The First District Court of Appeal today rejected a motion by the nursing home industry to invalidate the Governor’s life-saving emergency generator rule. The Court in a one-page order denied the nursing home industry’s claim that the emergency generator rule is not in effect as the appeals process continues. According to FS120.56(3)(b) and legal precedent, the Governor’s emergency rule remains in full effect. Yesterday, to make these important rules permanent, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) published their proposed permanent rule.
Governor Scott said, “I am glad that the First DCA rejected another challenge to our life-saving emergency generator rule. By having this emergency rule in full effect, we are ensuring that facilities across Florida are coming into compliance and are installing generators to keep their patients safe during a disaster. Instead of focusing on law suits, these interest groups should focus on ways to keep their patients safe.”
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State Senator Passidomo Files Bipartisan Affordable Housing Legislation
Senator Passidomo & Representative Shaw Join
to Stop Sweeps of State and Local Housing Trust
With representatives from the 30 diverse statewide organizations that make up the Sadowski Coalition joining her in front of the Florida Senate Chamber doors in the State Capitol in Tallahassee, State Senator Kathleen Passidomo today announced she has filed bipartisan affordable housing legislation. This legislation, Senate Bill 874, would prohibit the sweep of the State and Local Housing Trust Fund. State Representative Sean Shaw is the sponsor of the House companion bill, House Bill 191.
Senator Passidomo was joined by Representative Shaw and Senate and House Co-sponsors, as well as Sadowski Coalition Facilitator Jaimie Ross and representatives from the Sadowski Coalition, including Danielle Scoggins, senior public policy representative for the Florida Realtors.
“I’m honored to announce today that I have filed legislation, Senate Bill 874, to stop the sweeps of the State and Local Housing Trust Fund,” said Senator Passidomo. “With this legislation, this much-needed funding can become a certainty, and we can begin to use all of our available housing resources toward solving our affordable housing problem. Florida’s state and local housing trust fund programs are national models – they work, but only to the degree that they are funded.”
Governor Rick Scott’s budget proposal, released today, showed a significant reduction in sweeps of Florida’s state and local housing trust funds. The Governor’s ’17-18 budget proposed a $224M sweep, while the ’18-19 budget proposes a much lower $91.8M sweep, affirming the Governor’s commitment to affordable housing in the wake of a disastrous hurricane season.
“…we are on the right track. And hopefully, SB 874 and HB 191 can bring us that much closer to the end goal of using all affordable housing trust fund monies toward their intended purpose – affordable housing,” said Senator Passidomo.
“I filed HB 191 in the House before our housing needs were exacerbated by Hurricane Irma and the displacement of our fellow Americans by Hurricane Maria,” said Representative Shaw. “Florida is proud to open our arms to our fellow Americans from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who need refuge or intend to establish a new residence here. We must have more housing opportunities to make that happen, and it is time we stop the sweeping of affordable housing trust fund monies.”
“This year marks 25 years since the Sadowski Act became law with bipartisan support in Florida,” said Jaimie Ross, president and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, and facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition. “This landmark legislation was intended to create a source of funding for affordable housing that could be relied upon. There were no sweeps of the housing trust funds during the first 10 years. We need to bring back that norm. This legislation is intended to do that. The timing could not be better.”
“Florida Realtors has been a proud supporter of the state and local government housing trust funds from the very beginning because our members understand that every community relies on dependable and accessible housing options to stay vibrant and healthy,” said Carrie O’Rourke, vice president of public policy for Florida Realtors, which is a member of the Sadowski Coalition. “We applaud Senator Passidomo and Representative Shaw for being leaders on this important issue and for calling attention to one of the biggest hurdles facing the continued economic prosperity of our state. Only by working together can we solve Florida’s affordable housing problem.”
