Using Synthetic Marijuana May Turn You Into a Zombie

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Fake weed plus you equals zombie. That’s the message from the Washington D.C., Department of Health (DOH). In May 2013, the DOH launched a health campaign in hopes of stopping D.C. residents, especially young adults, from using synthetic marijuana. The campaign ad depicts teens who have morphed into zombies. To see the ads, click here.

As Washington, D.C., tries to cut down on its zombie population, Florida recently made it illegal to become a zombie.

Synthetic Drugs Are Targeted Towards Young Individuals.

Most of the synthetic drugs are easily found online and in convenience stores. According to the Washington, D.C. DOH, synthetic drugs are popular, especially among young adults. A 2012 study of the Washington, D.C. area showed that at least ten percent (10%) of middle school students admitted to using synthetic marijuana and at least twenty percent (20%) of high school students reported to using it. There are no reports on how many of these adolescents are now walking the country as zombies.

It Is Now Illegal to Become a Synthetic Drug-Zombie in Florida.

On April 24, 2013, Florida’s governor signed the Controlled Substances Bill into law. This bill adds 27 substances to Schedule I of controlled substances, making it a third-degree felony to sell, manufacture, deliver or possess with intent to sell synthetic drugs, commonly known as “bath salts,” “K2,” and “Spice.” To read the press release from the Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG), click here.

In December 2012, I previously wrote about Florida’s AG filing an emergency rule temporarily adding these substances to Schedule I of controlled substances. Click here to read that blog. This new legislation now permanently bans these synthetic drugs.

Synthetic Drugs Not for Consumption by Humans.

Stories of side effects from using synthetic drugs are known far and wide. These drugs are known to cause psychotic episodes, hallucinations, seizures, paranoia, tremors and zombiism.

In a Huffington Post article, it’s reported the label on these synthetic substances usually reads, “Not for Human Consumption.” I’m not sure if the labels specify whether or not the products are specifically made for zombie consumption.

Click here to read the Huffington Post article.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think of the anti-synthetic drug campaign in Washington, D.C.? Do you think it will work? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Wrigley, Will. “Synthetic Marijuana Will Turn You Into A Zombie, Says D.C. Department Of Health In New Ad Campaign.” Huffington Post. (May 10, 2013). From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/10/synthetic-marijuana-weed_n_3254914.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

Meale, Jenn. “Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Legislative Priority to Ban Additional Synthetic Drugs is Now Law.” Florida Office of the Attorney General. (April 24, 2013). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/E84CBE99022C526F85257B5700762236

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Newly Created Zombie Cells Not Likely to Start the Apocalypse

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

So far on Zombie Law Blog we’ve talked about synthetic drugs, such as K2, bath salts and spice, turning people into zombies; contingency plans in case of a zombie apocalypse; and emergency alert systems warning of zombies rising from their graves. All of our prepping might be worth it.

Researchers in New Mexico say they’ve created zombie cells, or close-to-perfect replicas of animal-like cells that can perform many of the same functions despite the fact that they are not actually alive. These zombie cells are said to be stronger and harder working than their living counterparts.

Before you bunker down in your safe house, researchers say they hope to use these cells in commercial manufacturing, not to take over the work with an undead population, for now.

How Scientists Created a Zombie Cell.

According to Sandia National Laboratories, the process for creating a zombie cell involves coating living cells with silica, the stuff sand is made of, then heating the cells to more than 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This burns away the protein they’re made of, leaving behind the nonliving but structurally similar zombie cells.

Click here to read more on the zombie cells from Sandia National Laboratories.

Zombie Cells Won’t Start the Apocalypse.

These zombie cells are said to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. The cells can be arranged in any kind of working order needed and can be used in harsh environments. According to an article on Huffington Post, scientists believe this is the next step in nanotechnology, in which scientists create machines, not from metal, but from individual atoms and molecules. Click here to read the article from Huffington Post.

