nursing homes

The Biden administration is considering whether Medicaid, which pays the bills for 62% of nursing home residents, should require that most of that funding be used to provide care, rather than for maintenance, capital improvements, or profits.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "No Patient Left Alone" act into law in early April. It takes effect on July 1.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed 42 bills, including a heavily debated measure that will change staffing standards in nursing homes. The nursing-home industry lobbied for the measure.

Among the other measures awaiting the governor's pen was a proposal that would broaden doctors’ ability to prescribe controlled substances through telemedicine.

AARP Florida says its members have been calling and emailing the governor’s office, claiming the legislation will lead to reduced care for residents, potentially leading to harm.

The Senate voted to pass the measure. Debate has centered on changes involving certified nursing assistants, who provide much of the hands-on care to nursing-home residents.

The House voted 80-31 to approve the measure. The Senate also took up the bill and could pass it as soon as Monday.

CMS chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure says the agency reserves its power to quickly institute new regulations for “absolute emergencies.” On staffing, nursing home residents might need to wait years to see any real change.

Under the bill moved forward this week in the House Health & Human Services Committee, a patient can designate a caregiver or family member who must be allowed to visit for a minimum of two hours daily.

As reductions in certified nursing assistants near floor votes in both state chambers, the White House announces an overhaul that will include new staffing minimums.

Lawmakers last year passed a measure to help shield hospitals, nursing homes and other providers from lawsuits related to the coronavirus. The measure was set to expire March 29.

The Health & Human Services Committee approved the proposal, which came as nursing homes say they are grappling with staffing shortages that, in some cases, have forced them to leave beds unused.