Statement from American Senior Alliance on Constitutional Proposal

American Senior Alliance’s Executive Director, Conwell Hooper issued this statement regarding Constitution Revision Commission proposal (0088) risking quality care in long term care facilities
American Senior Alliance has deep concerns that the proposal recently introduced by Constitution Revision Commission member Brecht Heuchan would threaten access to quality nursing home care in Florida. As a nonprofit organization representing seniors, including those who reside in nursing homes, we’re always on the lookout for proposals that impact the stability of our nation’s long term care sector.
Heuchen’s proposal appears to outline more ways to sue nursing homes than ensure residents have access to the care and services they need. Adding those types of provisions to Florida’s Constitution is not only alarming, but also counterproductive to what is best for a state that has made great strides in improving nursing home care over the last decade.
Florida has the nation’s highest share of seniors. As these citizens continue to age, we need to ensure nursing homes will be able to continue to provide quality care at a level that is among the best in the nation. Lawsuits drive up costs for residents and divert financial resources away from facilities’ ability to make improvements that will meet consumer demand. Nursing home residents are far better off when facilities have enough resources to provide important services or make improvements that will enhance quality of life.
Mr. Heuchan’s proposal will do absolutely nothing to improve long term care in the state of Florida or to ensure resources will be there for our senior citizens. We truly hope the Constitution Revision Commissioner sees Commissioner Heuchan’s ill-advised proposal for what it is, a lawsuit fishing expedition that does nothing to support the future needs of our older Americans.