waiver from paragraphs 65G-2.008(1)(e) & (f), F.A.C., from The Arc North Florida, Inc. Rule 65G-2.008(1)(e), F.A.C. states that: “Direct Service providers must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. When determining the equivalency of ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

65G-2.008Staffing Requirements

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 7, 2017, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities received a petition for waiver from paragraphs 65G-2.008(1)(e) & (f), F.A.C., from The Arc North Florida, Inc. Paragraph 65G-2.008(1)(e), F.A.C., states that: “Direct Service providers must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. When determining the equivalency of high school diplomas, providers may accept official transcripts, affidavits from educational institutions, and other formal or legal documents that can be reasonably used to determine educational background. Direct service providers who have been hired using the best judgment of the licensee prior to the date of this rule revision, are exempt from this education-related documentation screening requirement. A violation of this paragraph shall constitute a Class III violation.” Paragraph 65G-2.008(1)(f) states that: “Prior to beginning employment, direct service providers must have at least one year experience in a medical, psychiatric, nursing or childcare setting or working with person with a developmental disability. Successfully completed college, vocational or technical training equal to 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or 720 classroom hours in special education, mental health, counseling, guidance, social work or health and rehabilitative services can substitute for the required experience. Direct service providers hired by the licensee prior to the adoption date of this rule shall be exempt from this requirement. A violation of this paragraph shall constitute a Class III violation.”

Petitioner is seeking a waiver from paragraph 65G-2.008(1)(e) relating to the hiring of direct service providers having a high school diploma or equivalent. Petitioner is seeking a waiver from paragraph 65G-2.008(1)(f) relating to the hiring of direct service providers with one year of experience in a medical, psychiatric, nursing or childcare setting or working with a developmental disability or successful completion of college, vocational or technical training. Any interested person or other agency may submit written comments within 14 days after the publication of this notice. Comments received will be made part of the record regarding the petition for rule waiver.

A copy of the Petition for Variance or Waiver may be obtained by contacting: Michele A. Lucas, Esq., Agency Clerk, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 335, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0950, [e-mail].