Ronald Doc Renuart, DO, FACP Former Member, Florida House of Representatives 2008-2015
In short EVERYTHING!
Presentation: History of the Physician/Statesman My Background and my run for office New Florida Laws from the 2016 Legislative Session How does one run a campaign? How else can one engage their representative?
History of Physicians in US Government Hugh Williamson, MD James McHenry, MD
History of Physicians in US Government 1776: 5 of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence were physicians- 11% 1787: 2 of the 39 Signers/Crafters of the US Constitution were physicians
History of Physicians in US Government 1789-1889: During the first 100 years of the US Congress, 252 or 4.6% of the Members were physicians Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD (R-Tennessee)
History of Physicians in US Government 2014: 19 physicians in US Congress were physicians; 18 MDs and 1 DO. Congressman Joe Heck, DO (R-Nevada)
State Legislatures: 68 physicians in State Legislatures across the US Governor of Alabama Lt Governors of Kansas and Virginia
My Background:
The Key Contact Physician Program
DO Day in Tallahassee
Running for Office:
Common Issues Facing State Tort Reform Legislatures: Expert Witness legislation Caps on Non-Economic Damages Scope of Practice Issues Big Corporate Hospital and Insurers Favored Over Physicians Lack of Funding for Mental Health Exponential Increases in Medicaid Spending with Few Meaningful Results
2016 Legislative Session $82.3 Billion budget $1.5 Million for Nova Southeastern University Health Sciences Division $3.4 Million for LECOM
Legislation Signed into Law 2016: HB 423 Schedule drug prescribing by ARNPs and PAs under supervision of licensed DO or MD HB 242 Needle exchange pilot program HB 422 Coverage for abuse deterrent opioids
Legislation Signed into Law 2016: SB 938 Ban of the sale of Dextromethorphan to minors HB 1175 Health care transparency HB 651 Exempts Med Malpractice insurance premiums from emergency assessments for the Florida Catastrophe Fund
Legislation Signed into Law 2016: HB 7087 Telehealth Advisory Council HB 307 Medical use of Cannabis HB 375 Supervision of Physician Assistants
Legislation Signed into Law 2016: SB 450 Physical therapists and use of DPT title SB 586 Hospitals must notify OBs 120 days before closing obstetrical services HB 941 Allows for temporary certificates to practice for military
Legislation that Failed in 2016: HB 1277 Licensing foreign trained doctors SB 132 Direct Primary Care contracting
2016 Elections: Because the State Senate seats were challenged by the courts and re-drawn all 40 Florida Senate seats are up for re-election. 8 of 40 elected unopposed All 120 State House seats are up for reelection. 37 of the 120 elected unopposed All 27 US Congressional seats on the ballot
2016 Elections: Primary Election is August 30 th General Election is November 8th
Be Sure that you V O T E!!!
Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment I pledge to: Provide compassionate, quality care to my patients; Partner with them to promote health; Display integrity and professionalism throughout my career; Advance the philosophy, practice and science of osteopathic medicine; Continue lifelong learning; Support my profession with loyalty in action, word and deed; and Live each day as an example of what an osteopathic physician should be.
Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment I pledge to: Provide compassionate, quality care to my patients; Partner with them to promote health; Display integrity and professionalism throughout my career; Advance the philosophy, practice and science of osteopathic medicine; Continue lifelong learning; Support my profession with loyalty in action, word and deed; and Live each day as an example of what an osteopathic physician should be.
How Does One Start a Campaign? Decide to run Raise $$$$$$$ Name recognition Have a plan Form a team Be seen and be available
How Does One Start a Campaign? Know your constituents Know the issues Don t be afraid to take a stand Be prepared to answer many questions Outwork your opponent Don t give up
Special Challenges for Practicing Physicians: Maintaining your practice Keeping your patients Communication with EMRs Coverage Covering your overhead Conflicts with colleagues and hospitals
So Running for Office is not for you Republic Form of Government Know your legislators As a constituent, you are their highest priority As a physician, you are an expert in health care; most elected officials are not
So Running for Office is not for you Make yourself available to your legislative leaders Offer to help campaigns to elect/reelect Physician -friendly leaders Support or form physician Political Action Committees
So Running for Office is not for you Write your Reps on health care issues Don t get upset if your legislator does not support us on every issue, they may be our champion on future issues
Don t rely on your elected officials to make the right decisions on your ability to practice without your input!
The End