Gov. Scott: Florida Highway Patrol Deploys Law Enforcement Assistance to Puerto Rico
Governor Rick Scott today announced the deployment of 50 Florida Highway Patrol members to Puerto Rico in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the Puerto Rico Police Department. Troopers participating in this detail will be conducting security operations and traffic control in and around the city of San Juan. The detail is scheduled to last one month.
Governor Scott said, “Florida remains committed to helping Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. In response to their request, we are sending 50 FHP troopers to assist the Puerto Rican Police Department with their security operations and traffic control needs. I want to thank these brave men and women for sacrificing time away from their families during Thanksgiving to serve in Puerto Rico. We will continue to work with state, federal and local partners to assist Puerto Rico in any way that we can.”
Director of the Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gene S. Spaulding said, “I am extremely thankful for the Troopers who have volunteered to be away from their families during Thanksgiving to assist our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. I’m proud of the men and women of FHP who always rise to the occasion, and I am confident that they will continue to uphold the Patrol’s core values of courtesy, service and protection.”
As part of its mission and statutory authority, the FHP routinely provides assistance to fellow law enforcement agencies following natural disasters or emergencies, and will not overextend its available resources or jeopardize its ability to respond to a current or emergent need.
Statement by CARE FL Chairman Regarding Senate Transportation Committee’s Passage of High Speed Rail Safety Act
The Florida Senate Transportation Committee today passed Senate Bill 572 by Senator Debbie Mayfield, which establishes the Florida High Speed Passenger Rail Safety Act.
Brent Hanlon, chairman of Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida (CARE FL), released the following statement regarding the committee’s passage of the bill.
“Today’s vote by the Senate Transportation Committee demonstrates the commitment our elected leaders have to the safety and well-being of Florida residents and to the taxpayers.
“Residents of the Treasure Coast region have repeatedly expressed concerns about the ill-conceived All Aboard Florida rail project that will allow 32 trains to crisscross through pedestrian communities at high rates of speed. How can we expect school children, pedestrians, motorists and first responders to navigate through all this additional high-speed rail traffic?
“Sen. Mayfield’s proposal is desperately needed because AAF and its leaders have fought the residents of our community every step of the way by not only rejecting our safety concerns and repeated requests for the implementation of safety measures, but by also shifting the costs of any necessary safety upgrades to the taxpayers.
“According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there have been 48 rail related deaths in Florida this year. And more than half of those deaths occurred in South Florida where they have both freight and passenger rail. There is currently no law or regulation governing high speed rail safety in our state.
“We thank Senator Mayfield for her unwavering commitment to safety and thank the members of the Senate Transportation Committee for hearing our concerns.”
Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Fights to Support At-Risk Youth and Families
Governor Rick Scott today announced his Securing Florida’s Future budget, which invests an additional $42.1 million into Florida’s juvenile justice system for a total of $593.4 million. This funding will support the continuation of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) reform efforts and its core mission of reducing juvenile delinquency, increasing public safety, and providing the services at-risk youth and their families need in the coming years to transition youth back into their communities and guide them towards successful adulthood.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has made tremendous progress in reforming our juvenile justice system, with our state experiencing the lowest levels of juvenile arrests in more than forty years. The Securing Florida’s Future budget continues to invest in effective programs and services that have been proven to help our youth and their families. I am also proud to recommend a 10 percent pay raise for the recruitment and retention of detention and probation officers, who have the responsibility of working with youth in DJJ care.”
“Governor Rick Scott has remained steadfast in his dedication to transforming Florida’s juvenile justice system, and the Securing Florida’s Future budget demonstrates his unwavering support for providing the best outcomes for youth and for the thousands of dedicated staff who work to better the lives of those we serve,” said DJJ Secretary Christina K. Daly. “I want to thank him for his leadership in recognizing the needs of our youth, families and staff, ensuring safer communities and a better Florida for us all.”
Highlights from Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget include:
$13 million to increase the number of available residential commitment treatment beds to ensure capacity for youth adjudicated to non-secure and secure residential commitment programs. Sufficient residential commitment treatment beds are necessary to ensure youth receive the required treatment to appropriately address their needs without undue delay.
