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AHCA Takes Additional Action to Close Larkin-Owned ALF

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The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) today has taken additional steps to remove Larkin-owned Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility from the Medicaid program. Floridian Gardens has a history of regulatory issues, and the Agency took action to deny their attempt to renew their license on December 22, 2016. The facility challenged AHCA’s action this January and this case remains pending. AHCA has now amended their denial to include information related to the tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, where 11 individuals tragically lost their lives due to the failure of Larkin management to timely call 911 or evacuate their patients. Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility and Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills have common ownership.

Secretary Justin Senior said, “Our Agency will continue to hold health care facilities accountable, and we are fully committed to doing everything in our power to protect patients in Florida. The Floridians Gardens Assisted Living Facility and Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills have demonstrated without a doubt that they do not deserve to be trusted with patient’s lives, especially those who are vulnerable and unable to care for themselves. That is why, in December, we took action to deny the Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility’s license renewal and why we are taking additional action today to remove this facility from the Medicaid program. Our Agency will work with our state partners at DCF and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman as well as our Medicaid program and Managed Care health plans to assist with resident notification of a closure, relocation options, and answering any questions that remain, to ensure a smooth transition for residents.”

Please see the timeline below of action AHCA has taken to hold Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility and Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills accountable:

December 22, 2016
AHCA issues a Notice of Intent to Deny License Renewal Application to Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Miami. The facility challenged on January 17, 2017 and this case remains pending.

September 13, 2017
AHCA issues an Immediate Moratorium on Admissions, which stopped new patients from being admitted to the facility, for the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills.

September 14, 2017
AHCA issues an Immediate Suspension Final Order on participation in the Medicaid program to the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills.

September 20, 2017
AHCA issues a Suspension Order on the license to the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills, suspending their ability to operate a nursing home, and prohibiting the facility from admitting any patients.

September 22, 2017
AHCA files a motion seeking to issue an Amended Immediate Suspension Final Order on participation in the Medicaid program to the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills.

September 27, 2017
AHCA issues an Amended Notice of Intent to Deny License Renewal Application to Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility, and can be found HERE.

September 27, 2017
AHCA issues a notice to Floridian Gardens Assisted Living Facility outlining the intent to terminate them from the Medicaid program pending the effective date of the denied renewal of the license.  This notice is a Sanction Only Final Audit Report, and can be found HERE.

Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on the Passing of Deputy Shaun Feverston

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding the passing of Deputy Shaun Feverston of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office:
“Today, we are tragically reminded of the great sacrifices that Florida’s law enforcement officers make on a daily basis, all for the sake of their fellow Floridians. My prayers are with Deputy Feverston’s family, loved ones and the entire Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.”

Governor Rick Scott to Hold Media Availability Following Visit to Puerto Rico

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Today, September 28th, Governor Rick Scott will hold a media availability following his visit to Puerto Rico taken at the request of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Earlier today, Governor Scott joined Governor Rosselló to assist in relief and recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
WHAT: Media Availability
WHEN: Approx. 7PM
WHERE: Orlando Sanford International Airport
100 StarPort Way
Sanford, FL 32773

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of October 2-6

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of October 2-6, 2017. CRC meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars/2017.

Monday, October 2

Rules and Administration Committee

  • Time: 8:30-9:30 AM
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2fRJPUn

Meeting of the Full Commission

  • Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
  • Location: Florida Senate Chamber, Tallahassee, Florida 

Style and Drafting Committee

  • Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2wWpx6L

Tuesday, October 3

Declaration of Rights Committee

  • Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2fzVSZg

Judicial Committee

  • Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
  • Location: 301 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2y9ELFv

Wednesday, October 4

Ethics and Elections Committee

  • Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2y9PEqN 

Legislative Committee

  • Time: 10:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 301 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2xMHEee 

Executive Committee

  • Time: 2:00-5:00 PM
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2k5pPBZ

Thursday, October 5

Education Committee

  • Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2k5bqFR 

Friday, October 6

No meetings scheduled.

