The measure is backed by advocates for senior citizens.
The second and final House Committee of reference is working to ensure that Floridians with Alzheimer’s and related dementia are not forgotten.
Rep. Sam Greco’s legislation (HB 1295) would add new layers of accountability to an industry on which some of the most vulnerable adults in the state rely.
The proposal, which the Health Care Budget Subcommittee advanced, includes a number of key changes.
It would create the Memory Care Services specialty license for assisted living facilities (ALFs) treating this population, in an effort to give the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) the ability to ensure these ALFs are doing what they advertise. If the facility can’t get the license, it would not be allowed to admit any new memory care patients, and would have to help legacy clients relocate to a licensed facility.
Facilities would be required to have an awake staff member on duty at all times, replacing a current requirement that applies the rule to those with 17 members or more
If Greco’s bill becomes law, AHCA would be charged with formulating rules regulating policies and procedures, admissions criteria, levels of care, services, activities, and requisite training for staff, and would have to develop the regulatory framework by October.
AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Florida Senior Living Association support the bill.
Similar legislation is moving in the Senate Committee process.