Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities operating in Broward County to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in general and professional liability insurance. (Vice-Mayor Bogen)

ACTION:  (T-11:16 AM)  Following discussion the Board deferred this item indefinitely.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE:  8-0.  Commissioner Sharief was not present.

Direction by the Board is necessary to prepare an appropriate Ordinance.

Permits public discussion by the Board and provides direction to the Office of the County Attorney and County staff.

Section 400.141, Florida Statutes, requires that nursing homes maintain general and professional liability insurance coverage, and Section 429.275, Florida Statutes, requires that the administrator or owner of an assisted living facility ("ALF") maintain liability coverage. However, neither statutory provision requires any minimum amount for such coverage. 
 
As demonstrated by the recent tragedy in the wake of Hurricane Irma, it is critical for the protection of Florida residents that nursing homes and ALFs maintain sufficient insurance coverage to provide some measure of recovery in the event that residents are seriously injured by actions or omissions of the facilities. 
 
This item, if approved, would direct the Office of the County Attorney and County staff to review the existing regulations and prepare an appropriate Ordinance requiring nursing homes and ALFs operating in Broward County to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in general and professional liability insurance.