Florida nursing homes are making it clear to the state legislature ahead of a final budget determination that the ROI from its investment in funding and support is paying dividends in a big way, with the Florida Health Care Assn. (FHCA) releasing a report showing Florida nursing centers are outperforming national averages across multiple Quality Measures.

"Families place enormous trust in Florida's nursing centers, and our caregivers and providers work hard every day to earn it. As the legislature works to finalize the state budget, it's important for lawmakers to see that their continued support and investment in long-term care is delivering and this report tells a powerful story," said Emmett Reed, CEO of the FHCA.

He said in addition to outperforming national averages for certain quality factors, more residents are regaining strength and functioning, fewer are experiencing falls or unnecessary medications, and staffing is more stable than it has been in years.

“Quality care and consistent funding go hand in hand, and we're grateful for the Florida legislature and state leaders who understand this. This data is both a celebration of what we've accomplished together and a reminder of what's at stake,” Reed said. “Our Medicaid reimbursement rates are a reflection of the quality we deliver, and continued investment is what allows Florida's nursing centers to keep raising the gold standard."

Quality Numbers

FHCA said Florida’s commitment to quality is reflected in record-level participation in national recognition programs. More than 75 percent of Florida’s nursing centers hold a CMS 4- or 5-Star Quality Measures rating, and 90 percent hold one or more quality recognitions. Additionally:

• 167 long-term care centers hold the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) Bronze National Quality Award status.

• 51 long term care centers earned the AHCA/NCAL Silver National Quality Awards, the second highest of any state in the nation.

• Three centers hold the top AHCA/NCAL Gold National Quality Award.

Getting Workers

Like every state association in the world of nursing homes, it is workforce issues and bridging shortage in workers that is a core concern. Reed said nursing homes know that a stable, well-supported workforce leads to better outcomes for residents “and we've worked closely with the Florida legislature to continue strengthening ours.”

Smart policy has given nursing centers more flexibility to bring in specialized staff, like behavioral health professionals, social workers, and activities directors, to enhance resident care “while creating real career opportunities for Floridians who are passionate about this work," he said.

"We're especially proud of programs that help caregivers grow and build lasting careers. The Personal Care Attendant pathway is opening new doors into the profession, helping individuals earn while they learn. And FHCA's privately funded scholarship program provided 93 scholarships last year, investing more than $340,000 in the people who show up every day for Florida's seniors and disabled residents,” Reed said.

In the report, data showed that reliance on agency staffing has fallen sharply in recent years. From 2021 through 2025, agency in Florida nursing centers dropped from 9.7 percent to 1.2 percent. Total nurse turnover rates are also down 12.7 percent in nursing centers.

Workforce strength is reflected across every direct-care role. From 2022 to 2025:

• Licensed Practical Nurse agency staffing fell from 15.19 percent in 2022 to 2.3 percent.

• Registered Nurse agency staffing fell from 8.44 percent to 1.73 percent.

• Certified Nursing Assistant agency staffing dropped from 8.07 percent to 1.14 percent.

  
  

See the report and an overview of Florida’s long-term care metrics here.

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.