By Kayvan Amini, DO
On September 19, 2025, the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA) hosted members of the Broward Legislative Delegation for an engaging and productive legislative gathering ahead of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. The event provided a valuable opportunity for physicians and policymakers to come together in frank dialogue about the challenges and opportunities shaping health care delivery in our community.
I was honored to open the discussion alongside Representative Marie Woodson, Chair of the Broward Legislative Delegation, and Senator Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Vice Chair. Their leadership and collaboration with the physician community are critical as we work to strengthen patient care and the medical profession in Florida.
Our conversation focused on several key legislative priorities. One area of growing concern remains the expansion of scope of practice initiatives. Every member of the care team plays an essential role, while physicians possess the depth of training and clinical judgment necessary to manage complex cases and ensure patient safety. BCMA strongly supports policies that promote teamwork, but not those that allow non-physicians to practice beyond their education and training, potentially jeopardizing patient outcomes.
We also addressed one of the most consequential issues this session: reforms to Florida’s Wrongful Death law. BCMA would not oppose legislation that permits the recovery of noneconomic damages by adult children for the loss of a parent, and by parents for the loss of an adult child with no surviving spouse or children, in medical malpractice wrongful death claims, if reasonable caps on non-economic damages are included. Allowing unlimited pain and suffering awards could trigger an explosion of liability claims, making malpractice insurance unaffordable or unavailable, intensifying our physician workforce crisis, reducing patient access to care, and threatening the stability of Florida’s health care system.
We also discussed the ongoing challenges physicians face with Medicaid and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Many of our members report significant delays in reimbursements, claim denials, and administrative burdens that interfere with the delivery of quality care. Greater accountability and transparency in managed care are essential to restore balance and support both patients and physicians alike.
Finally, we reflected on the recent policy shifts regarding vaccine mandates. While respecting individual rights, BCMA continues to advocate for evidence-based medicine and public health strategies that protect our communities and strengthen the trust between patients and providers.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Representative Marie Woodson, Senators Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Tina Polsky, and Dr. Barbara Sharief; Representatives Robin Bartleman and Felicia Simone Robinson; and Executive Director Robert Mayersohn for joining us in this vital exchange.
As we move toward the 2026 Legislative Session, I urge all physicians to remain engaged and informed. Through collaboration and advocacy, BCMA will continue to be the voice of Broward physicians, championing fairness, accountability, and the highest standards of patient care.
Dr. Kayvan Amini is President of the Broward County Medical Association.
