Senate Bill sb1680c3

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680

    By the Committees on Appropriations; Finance and Taxation;
    Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care; and Senator Saunders




    309-2389-04

  1                      A bill to be entitled

  2         An act relating to the licensure of health care

  3         providers; designating parts I, II, III, and IV

  4         of ch. 408, F.S., relating to health care

  5         administration; creating ss. 408.801-408.819,

  6         F.S.; amending ss. 400.991, 400.9915, 400.992,

  7         400.9925, 400.993, 400.9935, and 400.995, F.S.,

  8         and repealing ss. 400.9905(2), 400.994, and

  9         400.9945, F.S., relating to health care

10         clinics; defining terms; providing licensure

11         requirements for mobile clinics; prohibiting

12         the transfer of certain exemptions; providing

13         for the expiration of certain temporary

14         licenses; providing for the refund of certain

15         fees; exempting certain persons from license

16         application deadlines; requiring health care

17         clinics to be in compliance with part II of ch.

18         408, F.S.; providing for licensure fees;

19         authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

20         providing for administrative fines; conforming

21         provisions with the requirements of part II of

22         ch. 408, F.S.; providing requirements for

23         license application; providing for late fees;

24         providing duties of the agency, including

25         requirements for inspections; authorizing the

26         electronic submission of information to the

27         agency; providing requirements for licensure

28         upon a change of ownership of a provider;

29         specifying license categories; requiring

30         background screening of a licensee,

31         administrator, financial officer, or

                                  1

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         controlling interest; providing minimum

 2         licensure requirements; providing requirements

 3         for a licensee that discontinues operation;

 4         requiring that notice be provided to clients;

 5         requiring a licensee to inform clients of

 6         certain rights; requiring an applicant for

 7         licensure to provide proof of liability

 8         insurance and financial ability to operate;

 9         authorizing the agency to make inspections and

10         investigations; prohibiting certain unlicensed

11         activity; providing penalties; providing for

12         administrative fines; authorizing the agency to

13         impose a moratorium under certain

14         circumstances; specifying grounds under which

15         the agency may deny or revoke a license;

16         authorizing the agency to institute proceedings

17         for an injunction against a provider; requiring

18         that fees and fines be deposited into the

19         Health Care Trust Fund and used for

20         administering the laws and rules governing

21         providers; providing rulemaking authority;

22         amending s. 112.045, F.S., relating to the

23         Drug-Free Workplace Act; requiring drug-testing

24         laboratories to be in compliance with part II

25         of ch. 408, F.S.; deleting obsolete and

26         repetitive provisions; providing for rules and

27         licensure fees; amending ss. 383.301, 383.305,

28         383.309, 383.315, 383.324, 383.33, and 383.335,

29         F.S., and repealing ss. 383.304, 383.325,

30         383.331, and 383.332, F.S., relating to the

31         Birth Center Licensure Act; requiring birth

                                  2

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         centers to be in compliance with part II of ch.

 2         408, F.S.; providing for licensure fees;

 3         authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

 4         providing for administrative fines; conforming

 5         provisions with the requirements of part II of

 6         ch. 408, F.S.; amending ss. 390.011, 390.012,

 7         390.014, and 390.018, F.S., and repealing ss.

 8         390.013, 390.015, 390.016, 390.017, 390.019,

 9         and 390.021, F.S., relating to the regulation

10         of abortion clinics; requiring abortion clinics

11         to be in compliance with part II of ch. 408,

12         F.S.; providing for licensure fees; authorizing

13         the agency to adopt rules; providing for

14         administrative fines; conforming provisions

15         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

16         F.S.; amending s. 394.455, F.S., relating to

17         the Florida Mental Health Act; clarifying a

18         definition; amending ss. 394.67, 394.875,

19         394.877, 394.878, 394.879, 394.90, and 394.902,

20         F.S., and repealing s. 394.876, F.S., relating

21         to the Community Substance Abuse and Mental

22         Health Services Act; defining the term

23         "short-term residential treatment facility";

24         requiring substance abuse or mental health

25         facilities, programs, and services to be in

26         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

27         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

28         agency to adopt rules; providing for

29         administrative penalties; conforming provisions

30         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

31         F.S.; amending ss. 395.003, 395.004, 395.0161,

                                  3

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         395.0163, 395.0199, 395.1046, 395.1055, and

