Workforce Issue Briefs

Workplace Violence Issue Brief

Individuals working in hospitals and health systems experience violence in the workplace in various ways, including harassment (physical and psychological), threats, intimidation, humiliation, shootings and other acts of violence, assault, and bullying. Incidents of violence in health care settings increased during the pandemic. Stronger criminal penalties are needed to send a clear message that violence against health care workers will not be tolerated.

Pipeline & Line Funding

$125 million in nursing education programs for the 2022-2023 state fiscal year for two programs: Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) and Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) programs. These programs focus on addressing the growing workforce demand the state is facing.

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HRSA Workforce Funding

$15 million in Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant funds to grow the nursing workforce, improve access to nursing education, and advance health equity. The grant funding includes $10 million for Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies Program and $4.75 million for over three years for a Registered Nurse Training Program.

Hometown Hero Housing Program and Live Local Act

Senate Bill 102, known as the Live Local Act, is a comprehensive, statewide housing strategy designed to increase the availability of housing opportunities for Florida’s workforce. This bill provides $711 million in workforce housing funds that are administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). The bill continued funding for the second year of the Hometown Hero Housing Program, that was established in the 2022 – 2023 SFY.

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Medicaid GME

Increasing funding for Graduate Medical Education (GME) is one avenue to address the physician shortage in Florida, currently projected to be 36,000 by 2035. Where a physician trains is highly predictive of where he or she practices, making residency training particularly important for a sufficient physician supply. FHA is committed to supporting sufficient and reliable GME funding to meet the demand of the growing and aging population.

Nurse Licensure Issue Brief

The Florida Board of Nursing (Board) licenses, monitors, educates, and disciplines licensees to assure their fitness and competence in providing health care services in the state. The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) advocates for resources and policies that support an adequate, knowledgeable, competent, and healthy nursing workforce.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice Issue Brief

With a severe nursing shortage, states are exploring new avenues to increase the number of nurses and retain their workforce. Allowing licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform optimally within their scope of practice may help address staffing challenges in the healthcare setting to meet the demand for care.

Military Medics

Florida has one of the largest populations of military veterans and their spouses in the nation. More than 1.5 million veterans call Florida home. FHA supports helping military medics transition to the civilian health care workforce. Specifically, FHA supports pathways and programs for retired military medics so they can more easily transition to the civilian health care workforce with the needed qualifications and competencies.

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