TO: POF Board of Directors and Interested POF Members

FROM: Nancy Black Stewart

DATE: December 27, 2001

SUBJECT: Update from Tallahassee

As I wind down my practice for 2001, pay my bills, file my quarterly federal tax returns, I’m also reflecting on my year, professionally. Professional Opticians of Florida leaps to the front of my mind--what a great legislative year we enjoyed!! And, please be assured I know our success must be measured by our hard work and team approach to the issues we faced. THANK YOU and GOOD JOB to everyone.

My last report revolved around our state budget crisis and its possible effect on POF. It’s all good news here: there was no effort to eliminate the Board of Opticianry; and, the Medicaid eyeglasses/hearing aid program was funded through the end of the fiscal year (until 6/30/02). It is important to note that in spite of floor debate expressing support for this program, these monies are scheduled to be cut effective 7/1/02. This is considered an "optional service" and this one and many others will not survive the state’s budget shortfall.

The Legislature will convene on January 22, 2002. At this point, House leadership is suggesting that House members file only the bare necessities for legislation because the primary focus of this year’s session will be the budget and reapportionment (redrawing each legislative district’s boundary lines). POF will be in a strong "defense" mode to protect what we accomplished last year. I have gotten firm commitments from each of our bill sponsors from last year that they will help me do this—we will be vigilant!

It is interesting to me (in light of what we have been through this year) that the House Health Regulation Committee has been given permission to file one "committee bill"—usually there are 5-10. Following are the substantive issues I know about so far:

1. Regulatory boards could increase their license or renewal fees to the statutory fee cap orto the actual cost of regulation, whichever is less;

2. Dept. of Health would have authority to permit boards who are "operating in the black" to outsource board functions;

3. The bill would move investigators and prosecutors dealing with regulation issues from AHCA to DOH.

I look forward to another great year working on behalf of POF and thanks to all of you for support.

IF you are not a POF member - Now you have NO excuse not to join! There is only one association that works endlessly to save and protect your license. Do the right thing and join TODAY! Click on the button below to sign-up now!

Mark A. Miller
Executive Director
markm@pof.org New mailing address:
1947 Greenwood Drive - Tallahassee, FL 32303