HCAF President Cindy Lavoie (left) presents the Home Care Legislative Advocate Award to Representative Gallop Franklin, joined by Executive Director Denise Bellville and Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Communications Kyle Simon, at the Florida Capitol on December 18, 2024.

HCAF proudly recognized Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) and Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) as recipients of the 2024 Home Care Legislative Advocate Award. Representative Franklin was honored for his pivotal role in the successful passage of House Bill 935, a landmark achievement for home care providers and Medicaid recipients.

On May 10, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 935 into law, marking a significant policy advancement for Florida’s home care industry. Unanimously approved by the Florida Legislature during the 2024 session, this legislation expands access to Medicaid-funded home health services, particularly in regions facing physician shortages and workforce challenges.

Effective July 1, 2024, HB 935 authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for home health services ordered by non-physician practitioners, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs). These services include home health visits, nursing care, home health aide support, and essential medical equipment. The legislation aligns with federal flexibility introduced by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. By increasing access to high-quality, cost-effective, and patient-preferred in-home care, it helps reduce hospitalizations and prevents reliance on more expensive institutional care.

Thanks to the bipartisan efforts of Senator Trumbull and Representative Franklin, in addition to HCAF’s advocacy, Florida’s Medicaid population benefits from improved health care access and outcomes.

HCAF Executive Director Denise Bellville, RN, BS, COS-C, recognized the lawmakers with the following statement:

“HCAF and the Florida home care provider community applaud Senator Jay Trumbull and Representative Gallop Franklin for their exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication. Their bipartisan efforts, evident in the unanimous passage of HB 935, demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing access to in-home care and improving the well-being of our state. We congratulate them both on receiving the 2024 Home Care Legislative Advocate Award.”