Florida Lawmakers Highlight Rising Quality Standards and Patient-Centered Care in Nursing Centers

Florida’s long-term care landscape is shifting for the better. During a recent House Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee meeting, state leaders and industry experts emphasized measurable improvements in nursing center quality, resident satisfaction, and staff stability across Florida. Their insights reveal a growing movement toward person-centered care, one that affirms the impact of the work we do at The Moxie Health Group. 

Our team helps reduce hospital readmissions, trains on-site nursing staff, and follows evidence-based protocols to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Through robust clinician education and seamless integration with MoxieLink, our operational excellence platform, we ensure that every step we take is data-driven, scalable, and centered on improving patient outcomes.

The Moxie Health Group is a post-acute care organization dedicated to delivering interdisciplinary pulmonary and rehabilitative support to patients across the continuum. We focus on helping individuals regain their functional abilities, enhance their quality of life, and transition safely back to their homes or communities while promoting strong clinical stewardship, reducing readmissions, and elevating care standards through continuous provider and SNF staff education.

Florida’s Quality Improvements at a Glance

The discussion highlighted how Florida continues to outperform national averages on key quality indicators. According to the Florida Health Care Association, most nursing centers across the state have earned national accreditations or awards for excellence. Nearly 70 percent have a 4- or 5-star Quality Measures rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a benchmark often linked to better outcomes and higher patient confidence.

“This kind of progress confirms what we see every day,” said Viviane Manara, Chief Clinical Integration Officer of The Moxie Health Group. “When facilities invest in strong clinical leadership, ongoing education, and person-centered care, patients recover more safely, more confidently, and with better long-term outcomes.”

Experts also pointed to data showing that Florida’s long-stay residents are becoming more independent. Centers statewide are helping individuals regain strength in essential daily activities like mobility, eating, and bathing. These improvements speak to the growing emphasis on rehabilitation pathways that support long-term success, stable transitions, and reduced hospital readmissions.

Strengthening Teams and the Patient Experience

Staffing trends are shifting as well. Contract labor for CNAs and LPNs continues to decline, allowing more facilities to rely on consistent, permanent care teams. Leaders noted that stronger staffing stability often leads to deeper relationships, more individualized care, and an overall increase in resident satisfaction. 

This reinforces the principle that continuity matters a central lesson in post-acute recovery. Patients thrive when surrounded by caregivers who know their medical needs and understand who they are as people.

Elevating Patient Engagement and Safety

Panelists also spoke about the importance of patient engagement and connection, particularly during the transition from hospital to rehabilitative care. Personalized welcomes, frequent check-ins, and real-time surveys throughout a stay help patients feel seen and supported. These touchpoints can set the tone for a positive recovery experience and help care teams respond quickly when needs change.

The meeting also addressed SB 2514, legislation that includes measures to strengthen patient safety culture, elevate consumer satisfaction efforts, and implement Certified Medical Director requirements. Agencies are now moving into the rule-making phase to carry out these upgrades across Florida’s nursing centers.

Image Credit: Alpha Creators

For organizations focused on quality improvement, the message is clear. Florida is prioritizing transparency, personalized care, and strong clinical leadership. The state’s focus on resident experience mirrors a broader shift happening across healthcare. Better outcomes require not only strong clinical practice but also communication, trust, and a commitment to understanding each patient’s story.

At The Moxie Health Group, we see these statewide improvements as encouraging signs for the future of long-term and post-acute care. Our work has always centered on helping patients breathe easier, recover stronger, and return home safer. The momentum highlighted during this legislative discussion reinforces why that mission matters and how innovation, collaboration, and patient-first care can create meaningful change across the continuum.

To learn more about how The Moxie Health Group supports long-term and post-acute care providers across Florida, follow us on Instagram at @themoxiehealthgroup and visit our website www.themoxiehealthgroup.com for updates, resources, and patient-centered care insights.