The bill establishes a new section, 296.415, in the Florida Statutes, which allows licensed skilled nursing facilities located on the campus of nonprofit retirement communities that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to request the designation or alteration of certain beds as veteran and spouse nursing home beds. The requests can be approved by the executive director of the Department of Veteran Affairs if they meet specific criteria, including compliance with existing regulations and the operation of the beds in accordance with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs Community Nursing Home Program. The Department is also authorized to adopt rules to implement this section.

Additionally, the bill amends section 408.036 of the Florida Statutes to specify conditions under which certain state veterans' nursing homes or licensed skilled nursing facilities are exempt from needing a certificate of need from the Agency for Health Care Administration. Notably, it removes the requirement that at least 50 percent of the construction cost be state or federally funded and introduces a new exemption for the consolidation or transfer of beds between licensed skilled nursing facilities dedicated to veterans and their families, provided certain conditions are met. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 797 Filed: 408.036