UNF Professor Emeritus Honored for Service by Belize Government

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Dr. Betty Flinchum, Professor Emerita of Curriculum and Instruction in the University of North Florida’s College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), was presented with the Order of Distinction, a high honor by the government of Belize. Flinchum is the first ever non-Belizean citizen to receive the honor.
“This tribute has given me the greatest joy imaginable,” said Flinchum. “I am sincerely grateful to all my former students, colleagues, Belizeans friends and families, to the Belize government and to all the Belizean people for this great honor and the privilege to work with this country for more than 30 years. I felt humbled to be among those honored and upon receiving my honor, I felt truly Belizean.”
Flinchum was recognized in a formal Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony September 14 for giving years of service to the country, in supporting educational programs and facilitating a process where more than 500 Belizean nationals have been able to earn degrees from the University. In attendance at the presentation was a large group of alumni, coworkers, junior college presidents, deans and friends.
“There are hundreds of Belizean professionals whose lives have been positively impacted and changed forever by Dr. Betty Flinchum. Her sterling contribution is through her personal commitment and dedication to Belize’s development,” according to the program from the Belizean Office of the Prime Minister.
Flinchum served for 32 years as a professor of education and director of International Programs at UNF, now called the International Center. As a founding faculty member, she initiated and developed the University’s international programs, which included the establishment of study-abroad programs, international student programs, faculty linkages and exchanges with numerous countries. During her tenure there, UNF’s international student body grew to include young scholars from over 100 foreign countries.
On her retirement, she was elected as Emeritus, an honor and high distinction for retired faculty at the University. She initiated a government-funded international program between the University and Belize in 1986, founding the Consortium on Belize Educational Cooperation, and she currently continues to consult with the University on this project and in other areas of international outreach.
In the early part of her career, she taught in university positions related to the areas of movement education, motor development of young children and teacher education. As her academic career progressed, she served in university administrative positions for the majority of her career and focused on international education and international development. Flinchum had a distinguished career in education as a teacher, professor, director and administrator at several universities.
In addition to her professional career, Flinchum has been involved in several philanthropic endeavors. During her tenure at UNF, she gave the initial monies to establish two scholarships, the Sir Colville Young Endowed Scholarship/Fellowship for Belizeans who wish to study education, and the Ellis F. White Founding Faculty Endowed Scholarship/Fellowship for need-based students in COEHS.
Flinchum volunteers as an international programing consultant for educational institutions in the United States and abroad and continues to provide custom-designed international tours for individual and group travel. Her most recent writing project “A Cultural Legacy: Sir Colville Norbert Young, GCMG, MBE, and D.Phil. Governor-General of Belize” was published in 2008 and is an authorized biography of a prominent Belizean colleague and friend.
A few of her notable awards are the Lifetime Achievement Award in International Development given by the City of Jacksonville for her significant work toward making Jacksonville an international city, the International Development Award for distinguished service to UNF, and the Honorary Alumna Award for her devotion to students and initiating/developing the University’s international program. Most recently, in October, 2013, she was honored as a Woman of Distinction by her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Flinchum earned her bachelor’s degree at Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina in 1957, her Master’s in Education from University of North Carolina in 1962, and a philosophy doctorate from Louisiana State University in 1972.

Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Encourages Congress to Pass the New GOP Tax Reform Plan

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Florida small businesses will greatly benefit from lower tax rates

The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition of Florida commend our congressional members and the White House for coming together in agreement of a comprehensive pro-growth tax reform plan.
A new poll conducted by the American Action Network indicated 73 percent of Americans say passing tax reform should be a top priority for Congress.
“This poll is very telling, not only for Florida’s small business community, but for every citizen in the U.S.,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We must consider the recent hurricane damage and flooding in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico and how tax reform will put more money back into hard-working Americans’ pockets. This will help rebuild infrastructure and help rebuild communities. Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady and Congressman Curbelo, please keep up the great work. We must see tax reform pass this year.”
“As a blue dog Democrat people often wonder where I stand on certain issues. Yesterday’s announcement from Speaker Ryan and other members of Congress is a true sign of hope for the much-needed replacement of our nation’s 30-year old tax code,” said Barney Bishop, small business owner, Main Street Growth and Opportunity Steering Committee Member and Immediate Past President of the Associated Industries of Florida. “The 20-25 percent lower business rate will benefit our nation tremendously and I am glad to see the Senate, House and White House in agreement on the revamped tax reform plan.”
The Main Street Growth and Opportunity Coalition Florida members strongly urge lawmakers in Washington D.C. to pass our national budget, so tax reform can be enacted this year. The risk of delaying this policy, yet again, will put Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico’s storm recovery at risk – not to mention discourage continued economic success nationwide. We are getting closer, but need to come across the finish line.
About the Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition – Florida 
The Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition is an alliance of businesses, local trade associations and concerned individuals committed to supporting a common sense, pro-growth agenda for America. For more information, please visit www.mainstreetgrowthandopportunity.org/florida.