 2         395.1065, F.S., and repealing ss. 395.002(4),

 3         395.0055, and 395.0162, F.S., relating to

 4         hospitals and other licensed facilities;

 5         requiring hospitals and other licensed

 6         facilities to be in compliance with part II of

 7         ch. 408, F.S.; providing for licensure fees;

 8         authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

 9         providing for administrative fines; conforming

10         provisions with the requirements of part II of

11         ch. 408, F.S.; amending s. 395.1041, F.S.;

12         requiring a facility licensed under ch. 395,

13         F.S., to withhold or withdraw cardiopulmonary

14         resuscitation when presented with an order not

15         to resuscitate; creating s. 395.10411, F.S.;

16         providing requirements to be carried out by a

17         facility licensed under ch. 395, F.S., when a

18         patient has an advance directive, has an order

19         not to resuscitate, or is a designated organ

20         donor; amending s. 765.1105, F.S.; requiring a

21         health care provider that refuses to carry out

22         a patient's advance directive to transfer the

23         patient within a specified time to a health

24         care provider that will comply with the advance

25         directive; creating s. 765.1021, F.S., to

26         encourage physicians and patients to discuss

27         end-of-life care and to specify when an advance

28         directive be part of the patient's medical

29         record; amending s. 765.304, F.S.; requiring an

30         attending physician who refuses to comply with

31         a person's living will to transfer the person

                                  4

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         to a physician who will comply; amending s.

 2         395.0197, F.S.; providing that a health care

 3         facility must use the services of, rather than

 4         hire, a risk manager; restricting the number of

 5         internal risk management programs in separate

 6         hospitals which may be the responsibility of a

 7         risk manager; providing exceptions; amending

 8         ss. 395.10973, 395.10974, and 395.10975, F.S.,

 9         relating to health care risk managers;

10         requiring health care risk managers to comply

11         with part II of ch. 408, F.S.; providing for

12         fees; authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

13         providing for administrative fines; conforming

14         provisions with the requirements of part II of

15         ch. 408, F.S.; amending s. 400.21, F.S.;

16         providing that certain registered nurses may

17         sign a resident care plan; amending ss.

18         400.022, 400.051, 400.062, 400.063, 400.071,

19         400.102, 400.111, 400.1183, 400.121, 400.141,

20         400.17, 400.179, 400.18, 400.19, 400.191,

21         400.20, 400.211, and 400.23, F.S., and

22         repealing ss. 400.021(5) and (20), 400.125, and

23         400.241(1) and (2), F.S., relating to nursing

24         homes; requiring nursing homes to be in

25         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

26         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

27         agency to adopt rules; providing for

28         administrative fines; revising reporting

29         requirements; conforming provisions with the

30         requirements of part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

31         creating s. 400.0712, F.S.; authorizing the

                                  5

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Agency for Health Care Administration to issue

 2         an inactive license to a nursing home facility

 3         for all or a portion of its beds; providing

 4         procedures when applying for an inactive

 5         license; permitting the agency to issue an

 6         inactive license to a nursing home that chooses

 7         to use an unoccupied contiguous portion of the

 8         facility for an alternative use to meet the

 9         needs of elderly persons through the use of

10         less restrictive, less institutional services;

11         providing that an inactive license issued may

12         be granted for specified periods of time;

13         directing that a nursing home that receives an

14         inactive license to provide alternative

15         services may not receive preference for

16         participation in the Assisted Living for the

17         Elderly Medicaid waiver; providing that

18         reactivation of an inactive license requires

19         the applicant to meet certain specified

20         conditions; amending ss. 400.402, 400.407,

21         400.4075, 400.408, 400.411, 400.412, 400.414,

22         400.417, 400.4174, 400.4176, 400.418, 400.419,

23         400.42, 400.424, 400.4255, 400.4256, 400.427,

24         400.4275, 400.431, 400.434, 400.441, 400.442,

25         400.444, 400.452, and 400.454, F.S., and

26         repealing ss. 400.415, 400.4178(7), 400.435(1),

27         400.447(1), (2), and (3), and 400.451, F.S.,

28         relating to assisted living facilities;