$8 million in pay raises for juvenile probation and detention officers to support officer recruitment and retention and to reward these officers for their life changing work in the juvenile justice system. The State of Florida has more than 2,000 juvenile detention and juvenile probation officers who work around the clock to protect and rehabilitate Florida’s at-risk youth and keep families and communities safe.
$9 million to continue and expand evidence-based prevention programs. Effective prevention programs have been a critical component in improving the juvenile justice system in Florida. This funding will improve public safety by providing prevention programming to additional youth while also continuing funding levels for current services.
$11.6 million to provide the necessary repairs and maintenance of detention, probation, and residential facilities. This funding will support security improvement and life safety projects, electrical upgrades, and ensure proper compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
$317,150 for the establishment of the Office of Youth and Family Advocacy within the Office of the DJJ Secretary. The Office will serve as a firsthand resource working directly with youth and families to foster communication and amplify their voice in the ongoing improvement of the juvenile justice system. This Office will continue to enhance DJJ’s robust improvement measures and give youth and their families the advocates they need to be successful.
What they are saying…
Stacy Gromatski, President and CEO of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, said, The Florida Network would like to thank Governor Scott for his continued focus on prevention and early intervention funding in the Securing Florida’s Future budget. Investing in prevention and early intervention programs, which also provide parenting support and skill development services for families, will keep even more children out of the juvenile justice system and on the path to becoming successful young adults.”
Christian Minor, Executive Director of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, said, “Florida’s juvenile justice system serves as a national model for others and Governor Scott’s budget will keep our state at the forefront by providing for prevention, intervention, and residential treatment services. This comprehensive approach will help to effectively reach all youth that come into contact with our system and guide them in the right direction.”
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Sheriff said, “I applaud Governor Scott for including additional juvenile residential commitment treatment beds in his recommended budget, as well as the funds to ensure we have high quality, experienced staff to serve Florida’s youth and families. This funding demonstrates his commitment to public safety and to strengthening our communities.
To view the complete list of Governor Scott’s budget recommendations, CLICK HERE.
New Exhibit at Stetson University’s Gillespie Museum Takes Visitors Through Florida’s Geologic History
Opening includes Science Café with geologist and author Guy “Harley” Means
Florida Formations: Shifting Seas and Sediments at Stetson University’s Gillespie Museum tells the geologic history of the state through its distinctive rock units and array of ocean-formed carbonate formations, each with a story about past Florida environments and climates. Divided into four-time periods, the exhibit brings viewers through 500 million years of geology featuring key developments, specimen samples and a touch tank where guests can hold agatized coral, Megalodon teeth fragments and Florida marine fossils. This exhibit is free and open to the public.
In connection with this new exhibit, a presentation on “Florida’s Surficial Geologic Formations” will be presented in the museum’s Science Café series. Nov. 16, 7 p.m. It features Assistant State Geologist Guy “Harley” Means, who has been a consultant to the project.
“Florida is known for many things including beaches, Disney World, oranges and plentiful sunshine. But not many people appreciate the geology that makes our state unique,” explains Means. “We don’t have mountains, canyons or much topography, but we do have a diversity of geologic features that are equally impressive.” Florida’s surficial geologic units are comprised of limestone, dolostone, quartz sand and clay that reflect more than 40 million years of geologic history.
Museum admission and the presentation are free and open to the public. The Gillespie Museum is at 234 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand, Florida, 32723. For more information call 386.822.7330.
Guy H. (“Harley”) Means was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. He attended Florida State University where he received both a bachelor and master of science degree in geology. He is a licensed Professional Geologist and has been employed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of the Florida Geological Survey (FGS), in Tallahassee for over twenty years.
