The bill CS/HB 1121 amends Florida Statutes to improve the enrollment process for Medicaid recipients seeking long-term care services, replacing the term "wait-list" with "pre-enrollment list." It requires the Department of Elderly Affairs to maintain this list and prioritize individuals based on a frailty-based screening tool, with specific provisions for priority enrollment for certain individuals, such as young adults with chronic conditions and nursing facility residents. The bill also mandates screenings by aging and disability resource center personnel and outlines the process for rescreening and releasing individuals from the pre-enrollment list. Additionally, it revises the responsibilities of area agencies on aging and establishes penalties for noncompliance.

Moreover, the legislation enhances operational standards for aging and disability resource centers, requiring the Department of Elderly Affairs to set minimum standards for financial operations, staffing, and oversight. It introduces new qualifications for the executive director of the Office of Public and Professional Guardians and establishes disciplinary proceedings for professional guardians, including the ability to issue subpoenas for relevant records. The bill emphasizes the need for collaboration among state departments and mandates the submission of unredacted complaint records to legislative leaders by August 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to streamline services and improve the quality of care for elderly and disabled individuals in Florida, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1121 Filed: 409.983, 430.03, 430.04, 430.071, 430.2053, 430.503, 430.605, 430.901, 744.2003, 744.2004, 400.0060, 400.0065, 400.0073, 400.0087, 430.504
H 1121 c1: 409.983, 430.04, 430.204, 430.2053, 430.605, 430.901, 744.2003, 744.2004