The bill proposes significant reforms to the Department of Elderly Affairs in Florida, including the repeal of section 400.0067, which relates to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council. It amends section 409.979 to require aging and disability resource center personnel to place individuals requesting enrollment for home and community-based services on all appropriate preenrollment lists, replacing the term "wait-list." The bill also expands the department's responsibilities to include providing direct services to the elderly when necessary and designating area agencies on aging. Additionally, it introduces the Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence to improve care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Moreover, the bill establishes new procurement requirements for area agencies on aging, including competitive bidding for contracts and a salary cap for administrative employees. It emphasizes the importance of aging and disability resource centers in providing integrated information and referral services for elderly individuals and adults with disabilities. The legislation also enhances transparency and accountability within offices of public guardians by defining conflicts of interest, requiring annual independent audits, and mandating detailed record-keeping for guardians involved in the sale of real property on behalf of their wards. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and ensure better oversight of aging services in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1086 Filed: 400.0067, 430.03, 430.04, 430.2053, 430.503, 430.605, 744.2001, 744.2004, 744.2103, 744.351, 744.3701, 744.441