Governor DeSantis Addresses FHCA Membership, Legislative Champions Announced

Orlando event featured Florida policymakers, national experts, and quality care recognitions

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently addressed more than 800 long term care professionals gathered in Orlando for Florida Health Care Association’s (FHCA) 2019 Annual Conference & Trade Show. Governor DeSantis opened FHCA's annual Membership Meeting during the week-long event, which brought together long term care executives, nursing center and assisted living facility administrators, nurses and others working in the profession for educational sessions and recognitions all focused on Florida's continued improvements in quality long term care. 

“We are honored that Governor DeSantis spoke to the extraordinary men and women who make quality long term care a reality for Florida’s aging population. The long term care sector faces many challenges today, yet our members continue to provide better care than ever despite financial downturns and a tight labor market,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director. “This annual meeting is an important time for our members to come together, increase their knowledge base, celebrate their quality achievements, and hear from policymakers whose decisions impact their operations.”

Other featured guests included American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living President & CEO Mark Parkinson, a former Kansas governor, who highlighted recent funding and regulatory proposals coming out of Washington, D.C.; and state Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew, who discussed her expectations for how caregivers and regulators will ensure quality care for Florida seniors. Several of FHCA’s 2019 Legislative Champions for the Elderly were also recognized throughout the week, including Sen. Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville), Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Port St. Lucie), and Rep. Margaret Good (D-Sarasota). Additional Legislative Champions for the Elderly announced included Sen. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), Sen. Rob Bradley (R-Jacksonville), Rep. Travis Cummings (R-Fleming Island), Rep. Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast), Rep. Spencer Roach (R-N. Ft Myers), and Rep. Rick Roth (R-Palm Beach).

Centers earning the Governor’s Gold Seal for Excellence in Long-Term Care, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards were also honored, and the annual Long Term Care Achievement Awards were presented to recognize the top administrators, volunteers and resident in the state for their contributions to quality long term care.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kristen Knapp, APR
(850) 701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org

ABOUT THE FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is a federation which serves nearly 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care facilities that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development and financial stability of its members. As Florida's first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about the Florida Health Care Association, visit www.fhca.org.

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