65C-14.121. Standards for Qualified Residential Treatment Program Credential (Transferred)

(1) Entities applying for a qualified residential treatment program credenital to provide services for youth who have serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances must meet the licensing requirements set forth in Section 394.875(2), F.S., and rule Chapter 65E-9, F.A.C., in addition to the program standards in this rule.

(2) The entity shall complete the “Application for Credential as a Qualfied Residential Treatment Program” CF-FSP 5452, Apr 2021, incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-13071.

(3) The entity must provide a copy of their active state license issued by AHCA.

(4) Background Screening Requirements.

(a) All direct care staff employed by the entity must obtain the following background screenings:

1. National and statewide criminal records checks under Chapters 435 and 39, F.S., through fingerprinting every five (5) years;

2. Juvenile records check through fingerprinting every five (5) years as applicable;

3. Florida abuse and neglect records checks through the Department’s child abuse registry every 12 months; and

4. Out of state abuse history records check if the individual resided out of state in the past five years from the time of the request for a QRTP credential.

(b) Juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for ages 12 to 17 of children of QRTP staff who reside in the group home.

(c) Any other adult household member residing in the group home will be required to meet the background screening requirements in the same manner as staff of the QRTP.

(5) File Requirements. The QRTP shall obtain a copy of the child’s suitability assessment, as defined in Rule 65C-28.021, F.A.C., and place in the child’s file. QRTPs serving non-dependency youth shall obtain a copy of an independent assessment confirming the child meets criteria to receive services in a qualified residential treatment program.

(6) The QRTP shall work in conjunction with the qualified evaluator conducting all assessments.

(7) Training. All staff must complete training in trauma-informed care. The QRTP must submit to the regional licensing authority a staff roster outlining the dates of completion for the trauma-informed care training.

(8) Staffing. The QRTP shall have registered or licensed nursing staff and other licensed clinical staff who are:

(a) On-site as outlined in the QRTP’s trauma informed treatment model;

(b) Available 24-hours a day, seven (7) days a week for response; and

(c) May be contracted providers.

(9) Accreditation. The QRTP must be accredited by any of the following organizations:

(a) Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF);

(b) The Joint Commission, formerly known as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO);

(c) Council on Accreditation (COA); or

(d) Any other not-for-profit accrediting agency approved by the Office of Child Welfare (OCW). 

(10) Basic Service Requirements.

(a) The QRTP shall develop a policy outlining the programs trauma-informed treatment model that addresses the clinical needs of children with emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances and is able to implement the treatment identified for the child. The policy shall address the staffing requirements needed to implement the trauma-informed model.

(b) The QRTP must provide time-limited, high-quality, supportive services for youth including, but not limited to:

1. Substance abuse and mental health screening and treatment, if applicable;

2. Family/group/individual therapy;

3. Behavioral management;

4. Psychiatric services;

5. Support groups;

6. Specialized intervention services;

7. Social & rehabilitative services; and

8. Psycho-educational services.

(c) The QRTP shall facilitate participation of family members in the child’s treatment program including, but not limited to:

1. Inclusion in family therapy;

2. Outreach to family members, including siblings;

3. Documenting how family members are integrated into the treatment process for the child, including post-discharge; and

4. Documenting how sibling connections are maintained.

(d) The QRTP shall ensure the emotional safety and recovery are assessed and precautions are taken in regard to the safety of other children in the same setting.

(11) The QRTP is responsible for the development of treatment plans.

(12) Discharge and Aftercare Plan.

(a) The QRTP shall have and use on an ongoing basis a written procedure on discharge planning and aftercare supports that specifies the availability of services and the persons responsible for implementation of the aftercare supports.

(b) The QRTP shall provide discharge planning and family-based aftercare support for at least six (6) months post-discharge.

(c) Discharge planning shall include input from the child, the child’s parent or guardian, foster parents, caregiver, Department, and guardian ad litem, and a copy shall be provided to the child’s welfare professional. 

(d) The child’s diagnosis shall be considered during discharge planning and development.

(e) Aftercare support plans shall be developed at least one month prior to discharge.

(f) Aftercare support shall be developed to meet the needs of a child with intent for the child to reside in the most appropriate, least restrictive setting.

(g) Aftercare Support Eligibility for Dependency Youth. Aftercare support must be offered to all children who have a suitability assessment and court order recommending placement in a QRTP setting. Aftercare support is not required for youth who discharge to another QRTP setting or higher level of care such as a Statewide In-Patient Psychiatric Program (SIPP).  

(h) Aftercare Supports. The QRTP shall provide the following aftercare supports:

1. Community service coordination for the youth and their family/caregiver;

2. Ensure all service referrals have been linked and barriers to access services are eliminated;

3. Provide a minimum of two (2) contacts per month. While face to face contact is the preferred method for contact with the youth and family/caregiver, the QRTP may utilize telehealth;

4. Provide written progress reports every 30 calendar days to the youth’s child welfare professional.

(i) The QRTP may contract/sub-contract these or related services to a community provider qualified to provide such services.  

(13) The QRTP must inform the DCF regional licensing authority within one (1) busness day of any disciplinary actions executed by AHCA.

(14) Entities seeking a QRTP credential or entities issued a QRTP credential by the regional licensing authority are subject to requirements outlined in Rules 65C-14.116 and 65C-14.124, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5) FS. Law Implemented 409.175 FS. History–New 5-26-21.