Purpose


The purpose of the rule revisions is to conform the rules to changes made to Chapter 400, Part VII and to the addition of Chapter 408, Part II, Florida Statutes, by the 2006 Florida Legislature in Chapter 2006-71 and Chapter 2006-192, Laws of Florida, respectively; to add the criteria for comprehensive emergency management plans as required in law; to update the application for licensure; to add new financial schedules as an alternative to surety bonds pursuant to s. 400.931(5), F.S.; and to add a notification of change of address form. The effect will be updated rules that conform to state law; a new uniform emergency management plan format that includes the provision of continuing services for life-supporting or life-sustaining equipment during an emergency and the provision of the same type and quantity of services to consumers who evacuate to special needs shelters; a revised licensure application that incorporates new required controlling interest information and clarified instructions; new financial schedules developed in order to provide an alternative to a surety bond as a means of proving financial ability to operate; a new notification of change of address form, which includes clear instructions as to what is required for licensure purposes; and a reduction in the maximum fine for late submission of renewal and change of ownership applications from $500 to $150.