We’re just hoping these cells don’t start biting.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think of these zombie cells? Do you think they are a threat to humanity or a scientific breakthrough? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Freeman, David. “‘Zombie’ Cells Created In New Mexico Lab Said to Outperform Living Ones in Some Ways.” Huffington Post. (February 21, 2013). From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/zombie-cells-sandia-national-labs-university-new-mexico_n_2730166.html

Cartier, Curtis. “Rumor: Scientists Create ‘Zombie Cells’ in Lab.” MSN. (February 27, 2013). From: http://news.msn.com/rumors/rumor-scientists-create-zombie-cells-in-lab

Singer, Neal. “‘Zombie’ Replica Cells May Outperform Live Ones as Catalysts and Condctors.” Sandia National Laboratories. (February 7, 2013). From: https://share.sandia.gov/news/resources/news_releases/zombie-cells/

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. http://www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Synthetic Drugs Ordered Off of Store Shelves – Florida Protected from Future Zombie Outbreaks

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

You may remember, on December 11, 2012, Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi filed an emergency rule outlawing 22 new synthetic drugs, commonly known as “bath salts,” “K2,” and “Spice.” This emergency rule modifies Section 893.03(1)(c), Florida Statutes, by expanding the list of synthetic drugs in Schedule I of controlled substances of the Florida Comprehensive Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Click here to read a previous blog on the emergency rule.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, local authorities are now asking Central Florida convenience-store owners to remove these synthetic drugs from store shelves, if they haven’t already.

Orange County Convenience Stores Asked to Clear Out Drugs.

The Orlando Sentinel states that a letter written by the Orange County Mayor and Orange County Sheriff has gone out to the county’s convenience-store owners, expressing their concern over these synthetic drugs. The letter also states that these drugs should be off store shelves and disposed of properly. This is a voluntary notice to get rid of the synthetic drugs. Click here to read the article from the Orlando Sentinel.

These outlawed substances are commonly found in convenience stores, smoke shops, truck stops and on the internet. Anyone who sells, manufactures or delivers the synthetic drugs in Florida could be charged with a third-degree felony.

West Volusia County is Allegedly 100 Percent Free of Synthetic Drugs.

According to an article on West Volusia Beacon Online, DeLand and Orange City police said stores in their cities are completely compliant with the ban as of February 1, 2013. Apparently, local law enforcement officials in these zombie-ridden towns in rural Florida warned store owners the sale of these synthetic drugs was no longer legal. Then a week later officials ran an undercover operation, sending operatives into stores to try to buy fake marijuana. After the undercover sting, officials believe their metropolises are now 100 percent (100%) free of synthetic zombie-inducing drugs.

Click here to read the entire article from West Volusia Beacon Online.

Synthetic Drugs Turn Citizens into Zombies.

City officials are trying to get the jump on zombies and cannibal attacks in Florida. The emergency rule is evidence of Floridians’ fear of zombies and cannibal attacks allegedly linked to the misuse of the outlawed substances. Florida has been linked to both in the national news, thus scaring away many of our tourists and “snow birds” who usually flood the state. Of course, there are those who contend that face-chewing and other alleged zombie behavior is just natural behavior for Floridians, regardless of the chemicals imbibed. Especially affected are British tourists who have greatly feared zombie attacks ever since the popular move “Shaun of the Dead.” The fall-off of fearful British tourists is not made up by the increase in German tourists who are usually attracted to such spectacles.

Since Florida seems to be the only state infected with these flesh-eaters, we are taking a poll. Should Florida be renamed “the Zombie State?” Let us hear from you.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Do you think convenient stores will comply? Do you think we will ever win the battle against synthetic-drug zombies? Tell us, do you think we should rename Florida the Zombie state? Click here to tell us on our Facebook page.

Sources:

Prieto, Bianca. “Orange Officials to Order Removal of Synthetic Drugs from Stores.” Orlando Sentinel. (March 11, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-synthetic-marijuana-illegal-orange-20130311,0,4736727.story

Attorney General. (December 11, 2012). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/C2FED4E8849E737685257AD1006EED54

Horton, Jen. “West Volusia Cops Getting Synthetic Drugs Off Store Shelves.” West Volusia Beacon Online. (February 1, 2013). From:  http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/5686

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Emergency System Hoax: Alert Warns of Zombies Rising From Their Graves

By George F. Indest, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

“Civil authorities in your area have reported that the bodies of the dead are rising from their graves and attacking the living. Follow the messages on the screen that will be updated as information becomes available. Do not attempt to approach or apprehend these bodies as they are considered extremely dangerous.”

