This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the provisions related to veterans nursing homes. It introduces a definition for "veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds," which are specifically allocated for veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses in licensed skilled nursing facilities located within retirement communities that qualify for nonprofit status. Additionally, the bill creates a new section that empowers the executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs to approve requests for the creation or modification of these designated beds, provided they comply with existing federal and state regulations. The Department is also authorized to adopt rules to facilitate this process.

Furthermore, the bill revises the exemptions from certificate of need requirements for certain projects related to veterans nursing homes. It removes the stipulation that at least 50 percent of the construction cost must be federally funded, allowing for state or federal funding instead. It also introduces a new exemption for the consolidation or transfer of beds between licensed nursing homes dedicated solely to veterans and their families, as long as the relocation is within 100 miles of the original site. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 788 Filed: 408.036