How is this for a revolving door? Fresh in our inbox today is the announcement that the top state Florida official in charge of licensing and regulating assisted living facilites has left his job to go to work -- for the industry he regulated.
Shaddrick A. Haston, will become the new chief executive officer of the Florida Assisted Living Association on March 21. He leaves the Agency for Health Care Administration, where he was earning an annual salary of $67,743 and was manager of the agency's Assisted Living Unit, responsible for the licensure of assisted living facilities, adult family care homes and adult day care centers Florida.
According to the release, Haston was chosen after a nationwide search. "In his new role of CEO, Haston will oversee FALA's $1.3 million budget, foster strategies to encourage growth and head up FALA's foundation, the Florida Assisted Living Education and Research Foundation," the statement said. Story here.
For the last several years, FALA has fought legislation aimed at increasing regulation on the state's licensed homes after a 2011 Miami Herald investigation revealed neglect, abuse and death at several facilities. The legislation would also close loopholes in in the law that have allowed unlicensed homes to escape state scrutiny.
This year, the legislation, SB 248 and HB 573, are moving with the support of House and Senate leadership.
Under existing law, AHCA has had the power to impose fines of up to $1,000 a day when unlicensed ALFs continue to operate after getting notice from the agency. The agency identified 93 unlicensed providers in 2012, the last year for which there are records, but regulators fined just seven of them.
Here's the full FALA release:
Florida Assisted Living Association Names New CEO
TALLAHASSEE, FL—The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), the premier organization that provides education, advocacy, standards and consumer awareness to Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and licensed Adult Family Care Homes (AFCH) in Florida, is pleased to name Shaddrick A. Haston, Esq, as its new chief executive officer.
Selected from a national candidate pool, Haston is currently Manager of the Agency for Health Care Administration's (AHCA) Assisted Living Unit, responsible for the licensure of assisted living facilities, adult family care homes and adult day care centers for the State of Florida.
When he assumes the CEO role on March 21, 2014, Haston will oversee FALA's $1.3 million budget and seven staff members under the direction of the president and board of directors, including the delivery of products and services to FALA's growing base of constituents. As liaison between the board of directors and FALA staff, Haston will support each to foster growth and achievement of the organization's ambitious strategic plan. He will also oversee FALA's foundation, the Florida Assisted Living Education and Research Foundation (FALERF) and also the direction of FALPAC.
"As I considered taking on this new role, I decided there was no better way to serve the assisted living community than to bring AHCA and FALA closer together for the benefit of ALF and AFCH residents," said Haston. “The residents of Florida’s ALFs and AFCHs want and deserve more; and FALA is devoted to ensuring that the providers they serve will receive the tools needed to provide excellent care. I look forward to building on the solid foundation FALA has established and partnering with the board to take the organization to an even higher level of success."
Haston's expertise in Administrative law, Healthcare law and the legislative process stems from his current extensive experience, through his work for AHCA's General Counsel's Office in Tallahassee and as a Felony Attorney in the Office of the Public Defender in Orlando. He has a well-rounded background in strategy and management, and has a strong reputation as a dynamic leader who transforms good organizations into great ones.
“Shad's compassion, charisma and expertise add value to everything he touches," said FALA's President Luis Collazo. "He’s a widely respected, savvy professional with extensive experience in our industry. Exactly what we need! Shad will ensure that FALA’s next decade will be transformative so the impact of fulfilling our mission will be maximized for the community we serve.”
Haston has the distinction of being AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. The AV rating is the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell and reflects an attorney who has reached the height of professional excellence. Haston holds a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Southern University Law Center. He has a Bachelor of Health Science degree from CampbellUniversity. Haston was a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy and served in the Operation Enduring Freedom in the Persian Gulf. He is married and father to four children.
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About FALA
The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), a 501(c)6 organization, comprises the largest body of resident advocates in Florida. It is a strong, unified, professional organization representing the owners and operators of assisted living communities. Its membership includes for profit and not for profit facilities ranging in size from those who care for a few individuals to those who care for hundreds. FALA advocates for the interests of their members and act as a watchdog for initiatives that run contrary to their goals. FALA promotes best practices in operations, encourages high standards and lobbies on behalf of its members and the industry. It is the leading provider of quality education and training for assisted living professionals and adult family care home providers in Florida.
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