FHCA Statement on House COVID-19 Liability Protections for Health Care Providers

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida Health Care Association, which represents nearly 700 nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Florida, is advocating for COVID-19 liability protection for long term care facilities. Today the House Health & Human Services Committee passed proposed committee bill (HHS 21-01) that extends liability protections to health care providers.

FHCA member Cindy Mitchell, Nursing Director of Marianna Health & Rehabilitation Center, testified before the committee in favor of the legislation, highlighting the importance that legal protections include those working in long term care centers.

“As the nursing director of a long term care center, my passion for the past 25 years has been caring for the elderly. Across my entire career, this past year has by far been the most difficult we’ve all faced. We need to remain focused on providing the care our residents need – we cannot worry about lawyers looking over our shoulder and second guessing every decision we make to keep our residents safe,” Mitchell said.

For nearly a year, long term care facilities have been at the epicenter of the pandemic. From increased routine testing to hiring additional staff and purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE), providers have overcome tremendous challenges and dedicated extensive resources to fight this virus.

Without COVID-19 liability protections, predatory trial attorneys who use sue and settle tactics will divert those resources away from facilities that are still working to protect their residents and strengthen their front-line workforce. COVID will have a lasting impact on the vitality of our health care system unless lawmakers act.

FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed said, “Our health care heroes are deserving of the liability protections that will ensure precious resources – both human and financial – remain where they should be: caring for Florida’s elderly population.”

FHCA is advocating for COVID-19 liability protections for long term care to ensure providers can continue to operate and recover from the pandemic to meet the demands of Florida's increasing aging population. The Association is committed to working with legislators to ensure this bill moves through the process in the strongest form possible.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2021

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