Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida has just returned from a successful international trip aimed at promoting Florida’s health care initiatives.
Weida’s itinerary included representing Florida at the MEDICA Trade Fair 2024, where he collaborated with members of the Florida Life Sciences delegation, which featured executives from prominent organizations such as the Mayo Clinic and Tampa General Hospital.
Through this pavilion, Florida was able to highlight its health care industry’s commitment to innovation and excellence, showcasing 17 cutting-edge medical device companies rooted in the Sunshine State.
Following the trade fair, Weida and his delegation engaged with the German Health Alliance, the leading healthcare association in Germany, which includes over 100 private organizations, NGOs, civil societies, foundations, and academic institutions committed to enhancing health infrastructure.
The Florida delegates are optimistic that discussions with the GHA will yield fruitful partnerships, as the organization has expressed a keen interest in coordinating a delegation of German life sciences firms to visit Florida next year.
“The Agency for Health Care Administration is committed to advancing health care and research in our state,” Weida stated. “We are enhancing Florida’s European partnerships, showcasing our commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our aim is to attract the brightest minds and most creative initiatives that will propel advancement in Florida’s health care sector.”
Weida was also present in Milan to facilitate the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Florida International University, Insightec, and The Neurological Institute of Besta aimed at fostering research and treatment collaboration for brain diseases.
— Leaders of tomorrow —
The Florida Health Care Association proudly announced its Florida Leaders Class of 2025, highlighting a selection of 25 dedicated professionals ready to enhance the landscape of long-term care in Florida’s skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
Selected for their commitment to caregiving and the need for future leadership development within the profession, these individuals will undergo a rigorous yearlong training program focused on advancing quality improvement principles.
“Each of these Florida Leaders has demonstrated a passion for caregiving while recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders in our profession,” emphasized FHCA CEO Emmett Reed. “These remarkable individuals represent the future of long-term care, and we’re proud to welcome such a strong class for 2025.”
Since its inception in 2009, the FHCA’s Florida Leaders program has successfully trained over 220 long-term care professionals, including the current board members of FHCA.
“I applaud these compassionate individuals for their commitment to enhancing the lives of those entrusted to their care,” said Rep. Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee. “By expanding their knowledge and advancing their leadership, they will help ensure that Florida maintains its high standards in delivering quality long-term care.”
Members of the 2025 Class:
Amelia Fiore, Aspire Health Group in Jacksonville
Ashley Malys, Regents Park of Jacksonville
Claude Simmons Jr., Lakeside Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Jacksonville
Dakotah Nalley, Millennial Healthcare Services in Leesburg
David Prater, Oak View Health and Rehabilitation Center in Orange Park
Ena Findlay, Longwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Longwood
Gabriella Diaz, Aspire at Spring Hill in Brooksville
George Andrew Seigel, Solaris Healthcare Forest Lakes in Naples
Gladys Christopher, Seabranch Health and Rehabilitation Center in Stuart
Grant Buckner, Aspire at Brentwood in Lecanto
James Clemons, The Lakes of Clermont Health and Rehabilitation Center in Clermont
James Poindexter, Havens at Pensacola
Jared Self, Timber Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ocala
Jeannette Baltzly, Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in DeLand
Jennifer Reyes, Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City
Jessica Pierre, South Orange Health and Rehabilitation Center in Apopka
Kristin Taylor, Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation in Fort Walton Beach
Lauren Lukes-Howard, Riverchase Health and Rehabilitation Center in Quincy
Mariela Martinez, Aston Health Consulting Services in Brandon
Meagan Kopstad, Blue Heron Health and Rehabilitation in Wesley Chapel
Miranda Fraunfelter, AbleHearts Consulting Services in Tampa
Nicole Carroll, Tampa Lakes Health and Rehab in Lutz
Pamela Paxton, Pines of Sarasota
Staci Goldstein, RB Health Partners, Inc. in Crystal Beach
Steve Ortiz, Aston Health Consulting Services in Tampa
Sydney Meade Oxley, Elite Medical Staffing in Lake Mary
Trinity Blocker, Vivo Healthcare Orange Park
Tyler Ward, Apollo Health & Rehabilitation Center in St. Petersburg
Zachary Gray, Bridgewater Park Assisted Living in Ocala
— Cleared for takeoff —
FHCA partnered with Dream Flights to offer an unforgettable Veterans Day experience for six Florida veterans: a ride in a restored World War II-era biplane.
“We are thrilled to partner with Dream Flights to honor these veterans and express our gratitude for their sacrifices to our country,” Reed remarked. “These flights are especially meaningful as we approach Veterans Day weekend. It is a privilege to witness these heroes take flight again as we honor their service.”
The honored veterans reside in FHCA member nursing centers and assisted living facilities across the state. They span a couple of generations and include a 95-year-old World War II veteran, Army Charles DeGear of Lake City, whose contributions to the U.S. Army Air Corps were crucial in maintaining the fleet of B-17s during the war.
