Florida 'Live Healthy' Bill Signed Into Law
July 1, 2024
With a clear aim to improve access to health care and boost the number of doctors and healthcare providers available throughout Florida communities, Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a package of bills into law. Collectively part of the State’s Live Healthy plan, the life-changing legislation was presented through the Committee on Health Policy in the Florida Senate.
The bills have been a priority for Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who coined them as the “Live Healthy” initiative to reflect the Sunshine State’s commitment to meet the future healthcare needs of the state’s rapidly growing population. Passidomo had previously remarked that it was good news people were moving the Florida but unfortunate they’re not bringing healthcare providers with them.
“This is expected to be a positive step forward for patients in Central Florida to have easier access to better health care in the future,” says Dr. Michael Steppie, Orlando Mohs surgeon and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “It’s great to see the State Legislature taking a proactive approach to ensure our state remains attractive to the workforce, technology, and medical innovations that can meet our community’s needs.”
Live Healthy also creates the Health Care Innovation Council that will convene health care experts to explore innovations in technology, health care delivery models, and among other responsibilities, to develop best practice recommendations. The goal is to position Florida as a nationwide leader in innovation, education, and technology to be a more attractive option to tomorrow’s medical workforce.
LIVE HEALTHY PLAN – Overview
Four of the new bills for Live Healthy that unanimously passed in the Florida Senate were recently signed into law by Governor DeSantis. Live Healthy increases access, incentivizes innovation, and breaks down barriers to help in growing Florida’s healthcare workforce. Each of the enacted bills advance opportunities and enhance healthcare services for residents of all communities across the Sunshine State, and include:
- SB 7016 – Health Care Workforce removes regulations to increase workforce mobility and increase health care providers to expand access to efficient health care for all communities. “Through Live Healthy, Florida will grow the health care workforce we need to serve our communities,” said Chair & Senator Colleen Burton. Increasing access to preventative health screenings and ensuring early diagnosis and better management of chronic disease, will be accomplished through partnerships with Community Health Centers and other primary care settings.
- SB 7018 – Health Care Innovation provides incentivizes for innovations in Florida’s health care industry through investments in technology. “Free-market principles show us the private sector can innovate in ways government could never imagine. What government can do is facilitate the exploration and implementation of innovative technologies and delivery models that increase efficiency, reduce strain on the health care workforce, improve patient outcomes, expand public access to care, and reduce costs for patients and taxpayers without impacting the quality of patient care,” said Senator Gayle Harrell.
- SB 1758 – Individuals with Disabilities expands services to Floridians with disabilities. “Everyone deserves a chance to live healthy, and for our fellow Floridians with disabilities that means living independently, at home in our communities, for as long as they possibly can. Family members of those with disabilities are truly amazing people who sacrifice so much. As a caregiver ages, it becomes more difficult for our neighbors with disabilities to receive care at home, accelerating the need for additional services,” said Senator Jason Brodeur. This bill prioritizes home-based care options.
- SB 330 – Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals establishes a new category of teaching hospitals focused on behavioral health. “By utilizing existing partnerships between medical schools and teaching hospitals, and working to create new collaborations, we will identify and designate behavioral health teaching hospitals that provide research, education, and health care services across our state,” said Senator Jim Boyd. “The innovative strategy outlined in our legislation will not only enhance our behavioral health workforce but advance our goal of making Florida’s system of care the national standard.”
Legislators worked together during the 2024 Florida Regular Legislative Session that began on January 9 and ended March 8 to move the bills through the statute process. The Live Healthy bills discussed above are only four of the state’s relevant health care laws that will be effective July 1, 2024, due to Governor DeSantis enacting them into Florida Law. The bills moved through the Legislature and across the Governor’s desk with almost no opposition.
Legislature Also Passes Landmark Cancer Funding
The Florida legislature ended its 2024 session on a high note by passing a budget that included landmark funding for cancer priorities. Changes triple the Sunshine State’s investment in the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund to $60 million. The Fund supports pilot grants to health care institutions for cancer research as well as increases in the State’s investment in preventative programs like early detection and cancer research.
“It’s no secret that mortality rates of cancer are higher in our communities who are underserved because of limited access to the care they need,” remarks Dr. Steppie. “That’s why many health care providers at Associates in Dermatology have partnered with community leaders over the years to provide lifesaving skin cancer screenings and the resources required to educate people about the importance of year-round sun protection.”
According to data compiled by the American Cancer Society, new cancer diagnoses in the United States are expected to top two million for the first time in 2024. This record-setting number is due in part to an unexpected increase in cancers among younger Americans. The good news is Florida’s most recent cancer mortality rate was lower than the national average and the ACS report projects 160,680 new cases in 2024, which is down more than 1,700 cases when compared to last year.
Florida’s Higher than Average Melanoma Rates
“Although patient deaths from cancer has dropped below the national average,” says Michael Steppie, M.D., “overall projections for new cancer diagnoses in 2024 ranks the Sunshine State among the Top Five in America.” Whereas melanoma accounts for only one percent of skin cancers in the United States, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates about 100,000-plus new cases will be diagnosed in Florida this year.
SHADOW RULE: If your shadow is shorter than you, it’s time to find shade and maximize sun protection strategies like clothing that covers your arms and legs, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-sunglasses, and a broad spectrum sunscreen.
To protect yourself from developing melanoma and other types of skin cancers, Dr. Steppie recommends people adopt sun safe practices anytime they are going to be outside. Even though melanoma can manifest in areas not exposed to the sun, studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increase your risk of getting the disease. This includes all skin types, skin tones, and source of UV exposure, such as a history of using tanning beds that can damage DNA.
Despite the common misconception that only fair-skinned individuals are at risk for melanoma, people of all skin tones should take precautionary measures to protect their skin and monitor any changes or abnormalities. This is especially important for those with a family history of melanoma* or personal history of multiple sunburns. For people of color, melanoma is often diagnosed at a later stage and can be more aggressive. Seeking medical attention for any concerning moles or spots can improve chances of catching and treating it in early stages.
*NOTE: Typically melanoma manifests as a pigmented bump or patch that might resemble a mole but with more irregular features (see ABCDE Skin Check for Melanoma), this type of skin cancer demands vigilant attention through routine self-checks and annual skin exams by a dermatologist.
___________________
Early detection can be crucial for the successful treatment skin cancer. Make your appointment online or call 800-877-7546 to schedule an appointment at one of our seventeen dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
