Broward hospital districts proposal is going nowhere. Here's what's next.

"The controversial bill that would empower Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System - two separate health taxing districts - to bypass antitrust laws and launch joint ventures was "temporarily postponed" in the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Feb. 3, 2026. By all accounts, it is dead, at least for this year."

"Supporters - led by Broward Health and Memorial's shared CEO Shane Strum - frame the bill as a vital tool to expand health care services in Broward and cut administrative waste. However, a coalition of critics has branded it a "backdoor merger" that threatens to shield taxpayer-funded entities from public accountability. With the legislative session already racing toward its March 13 conclusion, it appears that Strum's "Better Together" vision, reflected in the bill, may be facing the same quiet death that claimed a similar proposal just one year ago."

""When taxpayer-funded hospital systems seek to consolidate power and gain broad immunity from oversight, the public deserves a seat at the table," said Charles Gressle, president of HCA East Florida Division. "This proposal weakens competition, evades accountability, and limits patient choices with serious long-term consequences for the quality, cost, and accessibility of care. As public ta"

The Senate Community Affairs Committee temporarily postponed on Feb. 3, 2026, a bill that would have allowed Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System to bypass antitrust laws and form joint ventures. The postponement effectively removes the measure from consideration for the current legislative session. Supporters led by shared CEO Shane Strum argued the change would expand services and cut administrative waste. Critics labeled the proposal a "backdoor merger" that could shield taxpayer-funded entities from oversight. HCA Healthcare opposed the bill, warning it would weaken competition, limit patient choice, and harm quality, cost, and access to care.

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