New Bill Targeting Nursing Homes Moving Through Legislature
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - A bill adding restrictions to lawsuits about injuries suffered by nursing home residents is ready to go before the Florida House.
The bill's purpose, according to the News Service of Florida, would help shield "passive" investors from lawsuits about resident care. The move would require evidentiary hearings before residents could pursue punitive-damage claims against nursing homes.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), said the details were worked out during negotiations with the AARP, Florida Justice Association, and the Florida Health Care Association.
In addition to the limits placed on lawsuits, the bill will target nursing homes that don't pay judgments with penalties including losing their licenses. It also places requirements on nursing homes about releasing residents' medical records to the residents or their representatives.
A companion bill in the state Senate is also ready to go to the floor for debate.