Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Mark D. Bogen
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance requiring any healthcare facility in Broward County that performs a coronary calcium scan (referred to as a “calcium score”) to obtain a patient-signed acknowledgment that the calcium score test detects only calcified plaque deposits (“hard plaque”) and cannot detect noncalcified buildup (“soft plaque”). (Commissioner Bogen)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the Office of the County Attorney.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
A calcium score test is a computed tomography (CT) scan that examines coronary arteries to detect calcified plaque. The test cannot detect noncalcified plaque, and does not provide information regarding blood flow impairment.
By contrast, the Broward County Heart Project (www.takehearttest.com) provides qualified Broward County residents with a free coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA), which is a test that detects both calcified and noncalcified plaque and uses contrast dye to show any blood flow impairment.
Based on preliminary research, the County Attorney’s Office has advised that Florida law permits counties and municipalities to enact health regulations and ordinance not inconsistent with state public health laws and rules (Section 381.0016, Florida Statutes). This item, if approved, would direct the Office of the County Attorney to prepare an Ordinance, for consideration by the Board at a future meeting, that requires healthcare facilities providing calcium score tests to make specific disclosures and to obtain and retain patient-signed acknowledgments regarding the limitations of the calcium score test.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.