Leading National Company Seeks License to Join Florida’s Medical Cannabis Program

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AGRiMED Industries Submits Application for State License

AGRiMED Industries, a fully integrated medical cannabis organization, has submitted its application for one of five new licenses to produce medical marijuana in Florida. The license would permit the company to grow and sell therapeutic pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products.
AGRiMED Industries, a Pennsylvania-based company, works to bring cannabis-derived medicine from cultivation to patient care. The company is recognized for its state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities, diverse leadership team, and extensive community involvement. This unique combination produced the high score among 177 applicants for one of Pennsylvania’s 12 medical-marijuana licenses last year.
Today, AGRiMED remains a leader in patient wellness, working to cultivate, process, and dispense pure, pesticide-free agricultural medicine to patients. The company hopes its track record of success and leading business strategies will place it at the forefront when Florida health officials make their selections at the end of the month.
Unlike many companies in the medical cannabis field, AGRiMED is minority-owned, and is deeply committed to supporting research into the use of cannabis for sickle cell anemia and working with historically black universities to provide training and internships to students for early experience in the industry. The company’s relationship with Lincoln University generates a knowledge center for cannabis-related research and development fueled by minority students, the first of its kind in the country.
ABOUT AGRiMED INDUSTRIES, LLC
AGRiMED Industries is a leading medical company committed to improving the health and wellness of ailing patients. With state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities and over 200 years of collective business and medical expertise, AGRiMED produces high-quality agricultural medicine with tremendous healing benefits. For more information on AGRiMED Industries visit, https://AGRiMEDindustries.com.

DSC offers assistance to students from Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria

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Daytona State College is offering students from Puerto Rico whose families are recovering from Hurricane Maria in-state tuition for the academic year. This initiative is in response to Gov. Rick Scott’s call for Florida’s colleges and universities to provide tuition assistance to the students.
“Many Volusia and Flagler County residents know well the devastation wrought by hurricanes,” said DSC President Tom LoBasso. “While we, too, are still recovering from the effects of hurricanes Matthew and Irma, we are fortunate that our area did not receive the kind of direct hit from these storms that Puerto Rico did with Maria and the absolute destruction it left in its wake. We hope that adjusting the tuition for students from Puerto Rico will help mitigate their losses and inconvenience, and allow them to pursue or continue their programs of study.”
As an institution that serves primarily local and in-state students, DSC records show only a handful who list their permanent residence in Puerto Rico, said Dick Pastor, vice president of enrollment services.
The college also is assisting Florida students affected by Hurricane Irma. Over two dozen in-state students sustained damage or were displaced from their homes due to the storm, according to Vice President of Student Development Keith Kennedy. “We’ve been reaching out to these students as well,” he said. “Faculty are offering them grace periods for turning in assignments and referring the students to us. Additionally, our Center for Women and Men is providing books, uniforms, vouchers for laundry services, everything that can be done for each student based on his or her individual needs or circumstances.”
For assistance with the in-state tuition offer, DSC students and future students whose permanent residence is in Puerto Rico should contact Isabel Candelas at (386) 506-3062 or [email protected].
Local students impacted by Irma can contact Kennedy at (386) 506-3562 or [email protected].

Mast’s Veterans Bill Passes Senate, Heads to President

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Bipartisan Must-Pass Legislation Avoids Expiration of Critical Veterans Programs

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s (FL-18) bipartisan legislation to avoid the expiration of critical veterans programs passed the United States Senate unanimously last night.  Today, Rep. Mast joined Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-1) as the Speaker formally sent the bill to the President for his signature.  The bill previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously on Monday, September 25, 2017.
Without this bill, the authority for the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out numerous programs that help veterans will expire at the end of the week.
“The heroic men and women that I fought alongside in our Armed Forces have earned the very best care our country has to offer, but without this immediate action from Congress, veterans could have lost access to benefits, health care, support for the homeless and more,” Rep. Mast said. “Thankfully, both the House and Senate acted urgently to get the job done!”
The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 extends a number of expiring authorities impacting veterans’ benefits, health care, and homeless programs, including nursing home care, support services for caregivers, transportation, child care assistance, adaptive sports programs and housing and home loan services.
“The men and women who have served our nation, along with their caregivers, dependents and survivors, rely on key programs at VA for support,” Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (TN-1) said. “I thank Rep. Mast for his leadership on this essential legislation to extend the authorities of many VA programs and aid in the administration’s implementation of the Forever GI Bill.”
Read the bill here.

Sen. Bill Nelson on situation in Puerto Rico

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on the situation in Puerto Rico:
“There is a crisis in Puerto Rico where food, fuel, water and medicine is sitting at the docks and not getting out to the remote parts of the island. The situation calls for an immediate response by the U.S. military to provide security and distribution to these remote areas.
“As was said after Hurricane Andrew: ‘Where the hell is the cavalry?’”