Tag: health-care
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“Reasons Why High School Students Still Need an Estate Plan”
– The federal estate tax exemption amounts are set to decrease in 2026, potentially affecting individuals and married couples with large estates. – Even people with estates below the taxable amounts should consider estate planning, as it can ensure assets go to their chosen beneficiaries and address income tax planning. – Basis, or the amount…
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Florida Makes Changes to Lawsuits for Big Payments for Injured People and Their Lawyers
1. House Bill 837 was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to decrease frivolous lawsuits and prevent predatory practices of trial attorneys. 2. A record number of 280,122 cases were filed in March 2023, 126.9% higher than the previous record set in May 2021. 3. The bill repeals section 627.428, Florida Statutes, which provided for…
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“No Requirement for Florida Employers to Pay for Marijuana Treatment Recommendation”
1. The First District Court of Appeal in Florida ruled that employers cannot be required to pay for an evaluation by a health care provider for a referral for medical marijuana. 2. The case involved an injured worker who requested to try medical marijuana to control pain related to a work-related accident in 2001. 3.…
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“Changes to Florida Medical Laws to Protect Patients: What You Need to Know”
– HB 837 replaces Florida’s pure comparative fault system with a modified comparative fault system. – Under the new system, claimants found to be at least 51% liable for an incident cannot seek reparation from the other party. Uniformity in Proving Damages for Medical Expenses – The legislation establishes a uniform evidentiary threshold for proving…
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Supreme Court Allows States to Get Money from Lawsuits to Cover Future Medicaid Costs
– The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Florida’s Medicaid program in the case of Gallardo v. Marstiller, allowing states to recoup future medical expenses from Medicaid beneficiaries who receive tort settlements. – The court’s decision was based on the interpretation of the Medicaid Act, which requires beneficiaries to assign the state any rights…
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“Important Legal Documents for Floridians Over 18”
1. Durable Power of Attorney: Allows individuals to appoint someone they trust to handle their financial affairs, effective immediately and continuing if they become incapacitated. 2. Health Care Surrogate Designation: Lets individuals appoint someone to make medical decisions for them if they can’t make them themselves, ensuring their health care wishes are followed. 3. Living…
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Florida Divorce: Everything You Need to Know
– In Florida, the only grounds for divorce are that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” or that one spouse has been mentally incapacitated for a period of time. – No-fault divorce in Florida means that one spouse simply has to allege that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”, and a divorce can be granted even if…
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New Law Protects Health Care Providers from COVID-19 Lawsuits in Florida
– Florida’s CS/SB 72 law provides liability protections for health care providers against COVID-19-related claims. – Complaints alleging claims must be specific and detailed, or they will be dismissed. – Plaintiffs must prove gross negligence or intentional misconduct to make a claim against health care providers. – Health care providers have affirmative defenses that can…
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Florida Increases Privacy Protections for Patients
– Senate Bill 262, known as Florida’s Digital Bill of Rights, imposes restrictions on for-profit companies in Florida that collect sensitive data about Florida residents. – The new law prohibits companies from selling sensitive data without obtaining prior consent from the consumer, and from processing sensitive data of children under 18 without authorization. – Companies…
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Changes to Florida Laws for Neighborhood and Condo Associations
1. Florida Governor DeSantis signed several proposed bills into law that affect community association governance. 2. The new laws address issues involving emotional support animals, fireworks, and law enforcement vehicles in community associations. 3. Community associations in Florida need to ensure their operations comply with the new legislative changes for 2020. 1. SB 1084 amended…
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Florida Now Requires Genetic Counselors to Be Licensed
1. Genetic counseling involves gathering and evaluating family and medical histories to determine genetic risk for medical conditions. 2. Genetic counselors discuss the features, diagnosis, and management of genetic conditions and diseases with their patients. 3. They order and coordinate genetic tests and other diagnostic studies as needed for genetic assessment. 4. Counselors integrate genetic…