The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework for assisted living facilities, focusing on operational transparency and consumer protection. It authorizes the Agency for Health Care Administration to grant access to a specific database for emergency management and mandates the publication of survey results while protecting the identities of licensed facilities. The bill introduces provisions for assisted living facilities to retain their licenses under certain conditions, requires notification of staffing changes, and allows for late renewal applications with applicable fees. Additionally, it establishes new definitions and regulations for referral agencies, which must disclose information to consumers and refrain from referring to facilities in which they have a financial interest.

Furthermore, the bill revises existing regulations on adverse incident reporting, emphasizing timely communication between healthcare providers and facilities, and enhances training requirements for staff involved in medication administration. It mandates the creation of a consumer information website detailing licensed facilities' services and licensing status. The bill also establishes the Assisted Living Task Force to address the growing demand for assisted living services, tasked with identifying innovative care models and modernizing regulations. The task force will consist of appointed members from relevant associations and state agencies, meeting quarterly and submitting interim reports, with a repeal date set for October 2, 2029, unless extended by the Legislature. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 788 Filed: 408.821, 408.822, 429.07, 429.17, 429.41, 429.52