This was the voice-over message heard on the Emergency Alert System (EAS) television broadcast in California, Montana, Michigan, and New Mexico, on February 11, 2013. According to Information Week, authorities believe the announcement was from a hacker, and they are dead serious on finding out who was behind the hoax.

How the Emergency Alert System was Hacked.

According to the Associated Press, the United States recently replaced its old telephone-based alert system with a web-based system. It has been reported that each television station hacked, used the default password for their alert systems or lacked adequate computer security.

Since the prank, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has sent an urgent advisory to all television and radio stations to reset their alert system passwords. Stations were also asked to check their equipment to make sure there were no further unauthorized alerts queued up.

Click here to read the Associated Press article.

Charges the Pranksters Might Face, If Caught.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the FCC continues to investigate these cases. Officials believe the hoax originated overseas. (Or maybe some zombie enthusiasts were putting on a publicity stunt. The premier of AMC’s zombie-thriller “The Walking Dead” had just premiered the night before the alert. Also, the zombie romantic comedy “Warm Bodies” is still heating up the box office.)

According to Information Week, the person or people behind the prank could face misdemeanor charges of “tampering with a safety device,” which would include jail time and a $1,000 fine.

Click here to read an article on this from Information Week.

Reiterating There is No Threat of Zombies, Right Now.

One police officer told the Great Falls Tribune that there have been no sightings of dead bodies rising from the ground in that area. . . yet.

What if this warning had been legitimate? After this hoax, if and when the zombie apocalypse happens will it be like the little boy who cried wolf scenario?

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What if this emergency alert had been correct? Would you have been ready? Tell us what you would do if the undead attacked.

Sources:

Karoub, Jeff and Brown, Matthew. “Hacked Alert Systems Warns of Zombies.” Minnesota Public Radio. (February 13, 2013). From: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/02/13/news/hackers-use-alert-system-for-zombie-warnings

Schwartz, Mathew. “Zombie Alert Hoax: Emergency Broadcast System.” Information Week. (February 12, 2013). From: http://www.informationweek.com/security/attacks/zombie-alert-hoax-emergency-broadcast-sy/240148355

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Dead Beneficiaries Were Allegedly Used by Florida Pharmacy Owner to File False Medicare Claims

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A family that owns a number of South Florida pharmacies is allegedly under investigation for Medicare fraud, according to a number of sources. On January 17, 2013, federal authorities raided one pharmacy location in Naples, Florida. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents removed boxes of documents and computers from the pharmacy, according to Naples News. The pharmacy owner and his mother are allegedly being investigated by the U.S. Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for using the names dead beneficiaries to file false claims.

Click here to read the entire Naples News article.

Scam Allegedly Included Sending False Claims of Dead Beneficiaries to Medicare Part D.

According to NBC2, a South Florida television station, the pharmacy owner and his mother were both allegedly part of a scheme that defrauded Medicare. The family allegedly submitted claims to Medicare Part D after beneficiaries had died. This information came from a letter sent to Medicare Part D providers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on October 17, 2012 (by a dead beneficiary?). The letter was obtained by NBC2. The scheme allegedly also involved submitting false claims to Medicaid and Tricare.

Click here to watch the NBC2 news story.

No word on if zombies were getting their prescriptions.

 

OIG Not Talking.

The pharmacy that was raided is part of a chain of stores owned by the same family. So far, only the pharmacy located on Rattlesnake-Hammock Road in Naples is being investigated. That location is reportedly still closed, but the other pharmacy locations are open. Patients and zombies that used the closed pharmacy are being told to contact their physicians in order to get prescriptions transfered.

Neither the DEA nor the OIG of the HHS has released a press release on this investigation. As in all media reports, please remember that all persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Also remember, zombies are presumed to be dead until proven alive in a court of law.

Where Have All the Pharmacies Gone?

If you’ve been watching the news at all lately or regularly reading our blog, you can tell there have been an increased number of raids on pharmacies, arrests of pharmacists and emergency suspension orders issued from the Department of Health (DOH).

Recently, the DEA served a Walgreens distribution center in Florida with an immediate suspension order (click here to read more on this story), and pulled the controlled substance licenses from two Central Florida CVS Pharmacies (to learn more, click here).