29         requiring assisted living facilities to be in

30         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

31         providing for licensure fees; requiring

                                  6

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         assisted living facilities to conduct resident

 2         elopement prevention and response drills;

 3         authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

 4         providing for administrative fines; conforming

 5         provisions with the requirements of part II of

 6         ch. 408, F.S.; amending ss. 400.464, 400.471,

 7         400.474, 400.484, 400.494, 400.495, 400.497,

 8         400.506, 400.509, and 400.512, F.S., and

 9         repealing s. 400.515, F.S., relating to home

10         health agencies and nurse registries; requiring

11         home health agencies and nurse registries to be

12         in compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

13         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

14         agency to adopt rules; providing for

15         administrative fines; conforming provisions

16         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

17         F.S.; amending ss. 400.551, 400.554, 400.555,

18         400.556, 400.5565, 400.557, 400.5572, 400.559,

19         400.56, and 400.562, F.S., and repealing ss.

20         400.5575, 400.558, and 400.564, F.S., relating

21         to adult day care centers; requiring adult day

22         care centers to be in compliance with part II

23         of ch. 408, F.S.; providing for licensure fees;

24         authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

25         providing for administrative fines; conforming

26         provisions with the requirements of part II of

27         ch. 408, F.S.; amending ss. 400.602, 400.605,

28         400.606, 400.6065, 400.607, and 400.6095, F.S.,

29         relating to hospices; requiring hospices to be

30         in compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

31         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

                                  7

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         agency to adopt rules; providing for

 2         administrative fines; conforming provisions

 3         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

 4         F.S.; amending ss. 400.617, 400.619, 400.6194,

 5         400.6196, 400.621, 400.6211, and 400.625, F.S.,

 6         and repealing s. 400.622, F.S., relating to

 7         adult family-care homes; requiring adult

 8         family-care homes to be in compliance with part

 9         II of ch. 408, F.S.; providing for licensure

10         fees; authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

11         providing for administrative fines; conforming

12         provisions with the requirements of part II of

13         ch. 408, F.S.; amending ss. 400.801 and

14         400.805, F.S., relating to homes for special

15         services and transitional living facilities;

16         requiring such homes and facilities to be in

17         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

18         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

19         agency to adopt rules; providing for

20         administrative fines; conforming provisions

21         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

22         F.S.; amending ss. 400.902, 400.903, 400.905,

23         400.907, 400.908, 400.912, 400.914, and

24         400.915, F.S., and repealing ss. 400.906,

25         400.910, 400.911, 400.913, 400.916, and

26         400.917, F.S., relating to prescribed pediatric

27         extended care centers; requiring such centers

28         to be in compliance with part II of ch. 408,

29         F.S.; providing for licensure fees; authorizing

30         the agency to adopt rules; providing for

31         administrative fines; conforming provisions

                                  8

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

 2         F.S.; amending ss. 400.925, 400.93, 400.931,

 3         400.932, 400.933, and 400.935, F.S., and

 4         repealing ss. 400.95, 400.953(2), 400.955(4),

 5         and 400.956, F.S., relating to home medical

 6         equipment providers; requiring home medical

 7         equipment providers to be in compliance with

 8         part II of ch. 408, F.S.; providing for

 9         licensure fees; authorizing the agency to adopt

10         rules; providing for administrative fines;

11         conforming provisions with the requirements of

12         part II of ch. 408, F.S.; amending ss. 400.960,

13         400.962, 400.967, 400.968, and 400.969, F.S.,

14         and repealing ss. 400.963 and 400.965, F.S.,

15         relating to intermediate care facilities for

16         the developmentally disabled; requiring such

17         facilities to be in compliance with part II of

18         ch. 408, F.S.; providing for licensure fees;

19         authorizing the agency to adopt rules;

20         providing for administrative fines; conforming

21         provisions with the requirements of part II of

22         ch. 408, F.S.; amending s. 400.908, F.S.;

23         requiring health care services pools to be in

24         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

25         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

26         agency to adopt rules; providing for

27         administrative fines; conforming provisions

28         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

29         F.S.; amending ss. 400.991, 400.9915, 400.992,

30         400.9925, 400.993, 400.9935, and 400.995, F.S.,

31         and repealing ss. 400.9905(2), 400.994, and

                                  9

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         400.9945, F.S., relating to health care

