Legislators Honored with Champion for Elderly Awards

On August 7 during Florida Health Care Association's 2013 Annual Conference in Hollywood, Fl., the Association honored several legislators who stopped by to visit with members and accept their 2013 Legislative Champion for the Elderly Award. FHCA Past President Kelley Rice-Schild presented Sen. Rene’ Garcia (R-Hialeah) with his award, while Past President Dion Sena presented Rep. Katie Edwards (D-Sunrise) with her award. Both legislators played an important role in the Certificate of Need debate that took place during the 2013 legislative session.

Rep. Bill Hager (R-Boca Raton), who sponsored the nursing home tort reform legislation, was presented his award by FHCA District XI President Neil Sutton. FHCA also presented Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R-Hialeah Gardens) and Rep. Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach) with their awards for their ongoing support of the long term care profession.

FHCA Chief Lobbyist Bob Asztalos came in his Navy HMCS uniform to make the award presentation to Rep. Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) via Skype. A U.S. Army Reservist, Rep. Pigman was recalled to active duty and is currently serving as a physician in the Middle East.

FHCA’s Legislative Champion for the Elderly 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. Additional lawmakers who were recognized but unable to attend included Rep. Daniel Davis (R-Jacksonville) and Sens. Denise Grimsley (R – Sebring), Joe Negron (R – Palm City) and Jeremy Ring (D – Margate).