In my personal opinion, the recent raids and investigations at pharmacies are especially hard on the independent operators. If the large retail giants can’t survive, the small independent pharmacies stand little chance.

Consult with a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Medicare and Medicaid Issues Now.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent healthcare providers in Medicare audits, ZPIC audits and RAC audits throughout Florida and across the U.S. They also represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers and institutions in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits, recovery actions and termination from the Medicare or Medicaid Program.

For more information please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001.


Anyone Reading Have Thoughts?

As a pharmacy owner, pharmacy employee or health care facility owner, what do you think of the increased effort to find fraud? Do you think all facilities, not just pharmacies, are under the microscope? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Freeman, Liz. “Sunshine Pharmacy in East Naples Remains Close, Day After Federal Raid.” Naples News. (January 19, 2013). From: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jan/19/sunshine-pharmacy-east-remains-closed-raid-federal/

Ritter, Rick. “Naples Pharmacy Busted for Medicare Fraud.” NBC2. (January 20, 2013). From: http://www.nbc-2.com/story/20627104/detectives-investigating-medicare-fraud-at-naples-pharmacy

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. http://www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

 

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Just in Time for the New Year: Florida Bans 22 New Synthetic Drugs

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 11, 2012, Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi filed an emergency rule outlawing 22 new synthetic drugs, commonly known as “bath salts,” “K2,” and “Spice.” This emergency rule modifies Section 893.03(1)(c), Florida Statutes, by expanding the list of synthetic drugs in Schedule I of controlled substances of the Florida Comprehensive Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

Click here to view a copy of the emergency rule.

I previously wrote a blog on House Bill 1175 in July 2012, which originally outlawed 90 forms of synthetic drugs. Click here to read that blog.

Synthetic Drugs Keep Taking on New Chemical Compounds.

The new law puts restrictions on those who manufacture, sell or deliver synthetic substances including certain synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic stimulants. Many of the synthetic substances are also commonly known as synthetic marijuana, bath salts, K2, potpourri, and incense. According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel many of these drugs look like snacks for children. One of these drugs is even marketed as a “Scooby Snack,” another looks like cotton candy. To read the entire article from the Orlando Sentinel, click here.

Florida’s officials are continuously updating the list of outlawed synthetic substances because the chemical compounds in these substances are easy to change. The ease of converting these substances into illegal drugs helps drug makers, users and sellers avoid arrest and prosecution.

Click here to see the entire list of outlawed controlled substances.

Buyers and Manufacturers Asked to Give Up Stash.

The emergency rule by the AG makes it a third-degree felony for an individual to sell, manufacture or deliver these synthetic drugs.

These drugs are widely available in smoke shops, truck stops, convenience stores and on the internet. In a press release the AG and local law enforcement reached out to people handling these drugs, asking them to voluntarily surrender the substances or face action from law enforcement.

To read the entire press release from the AG, click here.

AG Trying to Get a Handle on Drugs that Turn Citizens into Zombies and Cannibals.

This emergency rule is evidence of Floridians’ fear of zombies and cannibal attacks allegedly linked to the misuse of the outlawed substances. Florida has been linked to both in the national news, thus scaring away many of our tourists who usually flood the state. For an update on the zombie apocalypse in Florida, click here. Of course, there are those detractor who contend that face-chewing and other alleged zombie behavior is just natural behavior for Floridians, regardless of the chemicals imbibed.

Since Florida seems to be the only state infected with these flesh-eaters, we are taking a poll. Should Florida be renamed “the Zombie State?” Let us hear from you.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think of this new list of outlawed synthetic drugs? Do you think sellers will voluntarily surrender their products? Will this new list keep the zombies away? Tell us, do you think we should rename Florida the Zombie state? Click here to vote in a poll on our Facebook page.