 2         clinics; requiring health care clinics to be in

 3         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

 4         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

 5         agency to adopt rules; providing for

 6         administrative fines; conforming provisions

 7         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

 8         F.S.; amending s. 408.036, F.S.; revising the

 9         prerequisites for allowing an exemption from

10         certificate-of-need review for adding skilled

11         nursing facility beds to a licensed skilled

12         nursing facility or for construction of a

13         skilled nursing facility; allowing such an

14         exemption only in counties having a specified

15         maximum population; amending s. 408.831, F.S.,

16         relating to the authority of the Agency for

17         Health Care Administration to impose certain

18         penalties against a regulated or licensed

19         entity; conforming provisions to changes made

20         by the act; amending s. 440.102, F.S., relating

21         to the drug-free workplace program; requiring

22         laboratories to be in compliance with the

23         requirements of part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

24         conforming provisions to changes made by the

25         act; amending s. 468.711, F.S.; deleting the

26         requirement that continuing education for

27         athletic trainers include first aid; amending

28         s. 468.723, F.S.; revising exemptions from

29         licensure requirements; amending s. 1012.46,

30         F.S.; providing that a first responder for a

31         school district may not represent himself or

                                  10

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         herself as an athletic trainer; amending ss.

 2         483.035, 483.051, 483.061, 483.091, 483.101,

 3         483.111, 483.172, 483.201, 483.221, and 483.23,

 4         F.S., and repealing ss. 483.131 and 483.25,

 5         F.S., relating to clinical laboratories;

 6         requiring clinical laboratories to be in

 7         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

 8         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

 9         agency to adopt rules; providing for

10         administrative fines; conforming provisions

11         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

12         F.S.; amending ss. 483.291, 483.294, 483.30,

13         483.302, and 483.32, F.S., and repealing ss.

14         483.311, 483.317(1), 483.322(1), and 483.328,

15         F.S., relating to multiphasic health testing

16         centers; requiring such centers to be in

17         compliance with part II of ch. 408, F.S.;

18         providing for licensure fees; authorizing the

19         agency to adopt rules; providing for

20         administrative fines; conforming provisions

21         with the requirements of part II of ch. 408,

22         F.S.; providing for ss. 408.801-408.819, F.S.,

23         to prevail in the case of a conflict with other

24         laws governing the licensure of health care

25         providers by the agency; authorizing the agency

26         to issue a license for less than a specified

27         period and to charge a prorated fee; amending

28         s. 651.118, F.S.; revising standards for use of

29         sheltered nursing home beds by certain persons;

30         providing an effective date.

31  

                                  11

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

 2  

 3         Section 1.  Part I of chapter 408, Florida Statutes,

 4  consisting of sections 408.02, 408.031, 408.032, 408.033,

 5  408.034, 408.035, 408.036, 408.0361, 408.037, 408.038,

 6  408.039, 408.040, 408.041, 408.042, 408.043, 408.044, 408.045,

 7  408.0455, 408.05, 408.061, 408.062, 408.063, 408.07, 408.08,

 8  408.09, 408.10, 408.15, 408.16, 408.18, 408.185, 408.20,

 9  408.301, 408.302, 408.40, 408.50, 408.70, 408.7056, 408.7057,

10  and 408.7071, is created and entitled "Health Facility and

11  Services Planning."

12         Section 2.  Part II of chapter 408, Florida Statutes,

13  consisting of sections 408.801, 408.802, 408.803, 408.804,

14  408.805, 408.806, 408.807, 408.808, 408.809, 408.810, 408.811,

15  408.812, 408.813, 408.814, 408.815, 408.816, 408.817, 408.818,

16  408.819, and 408.831, is created and entitled "Health Care

17  Licensing: General Provisions."

18         Section 3.  Part III of chapter 408, Florida Statutes,

19  consisting of sections 408.90, 408.901, 408.902, 408.903,

20  408.904, 408.905, 408.906, 408.907, 408.908, and 408.909, is

21  created and entitled "Health Insurance Access."

