In The News
FALA Media Coverage
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Florida’s ‘deadliest storm’ challenges some providers; others step in to help
September 30, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Florida Faces Challenges On Medicaid Minimum Wage November 11, 2022 The Free Press Click here to read the full story Legal challenges mount over Medicaid $15 minimum wage mandate Florida Politics November 4, 2022 Click here to read the full story Florida faces challenges on its Medicaid minimum wage November 4, 2022 News Service of Florida Click here to read the full story Paralyzed Floridians and elderly could lose home caregivers via $15-an-hour pay-raise funding glitch October 23, 2022 South Florida Sun Sentinel Click here to read the full story Health care groups challenge budget provision allowing civil lawsuits over $15 wage October 10, 2022 Florida Record Click here to read the full story Florida long-term care associations sue state over minimum wage mandate September 30, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Senior living advocates, provider join lawsuit to stop minimum wage requirement September 30, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Florida nursing home residents face challenges as evacuations continue September 30, 2022 WBUR Click here to read the full story Senior living providers prepare for Hurricane Ian’s fury September 28, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Long-term care workers prepare for Hurricane Ian September 27, 2022 Spectrum News 13 Click here to read the full story Medicaid providers ask circuit court to protect them from $15 minimum wage-related lawsuits September 27, 2022 Florida Politics Click here to read the full story Providers concerned about meeting direct care worker wage increase requirements September 22, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Diagnosis for 9.22.22: Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy September 22, 2022 Florida Politics Click here to read the full story Vicki Lopez raises $74K for HD 113 bid with big GOP boost September 18, 2022 Florida Politics Click here to read the full story |
Medicaid $15 minimum wage takes effect Oct. 1, but providers say they won’t have the money
September 15, 2022 Florida Politics Click here to read the full story Herzing Talent Strategist Featured in Florida Assisted Living Association’s Membership Magazine August 16, 2022 Herzing University Click here to read the full story Florida law expanding CNA scope of practice ‘lacks clarity’: senior living expert July 8, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Assisted living facilities are prepared for hurricane season June 9, 2022 Hometown News Brevard Click here to read the full story New Florida law allows families back into assisted living facilities, even during a health emergency May 10, 2022 WUSF Click here to read the full story States pass laws to guarantee rights to visit patients, even during a pandemic March 27, 2022 NPR Click here to read the full story Florida extends COVID-19 lawsuit protections for assisted living providers February 28, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Bills would guarantee visitation at Florida’s health care facilities, even during a pandemic February 17, 2022 WUSF Click here to read the full story Florida Health Care Associations Release New Form to Improve Patient Transfer Status February 14, 2022 JD Supra Click here to read the full story COVID-19 liability protections for long-term care providers extended by Florida Legislature February 14, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Middle market senior housing needs ‘secret sauce’ from operators to work: panel February 10, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Visitation bill could have unintended consequences for assisted living, advocates say February 4, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story COVID-19 protections extended; at-home inpatient care proposal passes through committee January 20, 2022 The Capitolist Click here to read the full story Florida bills would extend COVID-10 liability protections for long-term care facilities January 18, 2022 McKnight’s Senior Living Click here to read the full story Lawmakers move to extend protections for health providers against COVID lawsuits January 14, 2022 Florida Phoenix Click here to read the full story |
Letters on Behalf of Members
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FALA Statements & Opinions
We Must Protect Those Working and Living in Extended-care Facilities
By Veronica Catoe
This is an extraordinary time with extraordinary circumstances – like nothing our country has experienced in more than a century. While we all are at risk during the coronavirus health crisis, congregate living facilities – including extended-care centers such as assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family care homes (AFCHs) and nursing homes (NHs) – are especially endangered due to challenges with social distancing.
Add to that the advanced ages, fragile natures and existing medical conditions of our ALF, AFCH and NH populations, and it creates especially dangerous, frightening and frustrating challenges. I want to commend the dedicated, hardworking staff of all of Florida’s long-term care facilities for putting themselves at risk to provide the highest possible level of care to residents.
The governor’s decision to release the names of Florida’s NHs, ALFs and other extended-care centers with cases of coronavirus will go a long way to enhance confidence and ensure transparency during this health crisis. This is critical information that families of residents and community members want and need.
When the list was originally released last month, it was fraught with errors. Some long-term care facilities were on the list that should not have been, while others were omitted that should have been included. One facility was listed because a third-party contractor who had previously visited the facility tested positive, even though the contact did not result in any residents or staff testing positive.
