Often used in situations involving elderly individuals who can no longer take care of themselves in case of illness or injury, it is important to understand that Florida home health care is not restricted to these use cases only.Ā
In this article, you will understand the process to obtain a home health care license in Florida.
Florida Home Health Care ā Understanding the Concept
The term “home health care” encompasses a broad range of health care services provided directly at a patient’s home. Compared to the costs involved in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, home health care offers the same level of effectiveness without resulting in a costly experience.
Many Florida residents often associated home health care with elderly care. While elderly individuals may need home health care as well, this alternative applies to other cases that require:
- Continuous monitoring of serious illness and/or unstable health status
- Wound care for surgical wounds or other medical proceduresĀ Ā
- The use of injections and intravenous nutrition
- Patient and caregiver assistance
The first step to initiate the process is getting the appropriate doctor’s orders. After referring the patient to a home health service, the licensed agency will schedule an appointment and visit the patient’s home.
The agency will communicate with the patient and assess the situation to start the health care process, also communicating with the doctor to keep him or her updated.
How Do You Get a Home Health Care License in Florida? ā Taking a Closer Look
In Florida, the Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) is the division responsible for inspecting and licensing healthcare facilities and entities within state jurisdiction.
Florida Statutes Ā§400.464 (1) provides that “a license or registration issued by the agency is required in order to operate a home health agency in this state.”
The same statute adds that “a license or registration issued on or after July 1, 2018, must specify the home health services the licensee or registrant is authorized to perform and indicate whether such specified services are considered skilled care.”
As provided by Florida Statutes Ā§400.464 (2), “if the licensed home health agency operates related offices, each related office outside the health service planning district where the main office is located must be separately licensed. The counties where the related offices are operating within the health service planning district must be specified on the license in the main office.”
The first step to applying for a license is filing an Initial Application with AHCA. The forms are available online and must be submitted with the required documentation. Once AHCA receives the application, it will be assigned to a government analyst.
If the applicant fails to fill out the forms properly or submit any evidence, the analyst sends an “Omission Letter” giving between 21 to 30 days to supplement the application. Failure to submit the required information within the established period results in a denial.
While it is possible to challenge a denial, the best approach is to ensure full legal compliance with ACHA and the Florida Administrative Code in the first application.
Do You Want to Obtain a Home Health Care License in Florida? ā Immediately Seek Expert Legal Guidance
Obtaining a home health care license in Florida can be a challenging task. Contact Attorney Romy B. Jurado by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to find the best licensing strategy for your case.