22         Section 4.  Part IV of chapter 408, Florida Statutes,

23  consisting of sections 408.911, 408.913, 408.914, 408.915,

24  408.916, 408.917, and 408.918, is created and entitled "Health

25  and Human Services Eligibility Access System."

26         Section 5.  Sections 408.801 through 408.819, Florida

27  Statutes, are created to read:

28         408.801  Short title; purpose.--

29         (1)  This part may be cited as the "Health Care

30  Licensing Procedures Act."

31  

                                  12

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The Legislature finds that there is unnecessary

 2  duplication and variation in the requirements for licensure by

 3  the Agency for Health Care Administration, brought about by

 4  the historical pattern of legislative action focused

 5  exclusively on a single type of regulated provider. It is the

 6  intent of the Legislature to provide a streamlined and

 7  consistent set of basic licensing requirements for all such

 8  providers in order to minimize confusion, standardize

 9  terminology, and include issues that are otherwise not

10  adequately addressed in the statutes pertaining to specific

11  providers.

12         408.802  Applicability.--The provisions of this part

13  apply to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

14  as defined in this part and to the following entities licensed

15  or registered by the Agency for Health Care Administration, as

16  further described in chapters 112, 383, 390, 394, 395, 400,

17  440, and 483:

18         (1)  Laboratories authorized to perform testing under

19  the Drug-Free Workplace Act, as provided under ss. 112.0455

20  and 440.102.

21         (2)  Birth centers, as provided under chapter 383.

22         (3)  Abortion clinics, as provided under chapter 390.

23         (4)  Crisis stabilization units, as provided under

24  parts I and IV of chapter 394.

25         (5)  Short-term residential treatment units, as

26  provided under parts I and IV of chapter 394.

27         (6)  Residential treatment facilities, as provided

28  under part IV of chapter 394.

29         (7)  Residential treatment centers for children and

30  adolescents, as provided under part IV of chapter 394.

31  

                                  13

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (8)  Hospitals, as provided under part I of chapter

 2  395.

 3         (9)  Ambulatory surgical centers, as provided under

 4  part I of chapter 395.

 5         (10)  Mobile surgical facilities, as provided under

 6  part I of chapter 395.

 7         (11)  Private review agents, as provided under part I

 8  of chapter 395.

 9         (12)  Health care risk managers, as provided under part

10  I of chapter 395.

11         (13)  Nursing homes, as provided under part II of

12  chapter 400.

13         (14)  Assisted living facilities, as provided under

14  part III of chapter 400.

15         (15)  Home health agencies, as provided under part IV

16  of chapter 400.

17         (16)  Nurse registries, as provided under part IV of

18  chapter 400.

19         (17)  Companion services or homemaker services

20  providers, as provided under part IV of chapter 400.

21         (18)  Adult day care centers, as provided under part V

22  of chapter 400.

23         (19)  Hospices, as provided under part VI of chapter

24  400.

25         (20)  Adult family-care homes, as provided under part

26  VII of chapter 400.

27         (21)  Homes for special services, as provided under

28  part VIII of chapter 400.

29         (22)  Transitional living facilities, as provided under

30  part VIII of chapter 400.

31  

                                  14

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (23)  Prescribed pediatric extended care centers, as

 2  provided under part IX of chapter 400.

 3         (24)  Home medical equipment providers, as provided

 4  under part X of chapter 400.

 5         (25)  Intermediate care facilities for the

 6  developmentally disabled, as provided under part XI of chapter

 7  400.

 8         (26)  Health care services pools, as provided under

 9  part XII of chapter 400.

10         (27)  Health care clinics, as provided under part XIII

11  of chapter 400.

12         (28)  Clinical laboratories, as provided under part I

13  of chapter 483.

14         (29)  Multiphasic health testing centers, as provided

15  under part II of chapter 483.

16         408.803  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

17         (1)  "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care

18  Administration, which is the licensing agency under this part.

19         (2)  "Applicant" means an individual, corporation,

20  partnership, firm, association, or governmental entity that

21  submits an application to the agency for a license.

22         (3)  "Authorizing statute" means the statute

23  authorizing the licensed operation of a provider listed in s.

24  408.802.

