Subject


The Agency proposes to amend Rule 59A-4.103, F.A.C., to include provisions for initial and change of ownership applications or suspension of a current license when licensure fees are returned to the Agency due to insufficient funds. This section also includes specifications regarding the issuance of partial inactive licenses for alternative uses pursuant to Section 400.0712, Florida Statutes (F.S.). Other changes to this section include the incorporation of modifications to the licensure application, technical changes clarifying the submission process for required reports to the Agency and defining days as “calendar” days. Eliminates the requirement to report monthly vacant beds and quarterly nursing home staffing reports to the Agency. Proposed amendments to Rule 59A-4.106, F.A.C., include providing a web address for obtaining transfer and discharge forms, deleting a reference to services provided by the Department of Children and Families, presenting criteria for a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO), incorporating references to federal guidelines and providing a specific address to obtain copies of “Health Care Advance Directives.” Rule 59A-4.108, F.A.C., updates statutory references for facility staffing in accordance with state law, and establishes requirements for requesting the use of licensed nurses to perform licensed nursing and certified nursing assistant duties. Proposed amendments to Rule 59A-4.110, F.A.C., include a technical change to the position title of director of food service and replace the outdated references to the Dietary Managers training and certification process. Amendments to Rule 59A-4.112, F.A.C., include technical changes for the terminology of the Emergency Drug Kit. Amendments to Rule 59A-4.118, F.A.C., includes the removal of the requirement for nursing homes to contract with a medical records consulatant and credentializing organizations. A proposed amendment to Rule 59A-4.122, F.A.C., includes details for the placement of a resident’s bed and further defines the requirement for a closet and comfortable room temperatures. Changes to Rule 59A-4.123, F.A.C., eliminates the 1-day Adverse Incident Reporting and Form, provide for electronic submission of the 15-day Adverse Incident form and clarify when events reported to law enforcement are considered adverse incidents. A proposed amendment to Rule 59A-4.126, F.A.C., provides language regarding the submission of the emergency management plan, testing of this plan, and procedures and notifications for evacuation, overcapacity and re-occupancy of the nursing home structure during a disaster. An amendment to Rule 59A-4.128, F.A.C., removes the measurement of deficiencies in terms of scope and severity for state licensure. The establishment of Rule 59A-4.1285, F.A.C., provides requirements for developing and implementing a respite care program for nursing home licensees that choose to provide such a service. A proposed change to Rule 59A-4.1288, F.A.C., incorporates reference to federal regulations established since 1991. Proposed amendments to Rule 59A-4.130, F.A.C., provide revised language to conform to code edition changes and retain language not included in the Florida Building Code. A proposed amendment to Rule 59A-4.133, F.A.C., provides language to reference the Florida Building Code to conform to statutory changes, and deletes all other requirements. Proposed new Rule 59A-4.134, F.A.C., revises the requirements for construction plans submission to conform to codes and statutory changes. Amendments to Rule 59A-4.150, F.A.C., delete or correct several recurring or obsolete definitions and references throughout the section and adds to the list of professionals authorized to staff a geriatric outpatient clinic. Proposed changes to Rule 59A-4.165, F.A.C., replace the reference to a 45-month reporting period in the Nursing Home Guide with language that cites the time period defined in Section 400.191, F.S. Proposed change in Rule 59A-4.202, F.A.C., removes the Nursing Home Guide ranking as a quality of care criteria for Gold Seal award. Amendments to Rule 59A-4.206, F.A.C., provides language to terminate Gold Seal award applicants upon the occurrence of a disqualifying event, filing of a petition of bankruptcy and fails to maintain a qualifying Quality of Care rank criteria. Other revisions are made throughout the Chapter to correct technical errors and update references.