Conversations surrounding informed decision-making and accountability within the healthcare system have been at the forefront of topics covered during the current legislative session. In an effort to ensure safe care for all, Florida state Senator Gayle Harrell, a Republican from Palm Beach, has introduced Senate Bill 952, also known as the Healthcare Transparency Bill.
The bill is designed to enhance transparency within the state’s healthcare system. The legislation focuses on improving access to vital information for patients and consumers, such as disclosure of healthcare costs, quality of care and other relevant data.
This request requires licensed nursing home facilities to report common ownership information to the Agency for Healthcare Administration. It requires the agency to submit annual reports to the governor and the Legislature on the success of the personal care attendant program.
These reports will provide more accurate information for patients and families to make better-informed decisions regarding where to place their loved ones in long-term care.
Zayne Smith, director of advocacy for AARP Florida, believes SB 952 is badly needed.
“The purpose of this bill is that it creates transparency for consumers who are looking to put their families in nursing homes to have more accurate information to healthcare when they are looking to place a loved one in facility,” Smith said. “This bill requires that data is reported to the personal care attendants and the state of the effectiveness of their nursing home. Knowing if the facility families have their loved one in gives them the information to know if their facility is staffing and providing quality care that the residents needs.”
Additionally, the information grants advocates like AARP access to know if nursing homes are providing adequate care to patients.
Melanie Jackson, a nurse at Aspire the Gardens nursing home, also emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency in healthcare.
“In this job, communication is the key to patient safety and care. As an LPN, I have to make sure I’m communicating reports and patient care plans with CNAs, nurses, and potentially doctors,” Jackson said. “When working in healthcare, we have to be transparent to make sure all patient needs are met.”
In the same way, public reporting can aid consumers in deciding which provider is best for them; this practice can also incentivize providers to ensure they are implementing steps to produce high-quality care. This can encourage healthcare professionals to strategically focus on their strengths and preparing plans to improve their weaknesses.
SB 952 also requires the reported information to be easily accessible and regularly updated. If approved, the bill states, “requiring the agency to work with stakeholders to determine how to present information on an easily accessible online dashboard.”
The bill was filed on Jan. 9 and will be up for continued discussion. For more information on the Healthcare Transparency bill, visit www.flsenate.gov.