long term care facilities

The bill marks a victory for family advocates who say separation during the pandemic took a harsh toll on their loved ones in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

The Senate voted to pass the measure. Debate has centered on changes involving certified nursing assistants, who provide much of the hands-on care to nursing-home residents.

The House voted 80-31 to approve the measure. The Senate also took up the bill and could pass it as soon as Monday.

CMS chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure says the agency reserves its power to quickly institute new regulations for “absolute emergencies.” On staffing, nursing home residents might need to wait years to see any real change.

As reductions in certified nursing assistants near floor votes in both state chambers, the White House announces an overhaul that will include new staffing minimums.

Lawmakers are considering proposals to provide families more access to their loved ones in hospitals and long-term care facilities. They want to address isolation patients endured as a result of visitation restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As omicron surges, more nursing homes are facing a double whammy: Lab tests are taking too long, and fast antigen tests are in short supply.

The report covering a four-week period also showed Florida facilities had the second-lowest worker vaccination rate and lagged in vaccinating residents

Far more older adults who perished with COVID lived outside of institutions. People with dementia and other severe neurological conditions, chronic kidney disease and immune deficiencies were hit hard.

Brian Lee with Families for Better Care says federal data on nursing home case rates lags and doesn't cover all of Florida's long-term care facilities. He says the state is failing seniors by not resuming daily reports.