Health Care Workers

The facility will support clinical trials and “transformative” research, and offer hands-on training for doctors, nurses and med students with the goal of drawing "top-tier" health workers.

Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, says the funds would help the hospital "attract and retain health care workers."

In the CDC's Vital Signs report, the agency suggests more than double the number of health workers reported harassment at work in 2022 than in 2018, including threats, bullying and verbal abuse from patients and co-workers.

The legislation has been praised by health workers. The Florida Hospital Association says the law will lead to safer working conditions and better patient care.

HCA denies the union’s claims and says union protests tend to take place during collective bargaining to get attention.

Data show physical attacks on hospital personnel by patients, family members and others are on the rise, and that nurses are most likely to be the victims.

The vote was unanimous, 39-0 vote. A similar bill in the House will soon be up for a vote. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would take effect July 1.

Said Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart)" "This is exactly what we want to do to build our workforce."

Florida was among three states that declined to check for vaccination violations, instead leaving that process to CMS, which hired contractors. As a result, CMS said Florida was docked more than $1.2 million.

Foreign-trained medical professionals could help Florida address a workforce shortage and meet the growing demand for care. But they often face barriers to getting certified in the U.S.

The industry has long relied on immigrants to bolster its ranks, and they’ll be critical to meeting future staffing needs, experts say. But as the baby boom generation fills beds, policymakers are slow to open new pathways for foreign workers.

Watch this video to hear from some multitalented health care workers on what making music means to them.