Topic: Nursing Homes

The bill protecting silent business partners from liability in lawsuits heads to the governor's desk. Parties that are not involved in the direct decision-making for the operation of a facility named in a legal action could not be named as defendants under Senate Bill 670.

The Senate President and House Speaker say the 2014 session will pass legislation to protect children, the elderly and the disabled. The plan includes reducing the critical-needs waiting list, expanding the Guardian Ad Litem Program, more regulation of ALFs and a scorched-earth policy when it comes to sexual predators. ... Related Research: Dec. 8, 2011 Final Report of the Miami-Dade County Grand Jury.

Two southwest Florida lawmakers want to streamline the state ombudsman program which advocates on behalf of nursing home and assisted living facility residents. The proposal does away with district councils and recommendations that each district have ombudsmen with expertise in nutrition, medicine and other health and human services. ... Related Research: Kaiser Health News report on states muzzling ombudsmen, and Agency on Aging report on Florida Ombudsman program.

SB 248 cleared the Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee on a unanimous vote. It specifies and clarifies responsibilities and obligations for the more than 3,000 facilities providing extended care to elderly and disabled residents. Sen. Eleanor Sobel intends to amend the measure at its next stop to empower AHCA to crack down on unlicensed operators.

Gov. Rick Scott's administration is battling with the federal government over its handling of social safety net programs, voting rights and budget cuts.

Though critics, including the AARP, say the pilot program for the managed-care plan has had problems, Washington approved the transition and Florida is implementing it to save money in a $21-billion Medicaid program.

Lawmakers placed a moratorium on new nursing home beds while the state transitions to a statewide managed-care programs.

A bill advancing in the Senate would restrict who can sue and whom can be sued for abuse and neglect suffered by nursing home residents.

The three meetings in December are the public's first opportunity to comment on a new set of rules for nursing homes. ... Related Research: Senate Interim Report 2012-128 Review Regulatory Oversight of Assisted Living Facilities in Florida from the Committee on Health Regulation, and Department of Elder Affairs Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Negotiated Rulemaking hearing agendas and information.

The panel consisting of bureaucrats and industry representatives met six times as part of a negotiated rulemaking process. The public will get a chance to comment on proposed rule changes in November and December. ... Related Research: Materials from Tuesday's ALF negotiated rulemaking meeting.

In both cases, plaintiffs alleging negligence on the part of the nursing homes had challenged the agreements on public policy grounds, arguing the limits on punitive damages conflicted with state law. The 2nd District Court of Appeal had ruled in both cases that it was up to the arbitrator, not the courts, to determine whether the agreements were invalid.

The week ahead includes a conference call from the Medicaid Reform Technical Advisory Panel, a hospital funding review meeting and a Public Service Commission meeting.

Gov. Scott open to "cautious" drilling in Everglades, Florida Elections Commission wants politicians to pay fines or be barred from campaigning, Sen. Nan Rich considering gubernatorial bid, suit brought over drug-testing of welfare applicants, Florida in violation of nursing home law, Rep. Gaetz proposes repeal of Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act.

Scott chief of staff Steve MacNamara profiled, Florida's participation in homeland security program draws ire, juvenile delinquency drops 10 percent, Florida version of DREAM Act filed, banks in Florida get federal stimulus funding, space shuttle program comes to end.