AARP Florida today issued the following statement regarding Houseville 1239 (Melo / R-Naples) and Senate Bill 804 (Albriton / R-Bartow).
AARP Florida Associate State Director Zayne Smith “It’s a shame to see these irresponsible bills go through the legislative process because we know what that means for Florida citizens and their loved ones in nursing homes.
“There is already a care crisis in Florida’s nursing homes – About 40% of state nursing homes are on the AHCA watchlist.. Nursing home staff are pandemic fatigue, high resident cases, staff shortages, physically and mentally demanding work, high occupational accident rates (often without paid leave), limited training, low Faced with wages and affordable health insurance.
“”Let’s be clear: these bills don’t fix it..This law is by the current nursing staff Do more with less help.. Nursing homes do not have fewer patients magically caring for them, and fewer staff are trained to take care of them. It’s not even conscientious that the Florida State Capitol considers reducing the care of our most vulnerable residents. Florida people are more suitable. “
Background of HB1239 and SB804:
- The law reduces the amount of time a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) spends with each resident from 2.5 hours / day to 2 hours / day (a 20% reduction in nursing care). In fact, this means that already burned out CNA staff have to do more with less help.
- This law allows non-medical staff, including activity coordinators, to help frail elderly people go to the bathroom, help bathing, and perform other important tasks normally performed by trained nursing staff. ..
- In addition, Senate law weakens the moratorium on admission to nursing homes. This means that nursing homes can continue to accept residents without the need for proper care staff.
Florida citizens can call the AARP Advocacy Hotline to contact the legislature and ask not to reduce nursing care in nursing homes. Please vote “No” for HB 1239 / SB804.
- Call the state representative: 844-489-1331
- Call a member of the state legislator: 844-489-1328
This press release was provided by AARP Florida.
