FL S1586

Creates Florida Statute 395.1028 to establish requirements for pediatric subacute care units in certified nursing facilities serving patients under 21 years of age who are medically fragile and technology-dependent.

Requires units to designate a resident care manager (registered nurse, one full-time position per 20 patients) responsible for coordinating admissions, liaising with families and interdisciplinary teams, and preparing discharge plans.

Mandates comprehensive developmental assessments for patients under 36 months of age within 14 calendar days of admission, with ongoing developmental programming and quarterly reassessments.

Establishes minimum staffing requirements including 7.0 licensed nursing hours per patient day, 24-hour registered nurse coverage, 1.5 hours certified nursing assistant care per day, and 2.5 hours respiratory care per day, with at least one registered nurse per shift.

Requires all nursing staff to complete 10 continuing education units specific to critically ill children care within one year of hire and 40 hours of hands-on training within two months, plus pediatric advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification.

Directs the Agency for Health Care Administration, in collaboration with the Division of Children's Medical Services, to adopt rules for unit operations; effective July 1, 2014.