65H-2.015. Program Application Requirements

(1) Application.

(a) Application for initial certification or for renewal of certification shall be made on Form CF 831, Batterers’ Intervention Program Certification Application, (August 2022), which is incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14616. The individual owner or the designated representative of a corporation or partnership shall complete the application.

(b) All program locations of a provider shall be included in the application.

(2) Initial Certification.

(a) An applicant for initial certification of a Batterers’ Intervention Program shall submit to the ODV the following:

1. Form CF 831, Batterers’ Intervention Program Certification Application,

2. The program’s policy and procedure manual, 

3. All curricula, forms (including screening and assessment tools), and informational brochures used by the program,

4. Educational, experiential, and training documentation for each direct service staff and, if applicable, contracted assessor, and

5. Form CF 1649, Affidavit of Good Moral Character, (April 2021), which is incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14615, for each direct service staff. Thereafter, this information must be updated and maintained in such a form as to permit review for rule compliance by the Department.

(b) If the initial certification application includes all information and documentation set forth in paragraph (2)(a) above, the Department will issue a provisional certification. The provisional certification shall not exceed a period of six months. If the initial certification application meets all certification requirements, the certification shall be issued. The provisional license shall end on the date the Department issues the final certification decision.

(c) Certification is issued in the name of the owner, corporation, or partnership of the program. Certification is non-transferable and valid only for the program and location or locations named in the certificate. Any changes in ownership shall be reported to the Department at least 60 days prior to the change.

(d) The Department-issued certificate, or a copy of the certificate shall be displayed within public view at all program locations.

(3) Renewal of Certification.

(a) Certification must be renewed annually.

(b) An applicant for renewal of certification of a Batterers’ Intervention Program shall submit to the ODV the following:

1. Form CF 831, Batterers’ Intervention Program Certification Application, and

2. Any updates to the information initially provided in paragraph (2)(a) of this rule.

(c) The Batterers’ Intervention Program Certification Application and any accompanying documentation must be submitted to the ODV for renewal of certification at least 60 days prior to the expiration of certification to ensure that a lapse of certification does not occur.

(d) If the program does not submit its renewal application at least 60 days prior to the expiration date and a lapse in certification occurs, the certification shall expire, and the Department shall notify the Office of State Courts Administrator, the trial court administrator, and the certified domestic violence center(s) in the judicial circuits where the program provides services. The program will remain uncertified until it submits, and the Department approves a new application.

(e) Certification will be renewed if the program meets all requirements set forth in this rule chapter.

(4) Change of Location of Service. If the provider wishes to change a program's location of service or open additional locations within the circuit where certified, the provider shall notify the Department, in writing, at least 60 days prior to the change.

Rulemaking Authority 741.327 FS. Law Implemented 741.32, 741.325, 741.327 FS. History‒New 9-4-22.