The Florida Chapter of the Assisted Living Federation of America announced its pleasure with today’s passage of HB 573 — a House bill enacting “meaningful” Assisted Living Facility reforms.
In a statement issued Friday, FL ALFA says the legislation “will protect Florida seniors and ensure they receive quality care in assisted living communities by strengthening state regulations.”
FL ALFA executive director Gail Matillo singled out the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Larry Ahern, and Senate Children, Families, & Elder Affairs Chair Eleanor Sobel for individual praise.
HB 573 makes changes in Medicaid prepaid behavioral health plans and managing contracts with the Department of Children and Families for mental health residents, as well as boosting the requirements for ALFs.
“As the Legislature takes the last steps toward final passage of a meaningful ALF reform measure, we thank the members of the Florida House, and especially Representative Ahern, for taking positive action on this good public policy that will ensure Florida’s seniors are protected in their assisted living communities,” Matillo said.
“We thank Senator Sobel as well for her tireless efforts, and we look forward to the Florida Senate taking this measure up and encourage them to pass this commonsense reform that will bring much-needed change to the assisted living industry in a manner that both promotes safety and does not overburden our state’s businesses,” she added.
