Statement from Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director
“Nursing home care has changed dramatically since Florida implemented staffing standards in 2001. Many of our residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia, require dialysis because of diabetes, need oxygen or a ventilator due to breathing problems. And while residents are receiving more nursing care than most other states, the standards from 2001 focus more on the basic care needs that certified nursing assistants are providing.
Senate Bill 1088 will modernize Florida’s staffing standards by recognizing the importance of the entire care planning team when it comes to the health and well-being of residents. Giving nursing homes the flexibility to staff their centers with specialists in mental health, activities, respiratory therapy, specialized feeding and other direct care services means better outcomes for residents and an improved quality of life.
Florida has always been a leader in nursing home staffing, and the tremendous gains we’ve seen in quality care are a result. We applaud Senator Albritton for having the foresight to give our nursing homes the flexibility to best meet the needs of their residents. This good bill makes sense and will keep Florida in the forefront of caring for our state’s aging baby boomers.”
