Rule No.: RULE TITLE
59A-8.002: Definitions
59A-8.003: Licensure Requirements
59A-8.004: Licensure Procedure
59A-8.0095: Personnel
The change is in response to written comments submitted by the staff of the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee.
59A-8.002 Definitions.
(36) “Temporary basis”, as used in the definition of “staffing” in s.400.462, F.S., means short-term, such as for employee absences, short-term skill shortages, or seasonal workloads.
Rulemaking Authority 400.497 FS. Law Implemented 400.462, 400.487 FS. History–New 4-19-76, Formerly 10D-68.02, Amended 4-30-86, 8-10-88, 5-30-90, 5-27-92, Formerly 10D-68.002, Amended 4-27-93, 10-27-94, 1-17-00, 7-18-01, 9-22-05, 8-15-06, 3-29-07, _________.
59A-8.003 Licensure Requirements.
(1) The issuance of an initial license shall be based upon compliance with Chapter 400, Part III, F.S., and this rule as evidenced by a signed and notarized, complete and accurate home health agency application, as referenced in subsection 59A-8.004(1), F.A.C., and the results of a survey conducted by the AHCA.an accrediting organization pursuant to Section 400.471, F.S., and 59A-8.002.
(2) An application for renewal of the current license must be submitted to AHCA at least 60 days prior to the date of expiration of the license, pursuant to Section 408.806(2), F.S. It is the responsibility of the home health agency to submit an application within the specified time frames whether or not they receive separate notification from AHCA of the impending expiration of the license. Home health agencies that apply for renewal of their licenses will be surveyed by AHCA or an accrediting organization as defined in 59A-8.002, pursuant to Sections 408.811 and 400.471, F.S., based on the extent of compliance on previous surveys and complaint investigations with these rules and state laws. Home health agencies will be surveyed on an unannounced basis at least every 36 months. Area offices may do follow up surveys to check on correction of deficiencies at any time on an unannounced basis. An exit conference will be conducted to report the findings and to receive additional information or clarification concerning the survey.
(11) The initial, change of ownership and renewal fee for home health licensure is $1,705 $1,660.
59A-8.004 Licensure Procedure.
(1) An application for licensure, initial, change of ownership, or renewal, shall be made on a form prescribed by the AHCA in paragraph Chapter 59A-35.060(1)(m), F.A.C. This form may be obtained at the AHCA web site, http://ahca.myflorida.com/licensing_cert.shtml, and then under “Home Health Agency”.
(2) The applicant shall identify its legal name, its business name, and the names and addresses of corporate officers and directors, the name and address of each person having at least a 5% equity interest in the entity and other information as required in Section 408.806, F.S. For initial and change of ownership applications and corporate name changes, a current certificate of status or authorization pursuant to Section 607.0128 Chapter 607, F.S., is required.
(3) If the applicant is a partnership, the name and address of each partner, its legal name, and the business name and address must be identified. For initial and change of ownership applications and partnership name changes, a current certificate of status or authorization for limited partnerships, pursuant to Section 620.1209 Chapter 620, F.S., is required. For initial and change of ownership applications and for name changes for general partnerships, a current certificate of status or authorization or an affidavit of fictitious name must be submitted.
(6) For initial applications, including changes of ownership, the applicant must submit proof of financial ability to operate, pursuant to Sections 400.471, 408.810 and 408.8065, F.S. The compliance is demonstrated by completion of AHCA Form 3100-0009 pursuant to Rule Chapter 59A-35.062, F.A.C. Applications for changes of ownership and applications for initial licensure from agencies that failed to renew their licenses before expiration are not required to submit Schedule 1 of AHCA Form 3100-0009.
(8) An applicant for renewal of licenses shall not be required to provide proof of financial ability to operate, unless the applicant has demonstrated financial inability to operate, as defined in subsection 59A-8.002(14)(16), F.A.C. If a licensee has shown signs of financial instability at any time, pursuant to Section 408.810(8), F.S., AHCA shall require proof of financial ability to operate, by submitting schedules 2 through 7 of AHCA Form 3100-0009, described in subsection (6) above, and documentation of correction of the financial instability, to include evidence of the payment of any bad checks, delinquent bills or liens. If complete payment cannot be made, evidence must be submitted of partial payment along with a plan for payment of any liens or delinquent bills. If the lien is with a government agency or repayment is ordered by a federal, state, or district court, an accepted plan of repayment must be provided.
59A-8.0095 Personnel.
(1) Administrator.
(b) If an agency changes administrator or alternate administrator the agency shall notify AHCA Home Care Unit office in Tallahassee prior to or on the date of the change. Notification shall consist of submission of the person’s name, professional resume, and professional license, if applicable, and a copy of the Affidavit of Good Moral Character. The administrator also must submit level 2 screening, pursuant to subsection 59A-8.004(9), F.A.C., or inform the Home Care Unit that level 2 screening was previously submitted.
Rulemaking Authority 400.497 FS. Law Implemented 400.462, 400.471,400.476, 400.487, 400.488, 400.497 FS. History–New 1-20-97, Amended 1-17-00, 7-18-01, 9-22-05, 8-15-06,________.