Other veterans who experienced the thrill of flight include Robert Anderson, a 96-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Tallahassee; Roger Murray, an 84-year-old U.S. Navy veteran and Bronze Star recipient who served in Vietnam; Leigh Fairbank III, an 84-year-old Army veteran and parachute jumper also from Tallahassee; Robert Fulmer, an 89-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran from Lake City who served in the Korean War; and Cortez Mays, a 49-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran who participated in operations during both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Each veteran soared 1,000 feet in an iconic, open-cockpit biplane, reminiscent of the aircraft that trained aviators during the Great War. Prior to takeoff, the Dream Flyers received FHCA challenge coins and medals presented by the Florida Veterans Foundation.
“Florida is home to 1.5 million veterans, and many of our state’s nursing centers have the honor of caring for these heroes,” stated Bob Asztalos, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and FHCA District X Secretary. “Every day, our centers strive to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our country. Today is a special day as we honor their bravery and service.”
— Game on! —
Sports medicine is one of the most rapidly evolving fields within healthcare today, and the University of West Florida in Pensacola has significantly enhanced its capacity to address this vital discipline.
The Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center officially opened its doors on November 7 at the Darrell Gooden Center, providing state-of-the-art facilities to better serve the university’s student-athletes.
“The new state-of-the-art Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center will provide enhanced care and expanded space for over 370 UWF student-athletes and staff. The Darrell Gooden Center expansion includes areas for student-athletes to warm up and cool down before and post-practice, receive innovative physical therapy, restorative treatments, and additional offices and meeting spaces for coaches of multiple UWF athletic teams,” a UWF press release detailed.
Having broken ground in April, this impressive facility boasts 10,000 square feet of operational space and represents a $6 million investment in the university’s athletic program.
“For the last few years, our teams have been growing, winning, and excelling at a speed far outpacing our facilities,” noted UWF Athletics Director Dave Scott. “This is a much-needed addition to our campus footprint and will ensure future success for our athletes, coaches, and trainers.”
— Clean bill of health —
Two HCA hospitals in the Jacksonville area have earned prestigious national honors for their outstanding operations, solidifying their positions as leaders in healthcare excellence.
HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital recently received an array of awards for their excellence, according to assessments from Healthgrades.com, which awarded multiple top ratings to both institutions on the First Coast.
Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville received numerous Specialty Excellence Awards for critical care, joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, stroke care, and surgical services. The Orange Park Hospital also received eight Specialty Excellence Awards for critical care, neuro-sciences, outpatient prostate care, pulmonary care, stroke care, and surgical care, alongside 15 five-star ratings across various care categories.
“These accomplishments reflect the unwavering commitment to excellence each member of our team brings every day. Our top priority and commitment are to provide safe, quality, compassionate care to every patient,” stated Reed Hammond, CEO of HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.
“At HCA Florida Healthcare, providing high-quality care in every patient interaction is of utmost importance, and we remain dedicated to excellence as we continue serving our community,” emphasized Chad Patrick, CEO of HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.
— Roster —
Jason Allison, Mariah Barfield, Robert Hosay, Foley & Lardner: Wexford Health Sources
Brandon Edmonston, Jamie Graves: Florida Dental Association
David Daniel, Jeff Hartley, Lisa Hurley, Smith Bryan & Myers: The Children’s Healing Institute
Jon Johnson, Marnie George, Johnson & Blanton: Hear.com
— ICYMI —
“Pasco students learn about robotic surgery technology” via Douglas R. Clifford of the Tampa Bay Times — A group of students from Mitchell High School, Marchman Technical College, and Wendell Krinn Technical High School in Pasco County had the opportunity to witness robotic surgical technology in action during an open house event at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. Students engaged in operating some of the advanced equipment and learned about lung health, led by medical staff from HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. This initiative was inspired by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast’s teen group, which is currently participating in “Health Care Career Week” with a focus on hospital career exploration.
— Rules —
AHCA has proposed amendments to Rule 59A-35.060, which governs licensure applications for hospitals, home health agencies, and homemaker and companion services. More here.
The Board of Chiropractic Medicine withdrew changes to Rule 64B2-13.004 regarding the renewal of active licenses, inactive status, and continuing education. More here.
— Pencil it in —
Nov. 19
10 a.m. The Senate will convene for an Organization Session.
11 a.m. The House will convene for an Organization Session.
Nov. 21
9:15 a.m. The Agency for Healthcare Administration will hold a public meeting Wednesday on the Blood Clot and Pulmonary Embolism Workgroup established by SB 612. Attendees may register for the meeting online and receive a participation link via email. More here.
Nov. 28
Happy birthday to Rep. Jennifer Jonsson!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec. 2
Happy birthday to Rep. Debbie Mayfield!
How can stakeholders provide feedback on the proposed changes to healthcare licensing in Florida?
N: justify;”>The amendments aim to streamline the application process and improve the efficiency of licensing for healthcare providers in Florida. Stakeholders in the healthcare industry are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback during the comment period. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to enhance healthcare services and ensure that Florida’s vulnerable populations receive the best possible care.
As these developments unfold, Florida continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its residents, emphasizing the crucial role of experienced healthcare professionals and dedicated facilities. The collaboration between educational institutions and healthcare providers serves to foster the next generation of healthcare leaders and improve the overall quality of care in the state.
Stay tuned for further updates and announcements reflecting the ongoing improvements in Florida’s healthcare landscape.
