WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1261

Medicaid Reimbursement for Private Duty Nursing Services

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa Oliver

Florida would reimburse Medicaid for private duty nursing services for eligible recipients, expanding home-based skilled care options.

Died in Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee
#socialwelfare
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1261

Overview

HB 1261, filed in the Florida House in the 2026 session and co-sponsored by Vanessa Oliver, seeks to modify Florida’s Medicaid program to reimburse private duty nursing services. The bill progressed through several committees but ultimately died in the Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee as of March 13, 2026.

Purpose and intent

  • The central aim is to authorize or expand Medicaid reimbursement for private duty nursing (PDN) services.
  • The bill targets ensuring that individuals eligible for Medicaid who require private duty nursing support can receive reimbursement for these services, potentially increasing access to PDN for eligible patients.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

  • Allowance for Medicaid reimbursement for private duty nursing services: The bill would authorize Medicaid to pay for PDN provided to Medicaid recipients who meet eligibility criteria.
  • Funding and payment mechanics: While the exact payment methodology is not provided in the summary, typical provisions would cover:
    • Eligibility criteria for PDN services under Medicaid.
    • Rates or billing procedures for PDN providers.
    • Authorization and prior-approval requirements, and what documentation is needed.
  • Scope of PDN services: The bill likely defines what constitutes private duty nursing (e.g., skilled nursing tasks performed in the patient’s home or non-institutional settings) and which services are reimbursable.
  • Provider participation: Provisions may specify requirements for PDN providers to enroll in Medicaid, adhere to state regulations, and comply with state and federal standards.

Who would be affected

  • Medicaid recipients in Florida who require private duty nursing services, typically individuals with medical or functional needs that can be met through home-based PDN.
  • PDN providers seeking reimbursement from Medicaid would be impacted by enrollment, billing, and compliance requirements.
  • Families and caregivers of recipients who rely on PDN services could experience changes in access and potential changes in out-of-pocket costs, depending on any cost-sharing or coverage limits established.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral history: The bill was referred to multiple committees on January 15, 2026, including Health Care Budget Subcommittee, Health & Human Services Committee, and later moved to Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee.
  • Movement and status: The measure was ultimately scheduled or considered but died in the Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee on March 13, 2026.
  • Next steps: If reintroduced in a future session, the bill would need to clear the relevant committees and again be considered by the full chamber, potentially with amendments addressing funding, implementation timelines, and administration.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Access to care: If enacted, reimbursement for PDN could improve access to home-based skilled nursing for Medicaid beneficiaries, potentially reducing reliance on hospital or institutional care.
  • Budget implications: Expanding PDN reimbursement would affect Florida’s Medicaid budget; the state would need to allocate funds to cover new services and determine rates and fiscal controls.
  • Administrative burden: Implementing PDN reimbursement would require establishing provider enrollment, billing, prior-authorization processes, and compliance monitoring.
  • Quality and safety: Reimbursement policies typically include standards for provider qualifications, scope of practice, and care coordination with other Medicaid services.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill’s framework to existing Florida PDN reimbursement policies or summarize the committee reports and fiscal impact if those documents become available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.