So far, 2007 is promising to be a busy year for legislative matters–very busy, in fact. That’s according to Linda Quick, president of the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association (SFHHA). A few weeks ago, she was in Washington D.C., where she attended the National Health Policy conference.

“I had the opportunity to hear health policy presentations from the White House and from the relevant staff members of the House and Senate committees,” she said. While there, she asked about the changes that have been proposed to Medicaid rules. She learned that elected officials have been receiving feedback and receive their assurances that close attention is being paid. “The good news,” she reports, “is that virtually all members of the South Florida congressional delegation had signed the letter to the administration.” Also, she adds that, “Senator Mel Martinez has introduced his own legislation, putting a moratorium on its implementation.”

In mid-March, the U.S. House of Representatives voted by a 241 to 185 margin to approve the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800), which clears the way for a card check process to replace private ballots in union elections. This means that a union will be recognized if a majority of workers sign a card in the presence of union organizers. “However,” she adds, “The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, which includes among its members several national organizations–including the American Hospital Association and a number of rank-and-file workers–oppose the legislation. This is because they believe it would leave workers vulnerable to threats and intimidation.” She notes that the Bush Administration has indicated that it will veto the bill if it reaches the president’s desk.

The Florida Hospital Association’s Hospital Day took place on March 12. The event provided FHA members and lawmakers with an opportunity to discuss critical issues that will come before the legislature during the 2007 Legislative Session. Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio were invited to speak. Among the topics expected to be discussed were the continuation of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, a solution to Florida’s emergency department crisis and continued investment in the state’s nursing programs.

In looking at the months ahead, Quick notes that SFHHA has published its list of legislative priorities for 2007, along with the organization’s positions on each. They are:

1. Fair & Equitable Payment

• Pursue a fair and equitable distribution of Medicaid dollars to healthcare facilities and professionals that provide care to eligible patients. This will be done by:
• Monitoring implementation of Medicaid reform in Broward County
• Opposing further cuts in the State Medicaid budget
• Opposing federal regulatory changes that hamper state-local partnerships
• Working toward providing parity for Medicaid patients receiving mental health services
• Increase resources for childrens healthcare by using the States entire allocation, lifting caps on Kidcare, and fully funding immunization program.
• Pursue funding for Guardian Advocate Program for Miami-Dade facilities.
• Support initiatives to fully fund the services of South Florida’s trauma centers, evaluate impact of new funding sources and pursue demonstration project funding for post-trauma rehabilitation.
• Work with local governments and community agencies in seeking creative ways to support services for seniors and the working uninsured.
• Support state and federal funding for development and implementation of regional health information organizations.

2. Liability & Insurance Reforms

• Assist and support the Florida Hospital Association in court-required revisions to implementing language for constitutional amendments so that net impacts are constructive in maintaining patient safety, while assuring continued access to physicians and hospitals.
• Support reauthorization of and higher dollar limits for mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for motorists, including strengthening the enforcement provisions thereof.
• Support legislative efforts to secure the availability of property, windstorm, and business interruption insurance at reasonable prices for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

3. Certificate of Need (CON)

• Oppose further efforts to eliminate the Certificate of Need program and any other deregulation proposals that would impair quality and/or raise the cost of medical care in South Florida (e.g. specific exemptions for services, districts, satellites, single specialty institutions, and/or specially designated emergency rooms).

4. Safety

• Support legislation and appropriations that provide assistance and resources to all area hospitals and healthcare organizations in preparing for coordinated response to possible terrorist acts and future natural disasters.
• Amend the states funding formula so that distribution of funds is based on population’s size and risk assessment. Eliminate funding eligibility distinctions based on ownership and tax status.
• Add licensed hospitals and nursing homes to the Safety Zone provisions of the Concealed Weapons Law.

5. Managed Care

• Oppose increases to mandated benefits list that will increase cost of coverage.
• Oppose any willing provider legislation.
• Oppose efforts to modify solvency standards or diminish expectations of plans based on targeted membership groups.
• Oppose legislation that regulates/interferes with plan-provider business relationships, including those that would evade existing laws or set artificial/standardized limits on reimbursements to non-contracted providers.

6. Healthcare Workforce Shortage

• Oppose legislation that establishes directly or indirectly any staffing ratios for the states’ hospitals, nursing homes or other healthcare providers.
• Support initiatives to find appropriate training and employment opportunities for foreign trained healthcare professionals.
• Seek funding for additional faculty through the Nurse Reinvestment Act, and Workforce Investment Act that can be used to recruit and train health professionals and allied health professionals in South Florida.
• Support and strengthen role of the Florida Center for Nursing.
• Support legislation that encourages and/or provides resources for workforce housing initiatives at the state and local levels