25         (4)  "Certification" means certification as a Medicare

26  or Medicaid provider of the services that necessitate

27  licensure or certification pursuant to the federal Clinical

28  Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

29         (5)  "Change of ownership" means an event in which the

30  licensee changes to a different legal entity or in which 45

31  percent or more of the ownership or voting shares is

                                  15

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  transferred or assigned, including the final transfer or

 2  assignment of multiple transfers or assignments over a 2-year

 3  period which cumulatively total 45 percent or greater.

 4  However, a change solely in the management company is not a

 5  change of ownership.

 6         (6)  "Client" means any person receiving services from

 7  a provider listed in s. 408.802.

 8         (7)  "Controlling interest" means:

 9         (a)  The applicant for licensure or a licensee;

10         (b)  A person or entity that serves as an officer of,

11  is on the board of directors of, or has a 5 percent or greater

12  ownership interest in the applicant or licensee; or

13         (c)  A person or entity that serves as an officer of,

14  is on the board of directors of, or has a 5 percent or greater

15  ownership interest in the management company or other entity,

16  related or unrelated, which the applicant or licensee may

17  contract with to operate the provider.

18  

19  The term does not include a voluntary board member.

20         (8)  "License" means any permit, registration,

21  certificate, or license issued by the agency.

22         (9)  "Licensee" means an individual, corporation,

23  partnership, firm, association, or governmental entity that is

24  issued a permit, registration, certificate, or license by the

25  agency. The licensee is legally responsible for all aspects of

26  the provider operation.

27         (10)  "Moratorium" means a prohibition on the

28  acceptance of new clients.

29         (11)  "Provider" means any activity, service, agency,

30  or facility regulated by the agency and listed in s. 408.802.

31  

                                  16

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (12)  "Services that necessitate licensure" means those

 2  services, including residential services, which require a

 3  valid license before those services may be provided in

 4  accordance with authorizing statutes and agency rules.

 5         (13)  "Voluntary board member" means a board member of

 6  a not-for-profit corporation or organization who serves solely

 7  in a voluntary capacity for the licensee, does not receive any

 8  remuneration for his or her services on the board of

 9  directors, and has no financial interest in the corporation or

10  organization. The agency shall recognize a person as a

11  voluntary board member following submission of a statement to

12  the agency by the board member and the not-for-profit

13  corporation or organization which affirms that the board

14  member conforms to this definition. The statement affirming

15  the status of the board member must be submitted to the agency

16  on a form provided by the agency.

17         408.804  License required; display.--

18         (1)  It is unlawful to provide services that

19  necessitate licensure, or operate or maintain a provider

20  offering or providing services that necessitate licensure,

21  without first obtaining from the agency a license authorizing

22  such operation.

23         (2)  A license must be displayed in a conspicuous place

24  readily visible to clients who enter at the address that

25  appears on the license and is valid only in the hands of the

26  individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation to

27  whom it is issued and may not be sold, assigned, or otherwise

28  transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily. The license is

29  valid only for the licensee, provider, and location for which

30  the license is originally issued.

31  

                                  17

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         408.805  Fees required; adjustments.--Unless otherwise

 2  limited by authorizing statutes, license fees must be

 3  reasonably calculated by the agency to cover its costs in

 4  carrying out its responsibilities under this part, authorizing

 5  statutes, and applicable rules, including the cost of

 6  licensure, inspection, and regulation of providers, and must

 7  be of such amount that the total fees collected do not exceed

 8  the cost of administering and enforcing compliance with this

 9  part, authorizing statutes, and applicable rules.

10         (1)  Licensure fees shall be adjusted for biennial

11  licensure in agency rules.

12         (2)  The agency shall annually adjust licensure fees,

13  including fees paid per bed, by not more than the change in

14  the consumer price index based on the 12 months immediately

15  preceding the increase.

16         (3)  The agency may, by rule, adjust licensure fees to

17  cover the cost of regulation under this part, authorizing

18  statutes, and applicable rules.

19         (4)  An inspection fee must be paid as required in

20  authorizing statutes.

21         (5)  Licensure and inspection fees are nonrefundable.

22         (6)  When a change is reported which requires issuance

23  of a license, a fee must be assessed. The fee must be based on

24  the actual cost of processing and issuing the license.

25         (7)  A fee may be charged to a licensee requesting a

26  duplicate license. The fee may not exceed the actual cost of

27  duplication and postage.

