FHCA Commends Gov. DeSantis for Approving Qualified Medication Aides in Nursing Centers

Tallahassee, FL - The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today applauded Governor DeSantis for authorizing the use of Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) in nursing centers by signing SB 558 by Senator Colleen Burton/Representative Will Robinson into law. Adding QMAs to nursing center care teams will free skilled nurses from the time-consuming task of routine medication distribution, enabling them to focus on higher-level caregiving to help improve patient outcomes. QMAs will be experienced nursing assistants required to undergo additional detailed training for distributing medication under the supervision of a registered nurse.

“Florida’s nursing centers are committed to providing the highest quality of care to Florida's frail elders and individuals with disabilities, said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. "We appreciate Governor DeSantis, Senator Burton, and Representative Robinson for giving our nurses added support while also ensuring a pipeline of skilled caregivers to meet the needs of our state's growing aging population. It's fitting that during National Nursing Assistants Week, we recognize the valuable CNAs on the frontline of providing care by giving them another pathway to grow their careers in long-term care.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 16, 2023

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