Florida Health Care Association

/Home/d. Nursing Home Associations

Florida Health Care Association

307 W. Park Ave.
P. O. Box 1459
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
(850) 224-3907

About FHCA

History and Services

The Florida State Nursing Homes Association began in 1954 in Miami with about a dozen members. In 1956, a new charter was written, forming the Florida Nursing Home Association. Today, the Florida Health Care Association is based in Tallahassee. We represent over 1,000 members and almost 500 facilities. Business firms, interested persons or related organizations are also encouraged to join as associate members.

The Association was founded on the premise that its members have a moral obligation to the residents they serve. Therefore, the end result we seek in all our efforts is to improve the quality of care and life for the residents of Florida's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

FHCA is governed by a board of directors, which represent the different sectors of membership and geographical areas of the state. In addition, the Association has more than 20 active committees which provide a substantial opportunity for member participation.

Membership in FHCA provides exclusive access to the Association's professional staff and able consultant team. The expert consultation of our reimbursement specialist has contributed significantly to Florida's reimbursement system; our executive director is recognized nationally as a leader in his field; and our governmental affairs, legal, and financial consultants constitute an invaluable resource to our members. In addition, our regulatory services director assists members with nursing home legislation and federal and state rules and regulations. FHCA has also dedicated a full-time position to assist in the area of public relations and communication issues.

FHCA COMMITTED TO ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
FHCA has made a firm commitment to the assisted living facility (ALF) sector of its membership by concentrating staff resources to ALF issues. Staff assist in the development of rules and regulations which affect the industry as well as answer specific questions posed by ALF members.

REIMBURSEMENT HIGH PRIORITY
Advocating balanced regulation and improved reimbursement has become one of FHCA's highest priorities. The Association has achieved recognition as a credible voice on long term care issues and has become a leader at both the state and national levels.

PUBLICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Another of FHCA's highest priorities is the dissemination of information to our membership, to legislative and regulatory bodies and to the public. PULSE, our monthly newsletter for nursing homes and ALFs, advises members of developments related to long term care. Frequent bulletins to members furnish up-to-the-minute information on such topics as legislation and labor relations.

Publications from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) our national organization which represents approximately 10,000 long term care facilities, feature items of professional interest from the national perspective. These publications include the bi-weekly news bulletin, AHCA Notes, and the monthly magazine, PROVIDER.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Increasingly complex resident care, administration and licensure requirements make ongoing education a mandatory element of facility operation. FHCA's provision of continuing education opportunities, as an approved provider of the Board of Nursing Home Administrators and Board of Nursing, is one of our most valuable membership benefits. We sponsor seminars and workshops around the state that are tailored to meet the needs of licensed professional staff and support personnel.

The Association's Education and Development Foundation also administers an annual scholarship program, which offers opportunities for many employees of FHCA member facilities to further their educations in nursing.

FHCA SERVICE CORPORATION
FHCA's Service Corporation provides a valuable membership benefit. The Corporation's board evaluates and recommends companies that can offer members reduced rates on the purchase of essential products and services. Savings are currently available in the areas of printing, group purchasing, insurance and long distance telephone service.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
The Florida Health Care Political Action Committee, which has experienced outstanding growth in the last few years, is a separate legal entity. The monies raised through this fund not only gain political access, but enable us to show our support for legislators or candidates who are willing to listen to our concerns.

Vision Statement

The Florida Health Care Association is a federation of facilities representing long term care providers who believe that the individuals served are entitled to a supportive environment in which professional and compassionate care is delivered.

FHCA works to educate society and government to invest in the well-being of elderly and disabled individuals and to assure access to long term care. FHCA is committed to developing necessary and reasonable public policies which balance economic and regulatory principles to support quality care and quality of life.

FHCA is dedicated to professionalism and ethical behavior among all who provide long term care.

Code of Ethics

Recognizing that the members of the Florida Health Care Association in the State of Florida have a moral commitment and obligation in providing the highest quality long term care to the chronically ill, the convalescent, and the aged, we the members pledge:

To maintain a well-organized staff and strive to maintain a proper medical and social atmosphere for the care and rehabilitation of our residents.

To treat the residents with respect, consideration and full recognition of their dignity and individuality.

To encourage and assist the resident in the exercise of their rights, including their right of privacy of person, treatment and care, and the confidentiality of their medical records.

To acknowledge and encourage the social practices and religious beliefs of the residents in our care.

To take our place as part of the community's health program, to inspire confidence and respect, to cooperate with all health and social agencies, and to abide by all rules and regulations necessary for the health and well-being of our residents.

To join and actively participate within our own districts, and with our state and national associations in promoting opportunities in the field of aging.

To work honestly and harmoniously with the members of our own districts, and with our state and national associations for better resident care, competent administration, and the advancement of all health care facilities which care for the elderly.

To be ethical in all business relationships and endeavor to enhance the public image of the health care industry.