Christopher L. Nuland, Esq.
Legal Counsel, Florida Society of Bariatric Physicians
February 1, 2007

January saw the new Florida Legislature begin its 2007 season in earnest.  It may be five weeks until the official "opening" of the Legislative Session, but it is readily evident that the legislators and special interests already are in full gear.  Each of the four health care committees held hearings, hundreds of bills were filed, and several trends emerged.

Overall, it appears that the 2007 Session will target property taxes and insurance as its signature projects.  However, this certainly does not mean that health care issues will be ignored.  Already much discussion has centered on Medicaid reform, Kidcare, and the crisis in ER staffing. With regard to the latter, legislators and the Florida Hospital Association agree that reimbursement, liability, and lifestyle concerns all must be addressed if physicians are to return voluntarily to emergency room duty.  With regard to Medicaid, there was a consensus that physician reimbursement needs to be increased, as it is illogical that physicians are the most vital part of any health care delivery system, yet account for less that five percent of the current Medicaid budget.

Obesity issues also provide an ongoing opportunity for the FSBP to make a positive difference.  Bills already have been filed to promote employee wellness programs, and several legislators have commented to me on the need for the state to take an active role in combating obesity.

Challenges also have arisen.  Senator Dennis Jones today made it apparent that he once again will target physician financial responsibility, and Senator Saunders has once again filed his ARNP prescribing bill.

At the Board of Medicine, FSBP representatives attend each meeting of the Rules and Legislative committees, attentive to any proposed changes in what are some of the most stringent obesity prescribing laws in the country.

2007 promises to be another exciting year full of challenges and opportunities that we are well prepared to face. Please feel free to contact the FSBP with any legislative or administrative concerns you may have.

October 28, 2008
Rules regarding medical advertising - Click here to see checklist prepared by Erin Aebel, Esq. of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. (Shared with permission)


September 30, 2008
FSBP holds special break-out session at annual ASBP conference -  Erin Aebel, attorney, as guest speaker


June 2, 2008
On-line tutorial on dispensing from your office now availabe from Medical Board


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Disclaimer: Material appearing on this web site is meant to be informational only and should not be construed as medical advice. To obtain medical advice concerning obesity and safe ways to lose weight, or other medical matters, seek the counsel of a knowledgeable and competent bariatric physician.