The bill proposes significant reforms to the Department of Elderly Affairs, 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 new provisions for the procurement of services by these agencies, including salary limitations for administrative staff and the establishment of the Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence.

Moreover, the bill enhances the assessment and enrollment processes for home and community-based services, prioritizing individuals based on a frailty-based screening tool. It creates the Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence to improve care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, while also amending the existing Alzheimer's Disease Initiative to streamline support for affected families. The bill further revises definitions related to community care services, increases the fiduciary bond for professional guardians, and establishes stricter oversight and transparency requirements for public guardianship. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality and efficiency of services for Florida's elderly population and individuals with disabilities, while ensuring ethical practices in guardianship.

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