By Adriana Bonansea-Frances, MD
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA) hosted a Legislative Gathering at the Coral Gables Museum, convening members of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation and our physician leadership ahead of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.
This annual meeting provides a vital opportunity for physicians and legislators to exchange perspectives, share priorities, and work collaboratively toward policies that promote high-quality, patient-centered health care in our community. I had the honor of opening the session alongside Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, Chair of the Miami-Dade Delegation. Her leadership and continued partnership with our physician community are invaluable as we navigate complex issues that affect both medical practice and patient well-being.
Our discussion centered on several key legislative priorities for the upcoming session. One of the most pressing continues to be the expansion of scope of practice initiatives. While we value the contributions of every member of the health care team, we must maintain clear boundaries that protect patient safety. Physicians’ extensive training and clinical expertise are fundamental to managing complex cases, and MDCMA continues to advocate for policies that preserve these standards and uphold quality care.
We also addressed proposed reforms to Florida’s Wrongful Death law. The MDCMA supports legislation that would permit 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 a medical malpractice wrongful death claim, if reasonable caps on non-economic damages are included in the legislation. Without such caps, a clean repeal bill could make medical malpractice insurance unaffordable or unavailable, worsening the physician workforce crisis and reducing patient access to care. Physicians are already held accountable for their actions by their licensing boards, hospitals, employers, and specialty boards. Allowing unlimited pain and suffering awards could lead to an explosion of liability claims and threaten access to medical services.
According to the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), “Our number one priority is still addressing legal system abuse, because it is the major cost driver that’s having a huge negative impact on insurance availability and affordability.” Data show that the average personal injury verdict has increased 319% in the past decade, while nuclear verdicts, that is, jury awards exceeding $10 million, have risen 350% in the last six years. These realities underscore the urgent need for balance and reform.
Another area of concern discussed was Medicaid’s limited oversight of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Many of our physicians face persistent administrative burdens, delayed payments, and claim denials that disrupt patient care. Stronger oversight and greater transparency are essential to ensure that the system works as intended for both physicians and patients.
Finally, we addressed the Surgeon General’s recent announcement to repeal vaccine mandates, a reminder of the ongoing balance between individual rights and public health. As physicians, we stand firmly on the side of science and evidence-based medicine. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for disease prevention and community protection.
I would like to thank Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, Representatives David Borrero and Wallace Aristide, and our MDCMA leaders: Drs. Veronica Alvarez-Galiana, Patricia Ares-Romero, Rose Berkun, Maria Cabreja, Rafael Fernandez, Raul Grosz, Patricia Junquera, Juan Diego Oms, and Estelamari Rodriguez, for their commitment to this dialogue.
As we look toward the 2026 Legislative Session, MDCMA remains committed to its mission to advocate for physicians, protect the patient-physician relationship, and advance policies that strengthen the health and future of our community.
Dr. Adriana Bonansea-Frances is President, Miami-Dade County Medical Association.