This is a “living, breathing” list that is continually being updated. It changes daily due to receiving the results of increased testing, as some cases are resolved, new infections are discovered and infected residents are transferred to hospitals.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing, especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. Testing is the only way to know how pervasive coronavirus is and how to measure when the curve flattens. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of facilities or controlling its spread.
I am grateful the governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard – and very recently, a mobile unit – to conduct aggressive testing at long-term care facilities and in areas that are particularly at risk. On May 5, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued Emergency Rule 59AER 20-1 requiring testing of all patients transferred from a hospital to any long-term care facility.
I’m glad that, in Florida, the governor and AHCA have made long-term care centers and their residents a priority for testing. I would like to see additional rules issued to mandate the same transfer testing between ALFs and NHs. This will increase protection to the receiving facility’s residents and staff.
As more tests are conducted in general, we will see an increase in cases. It stands to reason that long-term care facilities will be the first places we see numbers increase. This is not necessarily because infection is spreading or because facilities are not doing everything possible to prevent or contain COVID-19. As more people are tested, the number of infected is going to increase everywhere.
During this crisis, immunity from liability has been granted for coronavirus-related actions taken by medical personnel in hospitals, EMTs and others. There has been talk of extending this protection to management and staff of long-term care facilities. I urge support for this initiative.
ALFs, AFCHs and NHs are at the forefront of serving some of our most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations. Sometimes, caregivers must take steps that go beyond normal routines and procedures. In addition, given that some caregivers and residents may be infected but asymptomatic, there may be instances where it is impossible to protect others from infection.
While we’re all fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t also have a lawsuit epidemic. Operators of long-term care facilities working in good faith need a safe harbor. I hope all vital healthcare professionals will be protected from legal exposure, outside of gross negligence, during this challenging time.
Veronica Catoe is the chief executive officer for the Florida Assisted Living Association, which represents more than 650 assisted living facilities and adult family care homes, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services. She can be reached at veronica@fala.org.
Add to that the advanced ages, fragile natures and existing medical conditions of our ALF, AFCH and NH populations, and it creates especially dangerous, frightening and frustrating challenges. I want to commend the dedicated, hardworking staff of all of Florida’s long-term care facilities for putting themselves at risk to provide the highest possible level of care to residents.
The governor’s decision to release the names of Florida’s NHs, ALFs and other extended-care centers with cases of coronavirus will go a long way to enhance confidence and ensure transparency during this health crisis. This is critical information that families of residents and community members want and need.
When the list was originally released last month, it was fraught with errors. Some long-term care facilities were on the list that should not have been, while others were omitted that should have been included. One facility was listed because a third-party contractor who had previously visited the facility tested positive, even though the contact did not result in any residents or staff testing positive.
This is a “living, breathing” list that is continually being updated. It changes daily due to receiving the results of increased testing, as some cases are resolved, new infections are discovered and infected residents are transferred to hospitals.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing, especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. Testing is the only way to know how pervasive coronavirus is and how to measure when the curve flattens. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of facilities or controlling its spread.
I am grateful the governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard – and very recently, a mobile unit – to conduct aggressive testing at long-term care facilities and in areas that are particularly at risk. On May 5, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued Emergency Rule 59AER 20-1 requiring testing of all patients transferred from a hospital to any long-term care facility.
I’m glad that, in Florida, the governor and AHCA have made long-term care centers and their residents a priority for testing. I would like to see additional rules issued to mandate the same transfer testing between ALFs and NHs. This will increase protection to the receiving facility’s residents and staff.
As more tests are conducted in general, we will see an increase in cases. It stands to reason that long-term care facilities will be the first places we see numbers increase. This is not necessarily because infection is spreading or because facilities are not doing everything possible to prevent or contain COVID-19. As more people are tested, the number of infected is going to increase everywhere.
During this crisis, immunity from liability has been granted for coronavirus-related actions taken by medical personnel in hospitals, EMTs and others. There has been talk of extending this protection to management and staff of long-term care facilities. I urge support for this initiative.
ALFs, AFCHs and NHs are at the forefront of serving some of our most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations. Sometimes, caregivers must take steps that go beyond normal routines and procedures. In addition, given that some caregivers and residents may be infected but asymptomatic, there may be instances where it is impossible to protect others from infection.
While we’re all fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t also have a lawsuit epidemic. Operators of long-term care facilities working in good faith need a safe harbor. I hope all vital healthcare professionals will be protected from legal exposure, outside of gross negligence, during this challenging time.
