FHCA Applauds Gov. DeSantis for Prioritizing Resident-Centered Care by Signing HB 1239 Into Law

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today praised Governor Ron DeSantis for signing HB 1239 into law. This important legislation modernizes Florida’s outdated staffing requirements for nursing centers, helping to alleviate long-standing workforce challenges and ensure that residents can receive appropriate specialized care.

HB 1239 will allow the work of highly trained caregivers, such as mental health counselors and respiratory therapists, to help satisfy direct care requirements in long term care facilities. This will enable residents to receive the more personalized care they need.

“Every nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, long term care staff member, and nursing center resident has Governor DeSantis to thank today for ensuring higher quality care for Florida's elderly and people with disabilities,” said FHCA CEO Emmett Reed. “This legislation will bring more individualized, comprehensive care to residents while easing the burdens posed by significant staffing challenges.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2022

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org