Florida Health Care Association Praises Lawmakers for Passing Care-Centered Budget

The Florida Health Care Association today praised state lawmakers for adopting a budget that makes Florida’s long term care residents a priority by preserving Medicaid funding for nursing home care and, for the first time in more than 25 years, boosting the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents.

“This year’s budget represents a strong commitment to Florida’s long term care residents and the providers that care for them,” said Emmett Reed, Executive Director of the Florida Health Care Association. “The Legislature has taken a positive step to improve the quality of life for many of Florida’s more than 72,000 nursing home residents.”

Included in the budget is an increase in the resident personal needs allowance, tripling the allocation from $35 to $105 per month. This increased funding will provide greater choices to residents who rely on Medicaid as their long term care safety net, helping them to pay for personal items that improve their quality of life – things such as beauty services, clothing and other personal items.

Through the leadership of Senate President Don Gaetz demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improve the quality of life of Florida’s elders, this year’s budget includes $35.4 million in dedicated funding for long term care residents. In addition, FHCA applauded House Speaker Will Weatherford, Appropriations Chairs Sen. Joe Negron and Rep. Seth McKeel and Health and Human Services Appropriations Chairs Sen. Denise Grimsley and Rep. Matt Hudson for supporting a budget that considers the needs of Florida’s most frail elders.

Earlier this month legislators adopted historic changes that will bolster investment in Florida’s long term care sector by establishing realistic limits on excessive lawsuits against nursing homes. The Legislature also updated Florida’s Certificate of Need law, giving way for aging facilities to modernize their buildings and enhance their services so they are equipped to meet the changing demographics of Florida’s aging population.

“With this budget, lawmakers have addressed the needs of our facilities’ residents,” said Reed. “This Legislature will long be remembered for its effective, meaningful and thoughtful actions for the state’s long term care residents.”

FHCA's Top Legislative Priorities Head to Governor

FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed discusses the passage of nursing home litigation reform and Certificate of Need legislation, both of which are on their way to the Governor's desk for signature. These important bills will support a strong long term care sector to ensure Florida seniors can continue receiving high-quality care.

FHCA Hails Passage of Landmark Nursing Home Litigation Reform Bill; Urges Governor to Sign into Law

The Florida Health Care Association today praised the Florida House’s passage of SB 670, a landmark nursing home litigation reform measure that will bring fairness to the Florida court system and preserve investment in Florida’s nursing homes. FHCA urged Gov. Rick Scott to sign the bill into law to benefit the more than 70,000 Floridians served by nursing homes every day.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. John Thrasher and Rep. Matt Gaetz, will ensure that nursing home residents are able to pursue lawsuits against those directly at fault for negative events, while preventing unreasonable claims against passive investors who have no role in daily care decisions.

“The passage of this bill represents a victory for Florida’s aging seniors,” said Emmett Reed, Executive Director of the Florida Health Care Association. “Florida’s nursing homes are among the best in the nation and provide the highest level of care. We are indebted to Sen. Thrasher and Rep. Gaetz for their insightful leadership in developing legislation that will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of seniors now and into the future.”

The legislation is the result of a historic agreement among the Florida Health Care Association, the Florida Justice Association and the American Association of Retired Persons. It introduces realistic and responsible limits to lawsuits against nursing homes and will:

• Ensure that residents can pursue lawsuits against those directly at fault for negative events, while preventing claims against passive investors and others who have nothing to do with the incident.
• Utilize the regulatory process to ensure that judgments are paid by giving the state Agency for Health Care Administration the authority to revoke the license of any nursing home operator who doesn’t pay a final judgment, arbitration award or settlement.
• Require a trial court to hold a hearing and weigh admissible evidence before a punitive damage motion can move forward, clarifying the process without changing any standards.
• Establish a workable framework for providing appropriate medical records to family members.

