Senate committee advances Dr. John Littell to state Board of Medicine after questioning on abortion, ivermectin and vaccines

Dr. John Littell, a family physician appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections to the full Senate for confirmation to the Florida Board of Medicine after members debated whether his personal views would influence disciplinary judgments.

Littell, who described nearly 40 years in family medicine and service in the U.S. Army, was sworn and then fielded questions about the board’s role and standards. He told the committee the board is a “quasi‑judicial entity” that applies Florida statutes to cases and said he could not unilaterally determine outcomes: “I’m just one of 13 members on the board of medicine,” he said.

Why it matters: The Board of Medicine reviews complaints against physicians and can discipline or revoke licenses. Senators expressed concern that a board member’s personal beliefs could shape evaluations of whether a clinician followed the standard of care.

Senator Sarah Polsky pressed Littell on whether his stated pro‑life views would affect decisions about physicians who perform abortions to save a mother’s life. Littell said his personal opposition to abortion is longstanding but emphasized the board decides by vote and follows statutes, adding, “I’m just one of 13 members … I myself as one doctor on the board of medicine cannot make anything happen.”

Polsky also asked whether Littell would apply CDC and FDA standards when judging a physician’s conduct. Littell said the board examines statutory violations and noted he would rely on the board’s legal counsel and the statutes enacted by the Legislature. He told senators he had been critical of some federal agency decisions: “I have followed the history of the CDC … it’s been a house of horrors in my career,” he said.

Littell defended the use of ivermectin during the COVID‑19 pandemic, saying it “saved a lot of lives during COVID,” and criticized several federal actions and approvals. He also acknowledged a temporary lapse in his American Board of Family Medicine certification during the COVID period that was later restored.

Committee debate reflected deep divisions. Some members praised Littell’s long clinical experience and commitment to family medicine; others, including Senator Polsky, said his positions on vaccines, abortion and federal guidance raised concerns about his ability to impartially judge other physicians.

A motion to recommend Littell’s confirmation, moved by Senator Garcia and seconded by Senator Grama, passed by roll call: Yes—Senators Bradley, Garcia, Grawl and Chair Gates; No—Senators Polsky, Rouson and Vice Chair Bernard. The committee recommended Littell favorably and will forward the nomination to the full Senate for final action.

Next step: The full Senate will receive the committee’s recommendation for final confirmation.