On Monday, January 22, state lawmakers convened for the third week of the 2024 Florida Legislative Session, with a focus on critical health care issues such as Medicaid reimbursement rates and addressing the shortage in the health care workforce. The insights provided below, summarizing health care news and committee meetings throughout the week, are courtesy of Continental Strategy, HCAF's contracted lobbying firm. These comprehensive reports, offering valuable insights into Florida's dynamic health care landscape, will be released weekly throughout the legislative session.

For a detailed overview of the week three activities, please refer to the members-only Government Affairs & Advocacy webpage here.

Home Care Day at the Capitol Recap

On Thursday, January 25, HCAF hosted the annual Home Care Day at the Capitol. The event kicked off with a welcome reception and an informative policy briefing on Wednesday, January 24. Subsequently, a series of engaging meetings took place with state lawmakers and their dedicated staff to delve into the critical priorities outlined by HCAF for the 2024 Florida Legislative Session.

This year's advocacy event witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with 36 industry advocates actively participating — marking it as our highest attendance ever! The HCAF Board of Directors and staff extend heartfelt appreciation to this year's Home Care Day attendees for their exemplary leadership and dedicated advocacy on behalf of the broader home care provider community.

Delve into the captivating visual highlights of this impactful state advocacy event here. We invite and encourage you to mark your calendars for March 2025, as we look forward to your participation in the next Home Care Day!

Session Priorities

• Securing Medicaid Home Health Reimbursement Rate Increases: The legislature has proposed a $29 million allocation for a 5% increase in Medicaid Private Duty Nursing (PDN) reimbursement rates. HCAF is advocating for additional state funds to enhance PDN services reimbursement, currently the lowest in the nation.
• Workforce Training and Education: The legislature is considering a $5 million expansion of the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, designed to provide grants to nursing education programs. This expansion includes making private nursing education programs eligible for participation.
• Empowering Contract Nurses in Home Health Services: HCAF successfully advocated for legislation addressing this priority, with SB 1798 and HB 935 expected to be heard in each legislative chamber soon.
• Advancing the Role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): SB 1798 and HB 935 also address this priority to permit APRNs to order Medicaid home health services, aligning with federal law.

For an updated listing of state legislation monitored by the HCAF policy team, please visit our members-only legislation tracker here. We encourage you to bookmark this page to stay informed about upcoming policy developments.

Amplify the Voice of Home Care: Support the Home Care PAC!

The Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC) enhances the political influence of the Florida home care industry by actively supporting candidates vying for elected office in Tallahassee. Operating autonomously from HCAF membership dues and regulated by the Florida Division of Elections, the PAC welcomes contributions from both individuals and businesses, with no predefined limits on contributions.

Join us in supporting the PAC's fundraising campaign to secure $50,000 for the upcoming fall elections. Click here to elevate the impact of your profession by making a significant investment in its future — contribute today!