Presumably prompted by a recent Miami Herald investigative report, Florida Governor Rick Scott took a strong step on behalf of consumers when he vetoed House Bill 4045 and ordered the formation of a task force to help improve the state’s troubled assisted living facilities.

In a critical series published last month, the Herald reported that many facilities fall short of meeting statutory requirements.  The year-long investigation uncovered a range of violations, including dirty and unhygienic conditions, physical neglect and abusive practices.  Nonetheless, the assisted living industry pushed for the now-vetoed bill, which would have relaxed current deficiency reporting requirements, making it more difficult for the public to obtain information about noncompliant facilities. 

The bill had been heavily criticized by advocates for the elderly, who viewed the measure as an attempt to help facilities circumvent regulations.  In a statement explaining his veto, Governor Scott said: “Until a more deliberate examination of the regulation and oversight of living facilities is conducted, I do not believe it is prudent to relax any reporting requirements for assisted living facilities.” 

Consumer advocates were surprised but pleased by the veto, seeing the governor’s actions as a welcome step towards reforming Florida’s assisted living law and improving the quality of life for seniors residing in the state’s facilities.