2018 Legislative Update

Hi there! Mary Riggin here - I hope you and your practice are doing well! I wanted to update everyone on this years legislative session in Tallahassee, and I've included a link below for a free webinar! Session started early this year, and things are heating up as Florida legislators take on the opioid crisis in our state. With the issues surrounding this epidemic, and Florida having one of the biggest problems in the country, legislators are scrambling to get this handled. For months, there are been round table discussions, town hall meetings, testimony given, and lots and lots of talk. Many medical professionals from a variety of disciplines are giving their input, and much of the discussion is simply around limiting the access to the drugs. The Society and its team has had their input on this matter, visiting a variety of legislators and providing testimony. And, as in many years past, we are warmly welcomed. But, when I had an in-depth conversation with a senator about this issue of allocating money through appropriations, specifically for FS457 licensees as an alternative to the limited drugs; I was finally able to get to the root of why none of them are willing to be an advocate for the cause. Unfortunately, when we got down to it, they are still talking about the PIP fraud from years ago. If you remember, we were set-up to take the blame, as a profession, for PIP billing fraud. The bogus report pointed to our profession as the reason for the billions in fraud. Laughable at the time, but the damage was done. The report was publicly rebutted and found to be false - but the damage was done and it still haunts us. This is why we need to stay diligent in our political activism and continue to educate, year after year, decade after decade, and so on. The reason medical organizations like the AMA and the FMA are so powerful in policy making is because they’ve been at it for centuries! We continue to be the new kids on the block, and in reality, we are the new kids. Thirty years as a regulated profession is nothing in comparison. This is why we need to stay at it, and that’s only done with continued support of the profession. Most renewals are due, so please click the link to renew your membership today! www.fsdom.org/buyitnow