59A-18.005. Registration Policies

(1) Each nurse registry shall disseminate the following rules and statutes to each applicable independent contractor at the time of registration. The rules and statutes may be provided by paper copy, by email or other means of electronic communication.

(a) Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall receive for their use and reference:

1. Rule 59A-18.005, F.A.C., Registration Policies.

2. Rule 59A-18.007, F.A.C., Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.

3. Rule 59A-18.011, F.A.C., Medical Plan of Treatment.

4. Rule 59A-18.012, F.A.C., Clinical Records.

5. Rule 59A-18.013, F.A.C., Administration of Biologicals.

6. Sections 400.506, 408.809, 400.484, 400.462, 400.488 and 408.810(5), F.S., with the telephone numbers referred to in the law.

7. Rule 59A-18.018, F.A.C., Emergency Management Plans.

(b) Certified nursing assistants and home health aides shall receive for their use and reference:

1. Rule 59A-18.005, F.A.C., Registration Policies.

2. Rule 59A-18.0081, F.A.C., Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide.

3. Sections 400.506, 408.809, 400.484, 400.462, 400.488 and 408.810(5), F.S., with the telephone numbers referred to in the law.

4. Rule 59A-18.018, F.A.C., Emergency Management Plans.

(c) Homemakers and Companions shall receive for their use and reference:

1. Rule 59A-18.009, F.A.C., Homemakers or Companions.

2. Sections 400.506, 408.809, 400.484, 400.462 and 408.810(5), F.S., with the telephone numbers referred to in the law.

3. Rule 59A-18.018, F.A.C., Emergency Management Plans.

4. Rule 59A-18.005, F.A.C., Registration Policies.

(2) Each nurse registry shall establish written procedures for the selection, documentation, screening and verification of credentials for each independent contractor referred by the registry.

(3) Each nurse registry shall confirm a new independent contractor’s licensure or certification with the issuing board or department. A screen print from the Department of Health web site that shows a clear and active license or certification for each nurse and certified nursing assistant is sufficient for documentation.

(4) Each nurse registry shall, at least annually, reconfirm the licensure or certification of all of its independent contractors who are licensed or certified. If the nurse registry cannot confirm the licensure of any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or certification of any certified nursing assistant, the nurse registry shall take the actions specified in Section 400.506(19), F.S. This includes reporting the individual to the Florida Board of Nursing, Department of Health as specified at its web site: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/enforcement/report-unlicensed-activity/file-a-complaint.html.

(5) Each nurse registry shall confirm the identity of the independent contractor prior to referral. Identification shall be verified by using the individual’s current driver’s license or other photo identification, including the professional license or certificate.

(6) Prior to contact with patients or clients, each independent contractor referred for client care must furnish to the registry a statement from a health care professional licensed under Chapters 458 or 459, F.S., a physician’s assistant, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) or a registered nurse licensed under Chapter 464, F.S., under the supervision of a licensed physician, or acting pursuant to an established protocol signed by a licensed physician, dated within the last six months, that the contractor is free from communicable diseases. The independent contractor will provide this statement to the nurse registry when first referred.

(7) Registration folders on each independent contractor must contain the information required in Section 400.506(8), F.S., and the following:

(a) For home health aides, evidence of completion of a home health aide training course or certification from the Florida Board of Nursing, Department of Health as a certified nursing assistant;

(b) Evidence of a contract with the nurse registry;

(c) Evidence of background screening that meets the requirements in Section 408.809(4), F.S.; and,

(8) Each nurse registry shall establish a system for the recording complaints involving individuals they refer. If the complaints are violations of state law, the nurse registry shall take the actions specified in Section 400.506(19), F.S. Records of complaints and actions taken by the nurse registry shall be kept in the individual’s registration file or retained in the central files of the nurse registry.

Rulemaking Authority 400.497, 400.506 FS. Law Implemented 400.497, 400.506 FS. History–New 2-9-93, Amended 1-27-94, 12-24-00, 8-10-06, 3-15-07, 5-4-15.