Federal vs State Rules on Requirements for ALC’s
Since Irma hit the coast and a rash of deaths occurred in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities (ALC’s), Federal rules will require nursing homes to have an alternative energy source to maintain safe temperatures in order to prevent deaths from seniors overheating as well as to provide energy for medications, medical equipment and the like. Florida lawmakers and state regulators put in place the same new requirements applied to ALC’s (over and above Federal law which is solely for Nursing Homes where residents are typically more ill). If Florida ALC’s do not comply within 60 days, they will face fines up to $1,000 per day that they are not in compliance. What is the big deal you ask? Well the Florida Health Care Association estimates that the new state rules would cost ALC’s and Nursing Homes more than $230 million dollars statewide or approximately $350,000 per 120 bed unit. That cost will most likely be passed on to the consumer – you, me and our parents. Florida is balking. Yet the state also has the greatest number of elderly population (19%) than any other state. Our parents are worth the extra few bucks in keeping them safe, so Florida should stop griping and start complying.
