Florida long term care providers gather to expand knowledge,
celebrate caregivers, discuss innovations in quality care
The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today kicked off its 2023 Annual Conference & Trade Show, providing hundreds of attendees the opportunity to hear updates from state and national leaders – and even a former Heisman Trophy winner – about their profession. The five-day FHCA Annual Conference, at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, brings together nearly 1,000 long term care executives, nursing center and assisted living facility administrators, nurses, and others working in the profession, joined by industry product and service providers, for educational sessions and award recognitions.
“FHCA members are resilient and dedicated to delivering high-quality care, despite the many challenges they continue to face,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. “Reflecting this year’s conference theme of ‘The Edge of a New Frontier,’ we’re focused on helping attendees increase their knowledge of the latest innovations and action plans so they can help take Florida’s long term care sector to the next level of gold-standard care.”
Educational sessions at the conference will support providers in their current efforts to enhance clinical outcomes and quality of life for residents, boost workforce recruitment, retention and engagement activities, develop future leaders, interpret regulatory guidance and strengthen financial and facility operations.
Featured guests include American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) President & CEO Mark Parkinson, a former Kansas governor, and NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea, who will highlight recent regulatory proposals for nursing centers and assisted living facilities coming out of Washington, D.C. In addition, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida and Deputy Secretary/State Survey Agency Director Kimberly Smoak will provide updates on how caregivers and regulators will work to ensure quality care for Florida seniors. ESPN College GameDay anchor and former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard will provide a motivational keynote on Being Coachable in Life. Florida Rep. Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) will join attendees on Monday to be recognized as an FHCA Legislative Champion for the Elderly for his legislative proposal authorizing the use of Qualified Medication Aides in nursing centers – a measure passed unanimously passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor.
Throughout the week, annual Long Term Care Achievement Awards will be presented to recognize the top nursing home and assisted living facility administrators, volunteers, and nursing center residents for their contributions to quality long term care in Florida. Additionally, Florida facilities earning the Governor’s Gold Seal for Excellence in Long-Term Care, Joint Commission accreditation, and AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards will also be honored.
FHCA’s Annual Conference is sponsored by Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region. The event, which runs through July 27, provides attendees the opportunity to earn up to 21 hours of continuing education. A 280-booth trade show takes place Monday and Tuesday, July 24 and 25.
For more information about the FHCA 2023 Annual Conference & Trade Show, visit the Conference website at www.fhcaconference.org.
