Your weekly roundup of the stories Florida doctors need to know.
CMS Updates: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Finalizes 3.26% Payment Bump for 2026
CMS has finalized the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule with a net 3.26% payment increase for most physicians — and a 3.77% boost for those in qualified advanced alternative payment models. But the details matter: the rule applies a negative 2.5% efficiency adjustment to most services, with office-based payments climbing 5% while facility-based payments drop 7%. Florida physicians with mixed practice settings should model the impact on their specific service mix. Medicare Advantage open enrollment remains open through March 31. Details from CMS
Tallahassee Watch: Legislature Passes Alzheimer’s Care Bills, $31M AIDS Drug Funding
The Florida Legislature wrapped its 2026 regular session on March 13 after passing two Alzheimer’s disease bills without opposition: SB 1404, which creates a specialized memory care licensing framework for assisted living facilities, and SB 578, which launches a statewide Alzheimer’s awareness campaign. State Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, presented the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative bill in the Florida House last Wednesday. Separately, HB 697 directs nearly $31 million to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, preserving access for over 32,000 Florida residents after planned cuts threatened the program. Physicians who treat patients in memory care or HIV/AIDS programs should watch for implementing rules in the coming weeks. Details from WUSF Health News Florida
Board of Medicine: Governor Appoints Dr. John Littell to Florida Board of Medicine
Governor DeSantis has appointed Dr. John Littell, an Ocala family physician, to the Florida Board of Medicine. Dr. Littell drew national attention in 2023 when the American Board of Family Medicine revoked — and later restored — his board certification amid disputes over COVID-19 vaccine policy positions. The appointment joins a broader slate of board nominations that signal continued executive attention to the Board’s composition. The Board’s next meeting is a telephone conference call on March 26. Florida physicians can monitor Board actions through the Department of Health license verification portal. Details from Hoodline
CME Alert: Renewal Reminder — 40 Hours Required with Mandatory Topics
If your renewal cycle is approaching, now is the time to audit your CME credits. Florida physicians must complete 40 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit hours per renewal cycle, including mandatory hours in medical error prevention (2 hours), controlled substance prescribing (2 hours for DEA-registered providers), and domestic violence (2 hours every third renewal). Allopathic MD licenses expire on January 31st of even or odd years depending on your license group. Check your status at flboardofmedicine.gov and plan ahead — last-minute CME courses often carry waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Medicare physician payment increase for Florida doctors?
CMS finalized a 3.26% net increase in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. However, a negative 2.5% efficiency adjustment applies to most services, with office-based payments increasing 5% and facility payments decreasing 7%.
What Alzheimer’s legislation did the Florida Legislature pass in 2026?
The Legislature passed SB 1404, creating specialized memory care licensing for assisted living facilities, and SB 578, launching a statewide Alzheimer’s awareness campaign. Both passed without opposition during the 2026 regular session.
How many CME hours do Florida physicians need for license renewal?
Florida physicians must complete 40 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit hours per renewal cycle, with mandatory topics including medical error prevention (2 hours), controlled substance prescribing (2 hours for DEA holders), and domestic violence (2 hours every third renewal).
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