Bill > S0248

This bill aims to improve the oversight and regulation of assisted living facilities in Florida by clarifying responsibilities for mental health residents, enhancing licensing requirements, and increasing transparency for consumers. Specifically, it designates Medicaid managed care plans as responsible for mental health residents enrolled in their plans, while managing entities under contract with the Department of Children and Families will be responsible for those not enrolled in such plans. The bill also revises the criteria for obtaining an extended congregate care license, a type of license that allows facilities to provide more extensive services to residents who are becoming more impaired, and clarifies requirements for limited nursing services licenses. Furthermore, it strengthens the role of local ombudsman councils by requiring them to conduct comprehensive onsite administrative assessments and discuss findings with facility administrators, and ensures residents receive information about their rights and how to contact the Ombudsman Program. The bill also introduces new requirements for staff training, clarifies penalties for violations, and mandates the creation of a public rating system and website for assisted living facilities to provide consumers with more information about quality of care. Finally, it includes appropriations for the Agency for Health Care Administration to implement these changes and sets an effective date of July 1, 2014.