The Florida Senate

400.967  Rules and classification of deficiencies.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that rules adopted and enforced under this part include criteria by which a reasonable and consistent quality of resident care may be ensured, the results of such resident care can be demonstrated, and safe and sanitary facilities can be provided.

(2)  Pursuant to the intention of the Legislature, the agency, in consultation with the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Elderly Affairs, shall adopt and enforce rules to administer this part, which shall include reasonable and fair criteria governing:

(a)  The location and construction of the facility; including fire and life safety, plumbing, heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other housing conditions that will ensure the health, safety, and comfort of residents. The agency shall establish standards for facilities and equipment to increase the extent to which new facilities and a new wing or floor added to an existing facility after July 1, 2000, are structurally capable of serving as shelters only for residents, staff, and families of residents and staff, and equipped to be self-supporting during and immediately following disasters. The Agency for Health Care Administration shall work with facilities licensed under this part and report to the Governor and the Legislature by April 1, 2000, its recommendations for cost-effective renovation standards to be applied to existing facilities. In making such rules, the agency shall be guided by criteria recommended by nationally recognized, reputable professional groups and associations having knowledge concerning such subject matters. The agency shall update or revise such criteria as the need arises. All facilities must comply with those lifesafety code requirements and building code standards applicable at the time of approval of their construction plans. The agency may require alterations to a building if it determines that an existing condition constitutes a distinct hazard to life, health, or safety. The agency shall adopt fair and reasonable rules setting forth conditions under which existing facilities undergoing additions, alterations, conversions, renovations, or repairs are required to comply with the most recent updated or revised standards.

(b)  The number and qualifications of all personnel, including management, medical nursing, and other personnel, having responsibility for any part of the care given to residents.

(c)  All sanitary conditions within the facility and its surroundings, including water supply, sewage disposal, food handling, and general hygiene, which will ensure the health and comfort of residents.

(d)  The equipment essential to the health and welfare of the residents.

(e)  A uniform accounting system.

(f)  The care, treatment, and maintenance of residents and measurement of the quality and adequacy thereof.

(g)  The preparation and annual update of a comprehensive emergency management plan. The agency shall adopt rules establishing minimum criteria for the plan after consultation with the Department of Community Affairs. At a minimum, the rules must provide for plan components that address emergency evacuation transportation; adequate sheltering arrangements; postdisaster activities, including emergency power, food, and water; postdisaster transportation; supplies; staffing; emergency equipment; individual identification of residents and transfer of records; and responding to family inquiries. The comprehensive emergency management plan is subject to review and approval by the local emergency management agency. During its review, the local emergency management agency shall ensure that the following agencies, at a minimum, are given the opportunity to review the plan: the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Agency for Health Care Administration, and the Department of Community Affairs. Also, appropriate volunteer organizations must be given the opportunity to review the plan. The local emergency management agency shall complete its review within 60 days and either approve the plan or advise the facility of necessary revisions.

(h)  Each licensee shall post its license in a prominent place that is in clear and unobstructed public view at or near the place where residents are being admitted to the facility.

(3)  The agency shall adopt rules to provide that, when the criteria established under subsection (2) are not met, such deficiencies shall be classified according to the nature of the deficiency. The agency shall indicate the classification on the face of the notice of deficiencies as follows:

(a)  Class I deficiencies are those which the agency determines present and imminent danger to the residents or guests of the facility or a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm would result therefrom. The condition or practice constituting a class I violation must be abated or eliminated immediately, unless a fixed period of time, as determined by the agency, is required for correction. Notwithstanding s. 400.121(2), a class I deficiency is subject to a civil penalty in an amount not less than $5,000 and not exceeding $10,000 for each deficiency. A fine may be levied notwithstanding the correction of the deficiency.

(b)  Class II deficiencies are those which the agency determines have a direct or immediate relationship to the health, safety, or security of the facility residents, other than class I deficiencies. A class II deficiency is subject to a civil penalty in an amount not less than $1,000 and not exceeding $5,000 for each deficiency. A citation for a class II deficiency shall specify the time within which the deficiency must be corrected. If a class II deficiency is corrected within the time specified, no civil penalty shall be imposed, unless it is a repeated offense.

(c)  Class III deficiencies are those which the agency determines to have an indirect or potential relationship to the health, safety, or security of the facility residents, other than class I or class II deficiencies. A class III deficiency is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $500 and not exceeding $1,000 for each deficiency. A citation for a class III deficiency shall specify the time within which the deficiency must be corrected. If a class III deficiency is corrected within the time specified, no civil penalty shall be imposed, unless it is a repeated offense.

(4)  Civil penalties paid by any licensee under subsection (3) shall be deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund and expended as provided in s. 400.063.

(5)  The agency shall approve or disapprove the plans and specifications within 60 days after receipt of the final plans and specifications. The agency may be granted one 15-day extension for the review period, if the director of the agency so approves. If the agency fails to act within the specified time, it is deemed to have approved the plans and specifications. When the agency disapproves plans and specifications, it must set forth in writing the reasons for disapproval. Conferences and consultations may be provided as necessary.

(6)  The agency may charge an initial fee of $2,000 for review of plans and construction on all projects, no part of which is refundable. The agency may also collect a fee, not to exceed 1 percent of the estimated construction cost or the actual cost of review, whichever is less, for the portion of the review which encompasses initial review through the initial revised construction document review. The agency may collect its actual costs on all subsequent portions of the review and construction inspections. Initial fee payment must accompany the initial submission of plans and specifications. Any subsequent payment that is due is payable upon receipt of the invoice from the agency. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all money received by the agency under this section shall be deemed to be trust funds, to be held and applied solely for the operations required under this section.

History.--s. 9, ch. 99-144.