FHCA Statement on Nursing Home Generator Status

Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director, issued a statement on the status of nursing home compliance with the Emergency Environmental (Generator) Rule:

"As the state’s own website shows, the overwhelming majority of Florida’s nursing homes are in compliance with the requirements of the law, and most of those – more than 82% – already have permanent or temporary generators ON-SITE that can keep residents cool and safe. We fully support the generator law and offered a number of recommendations as it was being developed, but we also believe the most important consideration is whether a nursing home can meet the cooling requirements of the rule. Full compliance relies on many organizations required for permitting and regulatory approval, including state and local officials and emergency managers, and we’re looking to those partners to help us push past the paperwork delays so the focus can remain on the people – the residents entrusted to our care.

Our members are working continually toward final permanent generator installation, collaborating with utility companies, architects, contractors, and engineers, to name just a few. The design, installation, and approval process is a time-consuming process that in many cases has resulted in unexpected delays. We remain committed to completing these projects as quickly as possible, but the work must be done safely to ensure that there are no risks of other hazards.  

Our overarching goal remains keeping our residents safe during disasters, and that is why emergency preparedness is something FHCA and our members practice year-round. Even as we work to get through the installation process and paperwork requirements for every generator, we are committed to the highest levels of care for those entrusted to us."