FHCA Statement on Ill-Advised Legislation (HB 655)

Tallahassee, FL (Nov. 15, 2017) – “Representative Edwards and Senator Farmer have put forth glaringly bad legislation that would wipe out 10 years of thoughtful progress carefully crafted by numerous past legislators. Only trial attorneys would be so over reactive and overreaching with their proposals, which would do nothing to solve the real issues of keeping our most frail residents safe during disasters.

Florida’s experience with Hurricane Irma pointed out issues that must be addressed, and our profession is working tireless with Governor Scott and his administration to identify effective, practical ways to address them. For trial lawyers to aggressively seek to capitalize on genuine human tragedy is unwelcome, unseemly, and unhelpful.

Our focus is on finding workable solutions that will improve the safety and well-being of the residents under our care. This includes procedures for backup generators and priority restoration of power. It does not include lining the pockets of trial lawyers at the expense of long term care residents. We will oppose this misguided legislation with the same determination with which we work to develop effective solutions to the real challenges before us.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
Director of Communications
Florida Health Care Association
kknapp@fhca.org or (850) 701-3530