Florida nursing home officials made clear Friday they think it is unrealistic — if not impossible — to carry out a demand by Gov. Rick Scott that facilities quickly install generators that can power air-conditioning systems.
Two major nursing-home groups held a “summit” in a conference center at Florida State University to address new emergency rules that call for nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to have generators within 60 days. Scott last weekend ordered the emergency rules after the high-profile deaths of residents of a Broward County nursing home where air conditioning was knocked out by Hurricane Irma.
Industry officials were careful Friday to say they share the governor’s goal. But during panel discussions that touched on issues such as the need to design and upgrade the electrical systems of older buildings, gain permits and order generators, speakers repeatedly contended the 60-day timeframe is unworkable.