Protecting the rights and safety of our most vulnerable citizens—our seniors and individuals with disabilities residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities—should be a priority for all of us. That’s why AARP Florida strongly supports legislation allowing residents to install electronic monitoring devices in their rooms at their own expense.

Far too often, concerns about abuse, neglect or mistreatment arise in long-term care settings, yet without clear evidence, families are left in the dark, and law enforcement faces challenges in proving or disproving allegations. A simple, cost-effective solution is to give residents the right to install electronic monitoring devices, providing peace of mind for families and a critical tool for law enforcement to investigate incidents fairly and accurately.

Electronic monitoring devices would not only deter potential abuse but also protect caregivers from false accusations. Transparency benefits everyone. If a resident or their family wants this added layer of security, they should have the right to make that decision.

This legislation is about accountability, safety, and ensuring that every person in long-term care is treated with dignity and respect. AARP Florida urges lawmakers to support this common-sense measure that prioritizes resident well-being while strengthening protections for both residents and staff.

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Zayne Smith is senior director of Advocacy for AARP Florida, overseeing advocacy efforts across various issues. She has represented AARP Florida in several coalitions and task forces, including the Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders and the Florida Don’t Text & Drive Coalition. The News Service of Florida honored her with the 2023 Above & Beyond Award, and she is a member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 42.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced new appointments in two key state agencies, the latest update in what’s been a series of promotions and job changes among Florida officials.

Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris is moving to become the Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), DeSantis said. Harris previously served 15 years at AHCA, including as Acting Secretary.

To fill Harris’ position leading DCF, Taylor Hatch, the Secretary of Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities, will take over.

“Both Secretaries Harris and Hatch have been doing a phenomenal job serving the people of Florida in their respective roles, and I know each of them will contribute significantly to their new positions,” DeSantis wrote on Facebook. “Thank you, Shevaun and Taylor, and congratulations!”

The chain of events began when DeSantis named Jason Weida, the previous head of AHCA, to be his new Chief of Staff earlier this month.

James Uthmeier, a longtime DeSantis ally who was previously the Chief of Staff, was sworn in as the next Attorney General to replace Ashley Moody who headed to Washington as a U.S. Senator.

“Harris began her career as a social worker, which led to her true passion — policy and administration in the field of health and human services,” according to her agency bio. “She spent nearly two decades at the Agency for Health Care Administration where she excelled and served in key roles, including Acting Secretary. The majority of her tenure at AHCA was focused on the administration of the multi-billion dollar Florida Medicaid program, impacting millions of Floridians through implementation of sound policy and quality improvement efforts.”

Hatch’s background included working as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Management Services, the state’s real estate manager, and director of workforce services at the Department of Economic Opportunity.

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