FHCA Statement on Biden Administration’s Vaccination Requirement for Nursing Home Staff

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Health Care Association Chief Executive Officer Emmett Reed today released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s requirement that all nursing home staff be vaccinated, highlighting recent survey results that show the extreme staffing shortages in long-term care.

“We appreciate our state and national leaders’ efforts to keep COVID-19 rates low, and our long-term care centers have been working tirelessly for more than a year and a half with the same goal in mind. However, by the Federal Government singling out nursing homes with a vaccination requirement that does not apply to health care personnel at other locations and in other health care sectors, we fear that our already critical workforce shortages will worsen.

“Our recent survey showed that 92% of Florida nursing centers face serious workforce shortages. As our members maintain their commitment to protecting our state’s most vulnerable residents, it’s important they have the support they need to attract and retain long-term care staff. A strong and stable long-term care workforce is a crucial part of meeting the needs of those we care for today, as well as an aging population that is continually growing.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2021

CONTACT
Kristen Knapp, APR
*50)510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org