During his tenure at FGS he has acquired professional experience in Florida stratigraphy, paleontology, hydrogeology, archeology, zoology, natural history and conservation. His research interests include: stratigraphy, paleontology, karst, geoarchaeology and the hydrogeology of Florida’s numerous springs. Means coauthored a popular book entitled Roadside Geology of Florida and has published numerous articles and scientific publications on many aspects of Florida’s geology, paleontology and archaeology.
The Florida Formations exhibit was designed and created by Karen Cole, Ph.D., director of the Gillespie Museum at Stetson University; museum staff member Wendy Tanner, an anthropologist and archaeologist; and Ben Tanner, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Environmental Science and Studies Department at Stetson University. Means, along with his co-author, Jonathan R. Bryant of Roadside Geology of Florida (Mountain Press), worked with the Gillespie staff and faculty on shaping the narrative and timeframe of the exhibit interpretative panels. Copies of the book will be available during the Science Café for signing by the author.
From a geological perspective, the Florida that is known today, the distinctive peninsula of land and gently sloping shorelines, is a relatively new phenomenon. As Professor Tanner explains, “Geology is not the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Florida, but we have fascinating geological history, particularly with respect to sea level changes. Some of our best records of past sea levels come from Florida, and our Florida formations reveal the dynamic nature of our local environment.”
The exhibit opens with illustrations and a description of how Florida developed from its African origins and igneous and metamorphic rock foundation that formed approximately 500 million years ago, to the separation of the land mass from the Florida-containing, mega-continent called Gondwana. The exhibit then takes viewers through the four distinct time periods of Florida’s formation, beginning about 145 million years ago, highlighting global conditions at the time, sea level variances, marine and mammal activity, and key formations.
Noise on Camp Blanding will increase November 15
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO: Florida National Guard and Dept. of Military Affairs
WHAT: The Camp Blanding Joint Training Center will have increased noise on the post near Starke and Keystone Heights, Fla., as the Florida Army National Guard will be conducting low level flight training with helicopters.
WHEN: Late night Wednesday November 15th through early morning November 16th, 2017
WHERE: South post, Camp Blanding
As usual, The Florida National Guard continues to make every effort to minimize noise but there are times such as this when noise may seem louder than normal to the public.
Residents near the training center can discuss noise concerns with Camp Blanding’s Range Control Office at (904) 682-3351 or the Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office at (904) 823-0166.
Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Invests a Record $10.8 Billion in Florida's Transportation and Infrastructure
Governor Rick Scott today announced the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will receive a historic $10.8 billion in the recommended FY 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget to keep Florida’s transportation and infrastructure system the best in the nation.
Governor Scott said, “Transportation infrastructure plays an important role in helping support our booming economy, growing population and record numbers of visitors. By making historic investments in Florida’s transportation system for the past five years, we have solidified Florida as a national leader and a global destination for trade. I am proud to announce that the Securing Florida’s Future budget will continue this success with a $10.8 billion investment in our roads, bridges, airports and seaports, which will make sure our state remains prepared for future growth and job creation.”
The Governor’s FY 2018-2019 transportation budget makes the following investments:
- $1 billion to expand transportation system capacity, which includes adding 269 new lane miles
- $186.1 million for safety initiatives
- $171.6 million in seaport infrastructure improvements
- $359.0 million for aviation improvements
- $167.7 million for scheduled repair of 63 bridges and replacement of 18 bridges
- $1 billion for maintenance and operation
- $568 million for public transit development grants
- $151.3 million for bike and pedestrian trails of which $26.7 million is for SUN Trail.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew said, “Governor Scott’s record transportation budget continues to give Florida the best infrastructure in the nation. The additional transportation investment increases our state’s economic activity, creates jobs and gets our residents to their work and back to their families safely and efficiently.”
The Governor’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes the following transportation investments:
Northeast Florida
- $23.5M to continue state contributions for the JAXPORT channel deepening and widening project. Along with local and federal funding, this state investment will continue the United States Army Corps of Engineers efforts to expand the waterway, thus strengthening Florida’s position as a national cargo gateway.