Noting that the bill is effective upon becoming law and nursing homes need relief immediately, Reed and FHCA encouraged the governor to sign the measure quickly. “Gov. Scott understands how excessive litigation can destroy investors’ interest in creating new facilities and new jobs in Florida’s vital nursing home industry. We look forward to working with his Administration to implement this new law to improve the lives of Florida’s elders,” Reed said.

2014 Lobby Day Highlights

FHCA takes a look back at 2014 Lobby Days, when nearly 500 long term care professionals traveled to Tallahassee to advocate for important issues that impact quality nursing home and ALF care in Florida.

CFO Jeff Atwater Wishes FHCA Happy 60th Anniversary

Everyone's sharing in the celebrations. Florida's CFO Jeff Atwater wishes Florida Health Care Association congratulations on celebrating our 60th Anniversary. Watch this great message about the quality care being delivered by our members every day!

FHCA 2014 Lobby Days a Wrap

FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed highlights FHCA's final Lobby Day of the 2014 session, which brought together a diverse group of nursing home and ALF administrators, facility volunteers, family members and vendors. Progress on important long term care legislation is also discussed.

Certificate of Need Bill Ready for Senate Floor

Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced SB 268 by Sen. Denise Grimsley (R-31), clearing it to be heard on the Senate floor after lawmakers return from the Passover/Easter recess. SB 268 is the Certificate of Need bill that will provide incentives to allow for renovation or replacement of Florida’s aging facilities and movement of nursing home beds to match Florida's changing demographics. FHCA member Steve Bogomilsky who operates 20 skilled nursing facilities across Florida, voiced support for the bill, which passed unanimously.

FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed commended bill sponsor Sen. Denise Grimsley for her foresight in anticipating the needs of Florida’s senior citizens. “As more Florida baby boomers transition to retirement, it is appropriate for the state to take critical steps like those outlined in this good legislation to continue our leading role among America’s most senior friendly states."

Certificate of Need & Nursing Home Litigation Reform on the Move

FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed discusses the progress of Certificate of Need and Nursing Home Litigation Reform legislation that advanced during week five of the legislative session. Members from Consulate Health Care and Summit Care are also featured during FHCA Lobby Day.

Nursing Home Litigation Reform (SB 670) Passes Out of Senate

“Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) applauds members of the Florida Senate for their vote to pass SB 670, historic legislation that will improve Florida’s justice system by introducing realistic limits to lawsuits against nursing homes," said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director. "This bill, sponsored by Sen. John Thrasher, is vital to restoring common sense to our justice system while serving the interests of those Florida citizens living in long-term care facilities."

"This legislation is the result of careful planning and a comprehensive analysis of the legal environment in Florida, and we are confident it will enhance the care received by Florida’s senior citizens. These changes will ensure that nursing home residents are able to pursue lawsuits against those directly at fault for negative events, while preventing unreasonable claims against passive investors who have no role in daily care decisions."

“Nursing homes are accountable to the people they serve, and this legislation protects Florida’s senior citizens living in long-term care facilities and nursing homes," Reed continued. "We are indebted to Sen. Thrasher for his insightful leadership in forging a compromise that addresses the greatest concerns of all parties involved."

“The well-being of long-term care facility residents has been, and will always remain, at the forefront of care decisions. Florida’s many excellent facilities are reassured that they can continue their tireless pursuit of the best possible care for their residents, without the constant threat of excessive lawsuits that exploit the justice system. We encourage the House to follow the Senate’s lead and send this legislation to Governor quickly.”

Nursing Home Certificate of Need Bill on the Move in Senate

Today, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services passed SB 268 by Sen. Denise Grimsley (R-21). This is the companion to HB 287 by Rep. Frank Artiles (R-118) which will provide incentives to allow for renovation or replacement of Florida’s aging facilities and movement of nursing home beds to match Florida's changing demographics. 

HB 287 passed unanimously out of the House last week; the Senate companion has one final committee stop before it is ready to be heard on the Senate floor.

“With this bill, seniors in need of nursing facility care will have a high-quality setting that promotes person-centered care.," said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director.