The Florida nursing home industry is struggling to meet deadlines set by the Florida legislature which require facilities to increase the number of staff and spend more time with each patient. In addition, the new law, enacted in 2001, limits lawsuits against Florida nursing homes and allocates nearly $80 million to assist nursing homes in hiring more certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

Nursing home industry representatives recently warned that the majority of homes will not meet the regulation's deadlines as many facilities are finding it difficult to increase the staff-to-patient ratios as required by the new law. CNAs are largely responsible for patient care within nursing homes, yet many CNAs have left the profession. Higher wages in home healthcare companies and hospitals are at least partially responsible for the mass departure of CNAs from nursing homes.

In a move that industry critics view as the start of a campaign for rescission of the new law, a large nursing home association recently held press conferences in Tampa (Hillsborough County) and Jacksonville (Duval County) to discuss the nationwide shortage of nurses. Additional press conferences are scheduled.

The Florida Health Care Association, which lobbies on behalf of the nursing home industry, claims the press conferences are simply a way of informing the public of staffing difficulties. Industry critics call the conferences a ploy to detract attention from the real problems plaguing the industry, such as poor working environments and consistently low wages.

By 2002, nursing home facilities must increase staff time spent with each patient to an average of 2.3 hours per day. By the beginning of 2003, patients must receive 2.6 hours of care per day and, by 2004, 2.9 hours of care per day. A home that administers less than the minimum hours of care for two consecutive days must immediately stop admission of new patients.

If a family member has suffered in a Florida nursing home, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your loved one's legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

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