Gold Seal Award Bill Heads to Governor

Today, HB 127/ SB 542 by Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland)/ Rep. Travis Cummings (R-Orange Park) passed out of the Senate and is on its way to the Governor for signature. As we've been reporting, the bill streamlines financial reporting for nursing center Gold Seal applicants, allowing them the option to submit a consolidated financial statement when applying for the Governor's Gold Seal Award. FHCA caught up with Sen. Thad Altman (R-Melbourne), a proponent of the bill, who acknowledged the importance of advancing this legislation. Click here to watch.

 

Florida Health Care Association members are dedicated to delivering the highest quality care to Florida's nursing center residents. Of the 32 Gold Seal Award recipients in Florida, 19 are FHCA members. The Association brought this concept to Sen. Stargel and Rep. Cummings last fall, when many of our centers expressed concern over the complex process involved with applying for this prestigious award.

 

A 2016 legislative priority for FHCA, the Association and its members have been actively working with lawmakers to educate them about the importance of this issue. At the midway point of the 2016 legislative session, we're pleased to report victory with the successful passage of this bill.  When signed by the Governor, nurses, aides and thousands of other long term care professionals will have another opportunity to be recognized for the important work they do in providing exceptional care to seniors and people with disabilities in Florida's nursing centers.