FL H0491

Reduces minimum licensed nursing home beds required for teaching nursing home designation from 400 to 170 beds.

Allows nursing homes to qualify by operating their own geriatric research center in addition to existing option of contracting with a federally funded accredited geriatric research center.

Removes requirement for formalized contractual relationship with an accredited teaching hospital as designated by law.

Adds Gold Seal Award certification as alternative to nationally recognized accreditation program for initial teaching nursing home designation.

Maintains $750,000 minimum insurance coverage or proof of financial responsibility requirement, with options for escrow accounts or letters of credit.