- $34M for the long-term repair of SR A1A Segment 3 from North of 18th Street to South of Osprey Drive in Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach, Flagler County. This section of roadway was damaged in 2016 during Hurricane Matthew. The recommended improvement in this section involves constructing approximately 5,000 feet of buried retaining wall to help this area better withstand storms.
- $289M project for construction of the First Coast Expressway into Clay and St. Johns counties. The project will increase capacity and relieve congestion for traveling motorists on the East Coast of Florida by providing a limited access, all-electronic toll roadway.
- $15M for a new, two-lane roadway 3.4 miles in length beginning at the western terminus of Arnold Road and ending at the intersection of Lannie Road and Ethel Road in Duval County. This project will provide direct access from Interstate 95 to the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
- $66M project to expand SR 20 from the Alachua County line to Southwest 56th Avenue, Putnam County. This project is vital as it will provide additional capacity for the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) between Gainesville and Palatka and will relieve traffic congestion in the area.
Northwest Florida
- $45M to widen from two to six lanes and reconstruct existing lanes on SR 390 (St. Andrews Boulevard) from CR 2312 (Baldwin Road) to Jenks Avenue, Bay County. The project will improve the corridor with the addition of six 12-foot travel lanes separated by a 22-foot median and four-foot bicycle lanes. Six-foot sidewalks will be constructed along both sides of the roadway.
- $1.25M for dredging project to widen and deepen Berth 3 in the Port of Panama City, Bay County. The project allows the p ort to accommodate larger vessels at West Berth 3, and allows barges and shallow-draft vessels to access Berth 3 directly from the Intracoastal Waterway. This project will significantly increase capacity for the port and the overall Strategic Intermodal System.
- $5M to reconfigure SR 363 (Woodville Highway) from Gaile Avenue to Paul Russell Road, Leon County. The project will reconfigure about 0.5 mile of SR 363 and SR 61 (Crawfordville Road) creating a roundabout-like loop of one-way pairs and will include an extension of Tram Road.
Southwest Florida
- $24M to add lanes and reconstruct US 41 Venice Bypass from Center Road to Gulf Coast Boulevard in Sarasota County. The improvements to US 41 include reconstructing the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane roadway with curb and gutter, six-foot wide sidewalk, new storm sewer and highway lighting.
- $37M to widen from two lanes to four lanes the section of SR 82 from Gator Slough Lane to SR 29 in Collier County. The 3.2 mile project will increase capacity to accommodate current traffic and future growth in the area. This project is part of the planned widening of 23-miles of SR 82.
- $15M to expand the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) commercial terminal in Lee County. The expansion includes added security checkpoints, public walkways, gates, operations areas and associated concourse areas. RSW has been experiencing record breaking passenger movements and the trend is forecasted to continue. Air carriers are responding to market demands for additional capacity and are flying larger aircraft to accommodate this need. The RSW terminal capacity is constrained and the expansion will increase capacity enabling passengers to move efficiently and safely through the airport.
Southeast Florida
- $157M to add express lanes to I-95 from Glades Road to Linton Blvd and improve interchanges at both I-95/Glades Road and I-95/Linton Blvd, Palm Beach County. Additional improvements will be made on Glades Road and Linton Blvd east and west of the interchanges. The added capacity will improve the interchanges to increase mobility, relieve congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.
- $28M to widen 7.5 miles of the Sawgrass Expressway/SR 869 between Sunrise Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard, Broward County. The project will increase the number of travel lanes from six to 10, and includes two express lanes in each direction. The project will result in a total of two express lanes and three general toll lanes in each direction. Work includes pavement widening, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, and interchange improvements. The project will increase mobility, relieve congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.
- $218M to widen six miles of the Turnpike/SR 821 between the Dolphin Expressway/SR 836 and NW 106th Street, Miami-Dade County. The widening will increase the number of travel lanes from six to 10 and includes two express lanes in each direction. The project will result in a total of two express lanes and three general toll lanes in each direction. Work includes pavement widening, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, major bridge and storm water drainage improvements, as well as construction of noise walls in select areas. The project will increase mobility, relieve congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.