Veronica Catoe is the chief executive officer for the Florida Assisted Living Association, which represents more than 650 assisted living facilities and adult family care homes, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services. She can be reached at veronica@fala.org.
STATEMENT: FROM VERONICA CATOE, CEO, FLORIDA ASSISTED LIVING ASSOCIATION
On Saturday, April 18, the Florida Department of Health released a list of long-term care facilities that purports to identify "COVID-19 positive reports in staff and residents ... from March 2, 2020 to date." About 30 of the nearly 700 members of the Florida Assisted Living Association are on that list.
Unfortunately, we have determined that there are numerous errors on the list.
We agree that posting a list such as this is intended to provide critical information that families of residents and community members want and deserve. Releasing this information will go a long way to enhancing confidence and ensuring transparency during this health crisis. However, it is absolutely essential that this information be accurate. From what we have seen so far, this is not the case. We have identified several instances of ALFs that are on the list but have not had a single case of COVID-19 infection. In one instance, an ALF may have been put on the list because a third-party vendor who had visited the facility later tested positive, but there was no transmission of the virus. Third-party health care services to meet the medical needs of residents is another entry point of potential infections in our communities.
While releasing a list of long-term care facilities with cases of coronavirus infection is important, it is even more important that the public can rely on a fully accurate list -- and it is just as important that facilities are not tainted by false identifications. We implore the Department of Health to take every step possible to ensure this list's accuracy.
We also want to express our gratitude for the continued effort of local Emergency Operation Centers throughout Florida which have worked to supply personal protection equipment (PPEs) when facilities struggle to obtain them from state and national shortages. This has and will continue to help us tremendously in protecting our staff members who are working so diligently in providing care to our residents while also helping to prevent community spread of the coronavirus among our residents. Unfortunately, many facilities continue to struggle to keep an adequate supply of PPEs. We hope this will be corrected quickly.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing – especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of our long-term care facilities or controlling its spread. We are grateful that the Governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard to conduct aggressive testing in areas and at facilities that are particularly at risk. We welcome this attention -- and hope that more will take place quickly across our state.
Unfortunately, we have determined that there are numerous errors on the list.
We agree that posting a list such as this is intended to provide critical information that families of residents and community members want and deserve. Releasing this information will go a long way to enhancing confidence and ensuring transparency during this health crisis. However, it is absolutely essential that this information be accurate. From what we have seen so far, this is not the case. We have identified several instances of ALFs that are on the list but have not had a single case of COVID-19 infection. In one instance, an ALF may have been put on the list because a third-party vendor who had visited the facility later tested positive, but there was no transmission of the virus. Third-party health care services to meet the medical needs of residents is another entry point of potential infections in our communities.
While releasing a list of long-term care facilities with cases of coronavirus infection is important, it is even more important that the public can rely on a fully accurate list -- and it is just as important that facilities are not tainted by false identifications. We implore the Department of Health to take every step possible to ensure this list's accuracy.
We also want to express our gratitude for the continued effort of local Emergency Operation Centers throughout Florida which have worked to supply personal protection equipment (PPEs) when facilities struggle to obtain them from state and national shortages. This has and will continue to help us tremendously in protecting our staff members who are working so diligently in providing care to our residents while also helping to prevent community spread of the coronavirus among our residents. Unfortunately, many facilities continue to struggle to keep an adequate supply of PPEs. We hope this will be corrected quickly.
Perhaps the top weapon in this pandemic war is testing – especially now that we know that some people may be infected and communicable but asymptomatic. The limitations on testing have been one of the greatest impediments to keeping COVID-19 out of our long-term care facilities or controlling its spread. We are grateful that the Governor has committed Strike Teams from the National Guard to conduct aggressive testing in areas and at facilities that are particularly at risk. We welcome this attention -- and hope that more will take place quickly across our state.
PRESS RELEASE
Assisted Living Facilities to Receive Thousands of Boxes of Donated Produce
Tallahassee, Fla. – While everyone is at risk during the coronavirus health crisis, those living in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family care homes (AFCHs) and nursing homes, are especially endangered due to their advanced ages and existing medical conditions. It is important now more than ever to keep these fragile populations healthy, which begins with access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their preferences and needs.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has partnered with Independent Living Systems, Independent Community Living Systems and Florida Community Care to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to residents in long-term care facilities across the state. Over the summer, FALA will help distribute thousands of boxes of food to seniors in need, thanks to the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
The boxes provided through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program contain fresh produce that can feed approximately three residents per item. The USDA is working directly with farmers, ranchers and specialty crop producers to ensure that people have access to fresh food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This obviously does not meet all of the daily food requirements for our ALF residents, however, it is a considerable step in supplementing the protein and dairy in each meal to assist long-term care providers and save them money when they have had to increase spending due to higher food costs, additional staffing and the requirement for personal protective equipment,” said Veronica Catoe, CEO of FALA.
