CNAs

LeadingAge Florida said it submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services warning the proposal would have “unintended consequences” because of the shortage of nurses.

The Florida Health Care Association wrote to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services warning that most facilities could not meet the “arbitrary and unfunded mandates."

The law allows qualified CNAs to administer “routine” medications to residents, freeing up registered nurses to provide other needed care.

The vote was unanimous, 39-0 vote. A similar bill in the House will soon be up for a vote. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would take effect July 1.

The 19-0 vote by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee moves the legislation to a vote by the full state Senate. The House will also vote on a matching bill.

Said Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart)" "This is exactly what we want to do to build our workforce."

The measure would allow CNAs to become “qualified medication aides” and free up registered nurses to provide other needed care to residents.