East Central Florida
- $8.6M for continued investment in the Space Florida Horizontal Launch Cargo Processing improvements in Brevard County. This project demonstrates Florida’s leadership and commitment to space flight and related businesses as the Space Center continues its transition to commercial space flight. The improvements will continue to attract commercial activity to the area and support the increasing number of launches at the Spaceport.
- $38M to widen US 41/SR 45 from two to four lanes in Marion County near the City of Dunnellon. This nearly four-mile project improves safety, connectivity and mobility in western Marion County and includes grassy medians, paved shoulders, sidewalks, as well as full and directional median openings.
- $22M to widen from two lanes to four lanes more than two miles of SR 600/US 17-92, from west of Poinciana Boulevard to CR 535, Osceola County. The project will increase safety and reduce congestion for commuters in the area. This corridor is also near the southern terminus of SunRail’s Phase 2 South expansion.
- $325M to link Wekiva Parkway/SR 429 to Interstate 4 and SR 417 in Seminole County. This 2.6-mile project extends from Orange Boulevard to east of Rinehart Road and provides interconnectivity between two major limited access facilities. This will complete the northwest beltway around Orlando resulting in improved safety and mobility for the region.
West Central Florida
- $36M project to increase lanes on SR 50 from four to six lanes between Windmere Road and McKethan Road, Hernando County. The project will improve connectivity between I-75 and US 301. Improvements also include sidewalks, trails and buffered bike lanes.
- $75M project to widen from two to six lanes a section of SR 52 (Schrader Highway) between the Suncoast Parkway and US 41 in Pasco County. The project will significantly improve connectivity between the two major north-south routes allowing for increased capacity to accommodate future demand.
- $81M realignment of SR 52 from Uradco Place to West of Fort King Road, Pasco County. The proposed four-lane urban facility will increase capacity, improve travel options, facilitate freight movements and support economic growth. Serving as an additional east-west route in the regional transportation network, SR 52 will improve connectivity between I-75 and US 301.
- $26M project to construct a new roadway connecting CR 578 (County Line Road) at the Pasco/Hernando County line to US 41 (SR 45) at Ayres Road in Hernando County. The extension will provide a continuous east-west travel route from US 19 to west of I-75 and facilitate new access to the Hernando County Airport in accordance with the Hernando County Airport Master Plan.
Florida Transportation Commission Chairman Jay Trumbull said, “Governor Scott’s record of prudent, consistent growth in his transportation budgets continues to stimulate increased economic activity and population growth. He recognizes that these investments are necessary to continue our upward trend.”
Florida Transportation Builders’ Association President Bob Burleson said, “Governor Scott’s budget continues his commitment to providing Florida’s families and visitors a safe and congestion-free transportation system through strategic infrastructure investments.”
Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler said, “The record growth in Florida’s seaports are a direct result of the over $1 billion investment by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature. More competitive, efficient and safer than ever, Florida’s ports make the state a worldwide hub for international commerce and destination cruises.”
Floridians for Better Transportation President Sally Patrenos said, “Governor Scott knows that we need to seek innovative solutions today to solve tomorrow’s transportation challenges. His budget builds on his record levels of infrastructure funding to prepare us for future growth.”
Florida Public Transportation Association Executive Director Lisa M. Bacot said, “As Florida prepares for future growth and demand on our transit systems, Governor Scott continues to prioritize public transportation solutions for those who rely on it every day.”
Florida Airports Council President and CEO Lisa Lyle Waters said, “Florida’s airports continue to see record passenger and business growth and are among our nation’s leaders in passenger volume as a result of unprecedented investments by Governor Scott. This year’s budget builds on a billion dollar foundation to create a safe and efficient airport network for Florida’s families, businesses and visitors.”
