Florida Lawmakers Deliver Blow to Quality of Care in Nursing Homes

Tallahassee, Fla. – AARP Florida today released the following statement regarding the passage of House Bill 485 “Personal Care Attendants,” a controversial measure that will significantly decrease the quality of care provided in Florida’s long-term care facilities.

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said, “By passing this bill, the Florida Legislature has made it clear that they care more about the profit margins of nursing home operators than the health, wellbeing and safety of long-term care residents in our state, sending a disturbing message to older Floridians and their families. The nursing home industry aggressively pushed this legislation, and most lawmakers fell for it – hook, line and sinker.

“Florida’s nursing homes will now be able to hire lesser trained, lesser paid Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) in place of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), allowing them to cut costs at the expense of resident health and safety. They should be ashamed of this latest assault on their most vulnerable residents and CNA healthcare heroes.

“AARP will continue fighting for older Floridians and their families to ensure their voice is heard when it matters most. AARP will submit a veto request to Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been a consistent advocate for Florida’s 50+. Throughout legislative session, AARP offered ways to support PCAs as an apprenticeship without sacrificing resident safety, but the nursing home industry made it clear they were not interested in quality care. Again, placing profits over people.”

Background

• New AARP Report: Florida Voters Believe Highly-Trained, Well-Paid Care is Essential
• Personal Care Attendant Legislation - House Bill 485/Senate Bill 1132

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AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.