The legislative office of State Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) will begin holding its monthly office hours in Baker County this week. Staff representing the Senator will be available to answer questions and provide constituent assistance from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Tuesday, June 6th at the County Administration Building, located at 55 North 3rd Street, Macclenny, FL 32063.
“Our Senate district is geographically very large, so I want to be sure that people know that they have access to the office and the services we can offer to assist them,” said Senator Bradley. “If residents have issues with a state agency, a legislative request or need information about a state program, then this affords them an opportunity to sit down and discuss the matter with us.”
In addition to local office hours, constituents can obtain assistance on matters relating to state government by contacting the Senator’s office toll free at (888) 347-3483 or emailing [email protected]. Additional contact information for Senator Bradley and his staff is available at www.flsenate.gov.
State Senator Rob Bradley
Bradley files legislation to repeal Certificate of Need Program
State Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) filed legislation today (SB 676) which would eliminate the Certificate of Need (CON) Program at the Agency for Health Care Administration. Under existing law, health care providers must obtain a certificate of need prior to constructing new hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or intermediate care facilities in the state or to convert from one type of health care facility to another. The CON program drives up health care costs by limiting health care choices for consumers. In removing the program, Senate Bill 676 will shift the requirements from CON to licensure for new providers or facilities providing new services.
“By eliminating the state’s restrictive CON process we’ll increase competition and drive down the cost of health care for Floridians,” said Senator Bradley. “For years, this cumbersome process has been used to block the expansion of facilities and restrict competition. So, in addition to driving costs, we should also see a significant economic impact in terms of the creation of new jobs by removing this barrier.”
The Governor’s office is also backing Senator Bradley’s legislation. Governor Rick Scott said, “I’ve traveled across our state and spoken with Floridians who have been charged unconscionable prices for procedures. This session, I want to fight to make the healthcare system fair for families and ensure health care works for patients and not for hospitals’ bottom lines. I look forward to working with Senator Bradley to champion this legislation as we continue to help bring greater access, quality, transparency and fairness to patients.”
The bill authorizes the Agency for Health Care Administration to develop licensure rules for new providers or facilities providing new services and sets guidelines for the licensure of hospitals and hospice facilities.
