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Health Bill Dies In Florida Legislature

MIAMI (AP) — An omnibus health care bill stripped of two of its biggest provisions has died in the waning hours of the Legislative session.

The House approved amendments late Friday, addressing everything from assisted living facilities and laser dermatology to HIV testing, orthotics and pneumonia vaccines. The changes came after the Senate killed proposals that would allow nurse practitioners to work without a doctor's supervision and promote the use of telemedicine. 

The bill went through numerous changes as several provisions were tacked on, including ones addressing the management of trauma centers and pharmacists. Senators nixed the House's telemedicine provision, worried that allowing doctors to practice without a Florida license would compromise patient safety.

Senators supported an amendment that keeps three trauma centers open, but in the end the chambers could not agree.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
 

Patrick Donges served as WJCT's Digital Content Editor from August 2013 - August 2014.