AHCA

The Agency for Health Care Administration oversees a Medicaid program that had grown to more than 5.53 million beneficiaries, as well as hospitals, nursing homes and most other health care facilities in Florida.

Christopher Kimball steps into the post as the state’s medical marijuana industry could be poised to double in size and as challenges pile up over the decision to award a sought-after license to a Black farmer.

The disputes involve budget fine print that directed money to AHCA to adjust reimbursement rates so Medicaid providers would pay at least $15 an hour to "direct care" employees

Members of the Florida Board of Medicine and Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine joint committee voted on a draft rule that would restrict doctors from providing treatments to trans people under age 18.

One plaintiff said the state's Medicaid program pre-approved him in August for a chest surgery scheduled for later this year. Then the state enacted a new rule excluding such treatments from the plan.

The case is linked to a 2015 state law that required 24-hour waiting periods. After years of battles about the constitutionality of the law, a Leon County judge upheld the waiting-period requirement in April.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Tampa, came after AHCA Secretary Simone Marstiller submitted a Freedom of Information Act request seeking numerous records about importation proposals by Florida and other states.

The attorneys for the clinics and a doctor filed documents contending that a ruling last month by the 1st District Court of Appeal allowing 15-week ban to be in effect has caused “irreparable harm.”

Seven out-of-state scientists and a Yale law professor say the proposal ignores “established science” and relies on "biased and discredited sources, stereotyping and purported ‘expert’ reports that carry no scientific weight.”

A meeting drew more than 150 people, with supporters of the proposal - many of sporting “Let Kids Be Kids” decals and making biblical references - vastly outnumbering opponents.

Some face legal challenges, such as a bill that would prevent abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

It would include puberty blockers, hormones and sex-assignment surgeries for both youth and adults.