65C-45.014. Terms of a License for all Levels of Licensure

(1) The Regional Licensing Authority shall request in writing any additional information required for the purposes of making a licensing determination within 10 business days of receipt of an application file. The Regional Licensing Authority shall grant or deny an initial license application in accordance with the timeframes set in Section 409.175(6)(d), F.S. The decision on whether to grant or deny the initial license application shall be based on whether the applicant has submitted a completed application file or attestation and has a favorable home study in accordance with Rules 65C-45.004 and 65C-45.012, F.A.C.

(2) Offices, conference rooms, and other non-home-like settings shall not be licensed for placement of children in care.

(3) The license shall reflect the name of the licensee, the licensee’s physical address, city and county, the name of the supervising agency, and the license number along with its beginning and expiration dates.

(4) If the Regional Licensing Authority determines that a reduction in the licensure period of a three (3) year license is warranted based on a licensing violation, it shall notify the supervising agency and the applicant in writing, identifying the reasons for the reduction in the licensure period and the statutory authority for the reduction.

(5) Authorized licensing staff of the Regional Licensing Authority or supervising agency may make unannounced inspections of a licensed family foster home. The inspection may include examination of all rooms and areas on the property and interviews of all household members.

(6) All licenses shall be signed by the regional managing director or designee in upper level management.

(7) License Modifications.

(a) Modifications shall be made to a license at the request of the licensed out-of-home caregiver following assessment of licensing staff, or as a result of corrective measures.

(b) Modifications which alter information set forth on the existing license shall result in the issuance of a new license. This new license shall expire on the same date as on the existing license.

(c) If a request for modification occurs within (90) days of the expiration of the license, the supervising agency shall conduct all activities consistent with re-licensure. The new license shall be valid for one (1) year from the new date of issuance.

(d) An extended license issued pursuant to Section 409.175(7) F.S., shall not be issued if there is a failure to comply with background screening requirements.

(8) File Retention.

(a) The supervising agent shall retain a central file in the region for every family foster home licensed. The file shall include:

1. All initial and subsequent licensing documentation, as well as all other licensing related activities, including documentation of background screening requirements;

2. Complaint investigation information;

3. Waivers and exceptions;

4. Other additional documentation obtained regarding the licensed home; and

5. A termination summary for homes which are closed and the reason for closing. The termination summary should be entered into a Provider Note in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN).

(b) Central files must be maintained in a secure location and made available for monitoring or auditing purposes.

(c) An electronic version of the licensing file shall be maintained by the supervising agency in the electronic filing cabinet located in FSFN. The supervising agency shall develop a policy that addresses the destruction of paper files; this policy must be reviewed and approved by Regional Licensing Authority.

(d) Central files of prospective licensed out-of-home caregivers who do not become licensed shall be retained by the supervising agency for a period of five (5) years.

(e) Central files of licensed out-of-home caregivers shall be maintained for 20 years after closure.

(f) Central files of applicants who are denied licensure shall be maintained for a period of 20 years after the issuance of the denial or final denial order date, whichever is later.

(9) This rule will be renewed and repealed, modified, or renewed through the rulemaking process five years from the effective date.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(5) FS. History–New 4-26-20, Amended 12-28-21.