Statement from Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmett Reed on New Permanent Generator Rules
“Florida Health Care Association thanks the Governor, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) for considering several of our recommendations for strengthening emergency procedures in nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs). The new rules proposed by AHCA/DOEA appear to contain a number of provisions put forth by FHCA in public testimony before the agencies and the Legislature during recent rule workshops and committee meetings.
FHCA has consistently sought a process that is resident-focused in order to meet the Governor’s goal of keeping residents cool and safe during disasters. Sharing ideas through press releases and public testimony is no substitute for gathering experts around a table and working together to develop a realistic plan that can be met by providers in a reasonable time frame and safe manner.
Together with our more than 550 members, FHCA continues to stand ready to work with the administration and the Legislature on disaster procedures for nursing homes and ALFs. However, it’s important that the discussion be expanded beyond just generators — priority power, stronger connections between emergency managers and long term care providers, and a more formalized process with special needs shelters are also important considerations. This is the best way, and the right way, to keep our state’s frailest elders safe during emergency situations.”
Gov. Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Makes Investments to Increase Protections and Transparency for Patients and Families
The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) today highlighted Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget, which invests $28.7 billion in the agency. The Governor’s proposed budget includes important initiatives to improve transparency and protect patients at Florida health care facilities, and invests funding to reduce administrative burdens on health care providers and the Floridians they serve.
Governor Scott said, “Since I have taken office, we have worked to fight price gouging and make Florida’s health care system more transparent so families have the tools they need to make informed health care decisions. The investments I am proposing this year build on that commitment by increasing protections and transparency for patients and families across the state.”
AHCA Secretary Justin Senior said, “Governor Scott’s proposed Securing Florida’s Future budget helps our Agency exemplify our priority of better health care for all Floridians. Our Agency has worked to streamline processes and create efficiencies allowing staff to focus on areas of health care, such as access, cost and quality, ensuring that Medicaid recipients and those on private-pay insurance are receiving high quality care. These investments will allow health care facilities to spend more time focused on patients and less time dealing with burdensome regulations, and allow our Agency to offer more transparency while increasing the accuracy and dependability of reporting.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes:
$925,000 for the Claims Data Analytics tool that will allow AHCA to enhance analysis and transparency of health care claims data. This supports Governor Scott and AHCA’s ongoing mission for transparency in health care pricing. It also continues the fight against price gouging and helps Floridians make informed health care decisions about providers, quality and pricing.
$500,000 for a Health Facility Inspection Scheduling system to streamline the scheduling process for the facilities AHCA licenses, allowing the Agency to streamline health facility inspections by consolidating visit and staff schedules. This investment from the Securing Florida’s Future budget will reduce travel costs and increase staff productivity and reduce possible burdens by duplicative visits on facilities so they can spend more time on the health and safety of the patients that they serve.
Florida Hospital Association President Bruce Rueben said, “FHA commends the Scott administration for its commitment to transparency and protections for patients and families. These investments will have a real impact on the patients we serve. FHA is proud to be a partner in the mission of better health care for all Floridians.”
Samira Beckwith, President and CEO of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, “Ensuring the health and safety of our patients is the number one priority. The investments Governor Scott’s budget is proposing will create efficiencies in the health care field that will allow facilities like ours to spend less time handling on paperwork and more time with the patients we serve.”
Lourdes Rivas, President, Florida Medicaid, Simply Healthcare Plans, “As a Medicaid provider we have worked with the Agency for years to utilize data collection in order to improve the experience for our Medicaid members and increase cost effectiveness. The data analytics tools in the Governor’s recommended budget will improve practice and referral data thus further enhancing access to quality healthcare for all Florida Medicaid members.”
Chris Paterson, CEO of Sunshine Health said, “Sunshine Health is committed to transforming the communities we serve, and with Governor Scott’s investments in a claims database there will be improved transparency in health care and more access to information leading to better health outcomes.”
