Governor Crist Signs SB 1122 into Law
As you may have already heard, yesterday afternoon Governor Crist officially signed SB 1122 (Assignment of Benefits) into law. Please see the press release below from the FMA and the link to the Governor’s comments on the bill.

This legislation was a priority of the Florida Orthopaedic Society and the Florida Medical Association. The FMA used their full resources to ensure the successful passage of the bill and ultimately securing the Governor’s support. They should be congratulated for this major achievement. This was no small endeavor as we overcame significant opposition from segments of the insurance industry (BCBS) and a coalition of other large interest groups.

The FMA launched a significant public relations campaign to counter the efforts of Blue Cross to defeat this bill. The FOS is making a financial contribution to the FMA to offset some of the costs they incurred to conduct this media campaign. We would like to request that our members and/or your practices consider making a donation as well. Donations can be sent in using the website created for the campaign…… http://www.patientsoverprofits.com/donate.htm

All of you need to be congratulated as well for the communications you sent to the Governor. The hundreds of letters and emails he received from physicians across the state underlined the widespread support from organized medicine. Your willingness to communicate on this issue is a major reason for our success.

The new law takes effect July 1, 2009.