Deliveries to a central location in each of Florida’s 11 regions will begin within the next two weeks and run throughout July and August. Once a region reaches the minimum order of 1,200 produce boxes, refrigerated semi-trucks carrying the boxes will be directed to designated drop-off locations that are being identified and set up by FALA. ALFs and AFCHs may reserve a food donation with as little as 48 hours’ notice. The produce boxes will be distributed at the designated drop-off locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the help of fully-protected volunteer teams.
Long-term care providers who are interested in registering their communities for the food donation can visit www.fala.org/food-distribution to sign up. A list of distribution sites, organized by region, is provided below.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has partnered with Independent Living Systems, Independent Community Living Systems and Florida Community Care to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to residents in long-term care facilities across the state. Over the summer, FALA will help distribute thousands of boxes of food to seniors in need, thanks to the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
The boxes provided through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program contain fresh produce that can feed approximately three residents per item. The USDA is working directly with farmers, ranchers and specialty crop producers to ensure that people have access to fresh food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This obviously does not meet all of the daily food requirements for our ALF residents, however, it is a considerable step in supplementing the protein and dairy in each meal to assist long-term care providers and save them money when they have had to increase spending due to higher food costs, additional staffing and the requirement for personal protective equipment,” said Veronica Catoe, CEO of FALA.
Deliveries to a central location in each of Florida’s 11 regions will begin within the next two weeks and run throughout July and August. Once a region reaches the minimum order of 1,200 produce boxes, refrigerated semi-trucks carrying the boxes will be directed to designated drop-off locations that are being identified and set up by FALA. ALFs and AFCHs may reserve a food donation with as little as 48 hours’ notice. The produce boxes will be distributed at the designated drop-off locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the help of fully-protected volunteer teams.
Long-term care providers who are interested in registering their communities for the food donation can visit www.fala.org/food-distribution to sign up. A list of distribution sites, organized by region, is provided below.
PRESS RELEASE
Assisted Living Facilities to Receive 10,000 Donated Masks
Tallahassee, Fla. – Local Emergency Operation Centers throughout Florida have worked to supply personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as masks, gloves and gowns to long-term care facilities who may struggle to obtain them due to national shortages. In the wake of these shortages, many organizations and individuals have stepped up to help with donations of PPEs. This has and will continue to help assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult family care homes (AFCHs) protect staff members who are working diligently to provide care to residents, while also helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has been able to supply its members with PPEs after receiving several generous donations. 6,000 N95 masks were donated to FALA on May 1 by a client of Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin for facilities in the Lakeland area. Last week, FALA accepted a donation of 1,200 masks from Stanley Healthcare, an associate member.
Earlier this afternoon, FALA accepted its largest donation to date: 10,000 cloth washable masks from associate member UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. These masks will soon be distributed to FALA's more than 650 member facilities, in accordance with their needs. ALFs and AFCHs are at the forefront of serving some of the state’s most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations, and FALA is focused on protecting those who live and work in long-term care facilities.
The mask drop off took place Thursday, May 28, at FALA’s headquarters in Tallahassee. Diane Owens, the Marketing and Community Development Manager for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, presented FALA CEO Veronica Catoe with the donated masks. FALA staff members, as well as representatives from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, also were in attendance.
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), which represents more than 650 ALFs and AFCHs, as well as nearly 300 associate members who provide products and services, has been able to supply its members with PPEs after receiving several generous donations. 6,000 N95 masks were donated to FALA on May 1 by a client of Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin for facilities in the Lakeland area. Last week, FALA accepted a donation of 1,200 masks from Stanley Healthcare, an associate member.
Earlier this afternoon, FALA accepted its largest donation to date: 10,000 cloth washable masks from associate member UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. These masks will soon be distributed to FALA's more than 650 member facilities, in accordance with their needs. ALFs and AFCHs are at the forefront of serving some of the state’s most fragile, vulnerable and at-risk populations, and FALA is focused on protecting those who live and work in long-term care facilities.
The mask drop off took place Thursday, May 28, at FALA’s headquarters in Tallahassee. Diane Owens, the Marketing and Community Development Manager for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, presented FALA CEO Veronica Catoe with the donated masks. FALA staff members, as well as representatives from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, also were in attendance.