Sources:

Meale, Jenn. “Attorney General Pam Bondi Outlaws Additional Synthetic Drugs.” Office of the Attorney General. (December 11, 2012). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/C2FED4E8849E737685257AD1006EED54

Haughney, K. “Bondi Files Emergency Rule to Outlaw Additional Synthetic Drugs.” Orlando Sentinel. (December 11, 2012). From: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2012/12/bondi-files-emergency-rule-to-outlaw-additional-synthetic-drugs.html

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Zombie Apocalypse Has Hit Florida – No Twinkies Means Little Hope for Survival

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

You are already aware of Floridians’ fear of zombies, as shown by recent legislation against bath salts. Despite this, there continue to be reports of rampant zombie outbreaks across the Sunshine State. The zombie apocalypse has hit Central Florida, hard. As a citizen of Florida, you know you are not safe; not from zombies, not from British tourists, not from inability to count (notes in an election) and not from the state legislature. To make matters worse, Twinkies, the only food known to mankind that can survive a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak (reference: Zombieland 2009) or a nuclear holocaust (reference: Family Guy, second season, third episode Dec. 26, 1999), may soon be out of production. Everyone knows Twinkies have a shelf life of 246 years.

Since Florida seems to be the only state infected with this flesh-eating disease, we are taking a poll. Should we be renamed “the Zombie State?”

Zombies are on the Hunt in Clermont.

For those of your reading this blog from another state, you’re in luck. There is actual video footage of how bad the zombie outbreak has gotten in Florida. In Clermont, thousands of cardio-enthusiasts showed up to run a 5K course filled with numerous obstacles that forced participants to crawl in the sticky mud to avoid being pricked by barbed wire above and walking along an unstable beam of wood. Unfortunately, the runners were bombarded along the way by the living dead looking for a quick bite to eat. The participants had to protect their brains while running for their lives. Only the fastest survived.

To see video of attack, click here.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is NOT safe.

If you are in Florida and were hoping to take shelter on the campus of the University of Central Florida (UCF), you’re too late. From now until December 2, 2012, the campus will be crawling with zombies who have taken to the stage in a production called “Zombie Town: A Documentary Play.”

We’ve heard it’s not bad. Click here to read a review of the performance.

With No Twinkies There is No Hope for Survival.

By now you’ve heard Hostess, the maker of Twinkies, may be on its way to a complete shutdown. As you know, these delicious treats are the only food that can survive a zombie outbreak. If Hostess closes its doors, we are doomed for sure. Thank goodness Hostess and its striking union members are renegotiating. If Hostess does shut down, it’s rumored a Boca Raton, Florida, company will purchase the brand. We can only hope.

To read the latest on the Hostess debacle, click here.

Given the increasing number of zombie attacks in Florida, the price of Twinkies could soar into the hundreds of dollars each in Florida. Doomsday enthusiasts and disenchanted stock market investors are allegedly pouring funds into warehouse loads of Twinkies.

Synthetic Drug Ban Not As Effective as Once Thought.

If you remember, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 1175 on March 23, 2012. This bill outlawed more than 90 new forms of synthetic drugs. It modified Section 893.03(1)(c), Florida Statutes, by expanding the list of banned hallucinogenic substances in Schedule I of the Florida Comprehensive Abuse Prevention and Control Act. To view Florida HB 1175, click here. To read more on the ban, click here.

HB 1175 was in response to the first known zombie attack in Miami. This cannibalistic attack was allegedly because the one man was high on bath salts. It was rumored that one prominent Florida lawmaker stated that banning bath salts, smiles and other synthetic drugs should help to reduce the reported acts of cannibalism and zombie-like behavior in Florida.

And he was wrong, the walking dead are alive, sort of, and well in Florida.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.
The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think about all the zombies around town? What are you doing to survive? Are you stocking up on Twinkies now? Tell us, do you think we should rename Florida the Zombie state? Vote in a poll on our Facebook page.

Sources:

Armstrong, Cassie. “Zombies Invade Clermont in 5K Challenge.” Florida 360. (November 17, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/multimedia/os-fla360-zombies-invade-clermont-in-5k-challenge,0,110644.story

Palm, Matthew. “Theater review: ‘Zombie Town: A Documentary Play’ from Theatre UCF.” Orlando Sentinel. (November 18, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/community/ucf/os-zombie-town-review-ucf-20121116,0,4007008.story

Hsu, Tiffany. “Hostess, Union to Give Talks Another Chance.” Orlando Sentinel. (Novemeber 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/la-fi-mo-twinkies-hostess-union-mediation-20121119,0,4220893.story

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

 “The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.