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A comprehensive plan to deal with a level five swine flu pandemic is creating controversy.

The plan, drafted by the Department of Health in 2006, suggests in a worst case scenario hospital bound terminally ill patients would be denied life prolonging care in an effort to safe otherwise healthy swine flu victims. Governor Charlie Crist responded to concerns, saying it’s only a plan for the worst situation.

“I don’t know if there’s confusion. I think what they’re trying to do is in a worse case scenario, have Florida be prepared. It’s always good to be prepared for difficulties, whether it’s a hurricane or H1N1. One of the things that I’m very proud about, is that I think Florida leads the way in preparedness. Well, knock on wood, we’re very fortunate we haven’t had any hurricanes lately. But this H1N1 is something we have to take seriously and be prepared for it. I’m glad that our health officials are,” said Crist.

A more recent study suggests that in a worst case scenario no more than 80 percent of Florida’s hospital beds would be occupied.