Florida nursing homes are about to see their protection against COVID-19 liability lawsuits extended through next summer.
House lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation, SB 7014, that extends the duration of liability protections from COVID-19 against healthcare providers, including nursing homes.
The measure keeps the protections in place through June 1, 2023. The measure was already passed by senators, and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is expected to sign it into law.
“The protections provided by SB 7014 are critical for our state’s nursing centers and assisted living facilities, ensuring that our long term care workers can remain safe from sue and settle lawsuit tactics while continuing to serve in a challenging pandemic environment,” Florida Health Care Association CEO Emmett Reed said in a statement.
The association added that since the original legislation was passed during the 2021 session, there have been about 15 nursing home claims and at least four assisted living claims as of November.
Reed stressed the importance of protecting providers during the pandemic.
“These liability protections reinforce support from our Legislature and ensure that Florida’s long-term care centers have the resources needed to continue providing high-quality care to Florida’s most vulnerable population,” Reed said.
