Gov. DeSantis Cuts Care in Nursing Homes

AARP Florida today released the following statement as Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1239, a nursing home industry bill, which cuts nursing care in nursing homes by 20 percent. 

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said, “It’s unconscionable and deeply disappointing to see Florida’s Governor sign legislation that will hurt nursing home residents.

“Unfortunately, the disinformation campaign fueled by the nursing home industry reached epic proportions and influenced not only the legislators who voted for this bill but our Governor as well.

“Make no mistake, these industry-backed cuts to nursing care in our nursing homes send a damning message to nursing home residents and their families. In the state with the highest population of adults 65+ in the nation, including one of the highest populations of 50+ voters, the nursing home executives and operators behind this new law are safeguarding their profits at the boundless expense of the people entrusted to their care.

“With 40 percent of the state’s nursing homes already on AHCA’s watch list, nursing home staff will have to do more with less help because of this new law. This legislation does absolutely nothing to address the industry’s chronic staffing crisis, and AARP anticipates even further increases in worker burnout and CNA job losses. 

“Let’s be clear: Nursing homes won’t magically have fewer patients to care for, they will have fewer trained staff to care for them. It’s appalling, but not surprising, that the nursing home industry’s desperation to protect their profits means putting patients at even more risk in these facilities. Floridians deserve better.”

“While the nursing home industry has made it clear that reducing nursing staffing remains their priority, AARP Florida’s fight continues. Our mission has not changed. We are only more determined to fight for high-quality care for nursing home residents and their loved ones. 

“In the coming months, AARP will monitor the implementation of these lower minimum nursing staffing standards and track the detrimental effects this will have on Florida’s long-term care system. We will continue to raise awareness for people who may be considering long-term care and focus on boosting home and community-based services.”

Read more from AARP Florida’s blog:
Is your loved one getting bad care at a nursing home? Here’s what you can do.