Legislative Update: March 13, 2020

In a major setback for patient safety and despite vigorous opposition from organized medicine, the Florida Legislature on Wednesday sent two pieces of legislation to Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 389 and HB 607, which will allow nurse practitioners to practice independently without any physician supervision and will allow pharmacists to treat certain medical conditions. In an unusual move, the Legislature sent both bills to the Governor immediately after passage, and he signed them into law within hours of receipt. For a summary of both bills, click here.  FMA President Ronald F. Giffler, MD, JD, MBA provided a response to the passage of the legislation this week. Read the full message.