Nursing home workers from across the state are relieved that the safe staffing ratio, which was suspended in 2008, has been reinstated. Enforcement of the minimum requirement of 2.9 hours of care during a 24 hour period will begin July 1, 2009.

During the 2009 special session, the legislature resolved to bring nursing home funding to levels that will enable them to fully comply with increased staffing requirements by drawing in federal dollars to fund nursing home care through the creation of the Quality Assessment Program.  The budget the legislature passed today includes funding for that program.

“This will put us back on track to protect Florida’s most vulnerable population – the elderly and disabled,” said Cloreta Morgan, a Certified Nursing Assistant in Miami and Vice President of the Long Term Care Division for the Executive Board of SEIU Healthcare Florida. “When we spend more time with our residents, we are able to consistently deliver quality, personal care.”