FHCA Names 2013 Legislative Champions for the Elderly

Florida lawmakers honored for standing up for long term care residents and caregivers

Florida Health Care Association has named its 2013 Legislative Champions for the Elderly, which recognizes those legislators who championed pro-long term care issues and used his or her leadership in the Legislature to stand up for adequate Medicaid funding for nursing home resident quality care and valuable caregiver jobs, displayed courage on tough issues and championed legislation that ensures a fair and balanced long term care regulatory system. The following individuals have been named an FHCA 2013 Champion for the Elderly:
• Rep. Daniel Davis (R – Jacksonville)
• Rep. Katie Edwards (D – Sunrise)
• Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R – Hialeah Gardens)
• Rep. Bill Hager (R- Boca Raton)
• Rep. Mark Pafford (D – West Palm Beach)
• Rep. Cary Pigman (R – Sebring)
• Sen. René Garcia (R-Hialeah)
• Sen. Denise Grimsley (R – Sebring)
• Sen. Joe Negron (R – Palm City)
• Sen. Jeremy Ring (D – Margate)

“We’re proud to honor these legislative leaders for standing up for the profession and supporting legislation that ensures Florida’s nursing facilities can continue their important work of delivering high-quality, long term care to our state’s seniors and people with disabilities,” said Emmett Reed, executive director of Florida Health Care Association, the state’s first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers.

FHCA’s legislative awards will be presented at the Association’s Annual Conference on Wednesday, August 7, at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood. The Awards are determined as part of FHCA’s post-session Legislative Scorecard, which assesses legislators on their sponsorship/co-sponsorship of pro-long term care legislation, their voting record and overall support or non-support related to issues or bill(s) that impact the profession. The Legislative Scorecard also includes detailed information regarding Florida long term care priorities and the Association’s grassroots initiatives.

A copy of FHCA’s 2013 Legislative Scorecard is available in the Advocacy Section of FHCA’s website.