59A-8.025. Registration Requirements for Homemaker and Companion Services Providers

(1) Before any organization or individual shall directly or indirectly provide homemaker and companion services for elderly or disabled adults, it shall make application for and become registered by the AHCA. Licensed home health agencies and nurse registries are exempt from registration for provision of homemaker and companion services.

(2) An application for renewal of registration or change of ownership, must be submitted to AHCA at least 60 days prior to the date of the expiration of the registration as required in Section 408.806(2), F.S.

(3) Application for initial, renewal and change of ownership registration to provide homemaker and companion services shall be made to the AHCA on the Health Care Licensing Application, Homemaker and Companion Services Provider, AHCA Form 3110-1003, December 2014, incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05421. These forms may be obtained online at http://ahca.myflorida.com/HQAlicensureforms. The application shall be filed biennially as required in Section 408.806, F.S.

(4) A non-refundable fee shall accompany each application for registration. State, county or municipal agencies applying for registration as an agency providing homemaker and companion services shall be exempt from payment of registration fees.

(5) The AHCA shall issue a registration valid for no more than two years, upon verification that all requirements for registration have been met.

(6) An application for initial or change of ownership registration must include the specific geographic area to be served. Homemaker and companion services providers may apply for a geographic service area which encompasses one or more of the counties within the health service planning district, as defined in Section 408.032(5), F.S., in which the address of record is located. Any homemaker and companion services provider holding a current registration from the AHCA, as of July 1, 2015, may continue to serve clients in the counties listed on its registration if a plan for supervision of staff working in counties outside of the primary geographic service area is documented.

(7) Diligent effort shall have been made, to comply with the provisions of Section 400.509(4)(b), F.S., if the homemaker and companion services provider has documented two attempts to verify employment or contractual history or, in the case of a disconnected number, the attempt to find current contact information.

(8) All homemaker and companion services providers must maintain a confidential client record which shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(a) The client’s full legal name, address, telephone number, age, disability if basis for client receiving service;

(b) The name and telephone number of the client’s emergency contact, next of kin or legal guardian, and physician;

(c) Copy of any contract or written service agreement, if applicable;

(d) Services provided including the duration and frequency of visits;

(e) Dietary restrictions, if the homemaker and companion services provider prepares, orders or accompanies the client to meals;

(f) Food allergies;

(g) Activity limitations pertaining to service delivery; and,

(h) Copy of any written termination notices, if the homemaker and companion services provider is terminating services.

(9) When a client is accepted, there shall be a reasonable expectation that the requested services will be provided adequately and safely in their residence. The homemaker and companion services provider is responsible for obtaining all needed information pertaining to service delivery and for supplying employees or independent contractors capable of delivering contracted or agreed upon services, including all visits.

Rulemaking Authority 400.497, 400.509, 408.819 FS. Law Implemented 400.462, 400.509, 408.805, 408.806, 408.809, 408.810 FS. History–New 4-30-86, Amended 8-10-88, 5-30-90, Formerly 10D-68.025, Amended 10-27-94, 6-16-15, 7-27-16.