On Friday, May 10, Governor Ron DeSantis approved HB 935, a significant piece of legislation unanimously passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2024 session. This bill, a key policy priority for HCAF, marks a monumental step forward in ensuring that Medicaid-funded home health services are accessible to Florida's most vulnerable citizens. HCAF's advocacy and the bipartisan efforts of the Florida Legislature have paved the way for improved health care access and outcomes for Florida’s Medicaid population.

HB 935, introduced by Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee), allows Medicaid to reimburse home health services ordered by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) starting July 1. This includes essential services such as home health visits, nursing services, home health aide services, and necessary medical equipment.

This legislative change aligns with federal flexibility introduced by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, signed by former President Donald Trump in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new state law, APRNs and PAs must have examined the patient no more than 30 days before signing the requisition and must use their national provider identifier, Medicaid identification number, or medical practitioner license number when prescribing services and on authorization and reimbursement claims.

Legislative Journey and HCAF's Role

The bill’s journey through the legislative process was marked by unanimous support in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. Along with HB 935, Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) introduced SB 1798, its companion bill. Both bills received unanimous approval through five committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

With only 325 of the 1,957 introduced bills passing both chambers (a 16% success rate), HCAF's proactive approach ensured that key priorities, such as HB 935, received the necessary attention and support.

Bobby Lolley, RN, Executive Director of HCAF, previously praised the passage of HB 935, stating, "HCAF and the Florida home care provider community commend Senator Jay Trumbull and Representative Gallop Franklin for their exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing crucial legislation that will significantly improve access to in-home care for Floridians. Their bipartisan efforts, evident in the unanimous passage of HB 935, underscore their commitment to the well-being of our community."

Looking Ahead

While the enactment of HB 935 marks a significant victory for Medicaid providers and recipients, HCAF is already preparing for the 2025 legislative session. HCAF aims to secure legislative victories for Medicare-certified home health agency members, focusing on streamlining regulations that currently impede providers from utilizing contract nurses for specific patient visits, among other strategies to address the ongoing health care workforce shortage.

HCAF welcomes proposals from our members for consideration during the 2025 session, which convenes next March. Members are also encouraged to participate in our quarterly meetings of the Governmental Affairs Task Force. For more information and to submit your policy proposals for consideration, please email Kyle Simon, Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Communications, at ksimon@homecarefla.org.

For continuous updates on state and federal legislation actively monitored by the HCAF policy team, members are encouraged to visit the members-only legislation tracker and bookmark the page for the latest policy developments. Additionally, HCAF's comprehensive annual report recapping the 2024 session can be accessed here.

• Related News:New Law Allows Nurses and Physician Assistants to Order Medicaid Home Health (Florida Politics, 5/11/24)

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

With the conclusion of the Florida Legislative Session, state lawmakers have shifted their focus from policymaking to campaigning. The Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC) urgently seeks industry support as we approach the 2024 elections.

The PAC is dedicated to amplifying the political voice of the home care sector. By pooling financial resources and backing candidates who champion our interests in Tallahassee, the PAC plays a crucial role in shaping favorable policies. Operating independently from HCAF membership dues, the PAC is a voluntary, non-profit, and non-partisan entity that adheres to the stringent regulations set by the Florida Division of Elections.

Your contribution is vital in empowering Florida's political leaders who advocate for policies that benefit the home care provider community. We welcome contributions from both individuals and businesses, with no limit on donation amounts.

Join us in our fundraising campaign to support the Home Care PAC, with a goal of securing $50,000 for the 2024 elections.

Click here to invest in your profession today.