28         (8)  Total fees collected may not exceed the cost of

29  carrying out the provisions of this part, authorizing

30  statutes, or applicable rules.

31         408.806  License application process.--

                                  18

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  An application for licensure must be made to the

 2  agency on forms furnished by the agency, submitted under oath,

 3  and accompanied by the appropriate license fee in order to be

 4  accepted and considered timely. The application must contain

 5  information required by authorizing statutes and applicable

 6  rules and must include:

 7         (a)  The name, address, and social security number of

 8  the applicant and each controlling interest if the applicant

 9  or controlling interest is an individual.

10         (b)  The name, address, and federal employer

11  identification number or taxpayer identification number of the

12  applicant and each controlling interest if the applicant or

13  controlling interest is not an individual.

14         (c)  The name by which the provider is to be known.

15         (d)  The total number of beds or capacity requested, as

16  applicable.

17         (e)  The location of the provider for which application

18  is made, a report or letter from the zoning authority

19  indicating the location is zoned appropriately for its use,

20  and a satisfactory fire safety report from the local authority

21  having jurisdiction or the state fire marshal. If the provider

22  is a community residential home under chapter 419, the zoning

23  requirement must be satisfied by proof of compliance with

24  chapter 419.

25         (f)  The name of the person or persons under whose

26  management or supervision the provider will be operated and

27  the name of the administrator if required.

28         (g)  Any information that the agency finds is necessary

29  to determine the ability of the applicant to carry out its

30  responsibilities, including satisfactory inspection results,

31  

                                  19

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  under this part and authorizing statutes, as specified in

 2  rule.

 3         (2)(a)  The applicant for a renewal license must submit

 4  an application that must be received by the agency at least 60

 5  days prior to the expiration of the current license.

 6         (b)  The applicant for initial licensure due to a

 7  change of ownership must submit an application that must be

 8  received by the agency at least 60 days prior to the date of

 9  change of ownership.

10         (c)  For any other application or request, the

11  applicant must submit an application or request that must be

12  received by the agency at least 60 days prior to the requested

13  effective date, unless otherwise specified in authorizing

14  statutes or rules.

15         (3)  Upon receipt of an application for a license, the

16  agency shall examine the application and, within 30 days after

17  receipt, notify the applicant in writing of any apparent

18  errors or omissions and request any additional information

19  required.

20         (4)  Requested information omitted from an application

21  for licensure, license renewal, or change of ownership, other

22  than an inspection, must be filed with the agency within 21

23  days after the agency's request for omitted information, or

24  the application shall be deemed incomplete, and shall be

25  withdrawn from further consideration and the fees forfeited.

26         (5)  Licensees subject to the provisions of this part

27  shall be issued biennial licenses unless conditions of the

28  license category specify a shorter license period. The agency

29  may not issue an initial license to a health care provider

30  subject to the certificate-of-need provisions in ss.

31  408.031-408.045 if the licensee has not been issued a

                                  20

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  certificate of need or exemption, when applicable.  Failure to

 2  apply for the renewal of a license prior to the expiration

 3  date renders the license null and void and the former licensee

 4  may not be issued a new license unless the licensee reapplies

 5  for an initial license and meets all current qualifications

 6  for licensure, including construction standards for facilities

 7  where applicable and complies with certificate-of-need

 8  requirements if the applicant is subject to the provisions of

 9  ss. 408.031-408.045.

10         (6)  The failure to file a timely application and

11  license fee shall result in a late fee charged to the licensee

12  in an amount equal to 50 percent of the licensure fee. If a

13  renewal application is not received by the agency 60 days in

14  advance of the license expiration date, the agency shall

15  notify the licensee of this late fee within 10 days after the

16  date the renewal application was due.

17         (7)  Within 60 days after the receipt of a complete

18  application, the agency shall approve or deny the application.

19         (8)  Each license issued shall indicate the name of the

20  licensee, the provider or service that the licensee is

21  required or authorized to operate or offer, the date the

22  license is issued, the expiration date of the license, the

23  maximum capacity of the licensed premises if applicable, and

24  any other information required by authorizing statutes or

25  deemed necessary by the agency.

26         (9)(a)  An initial inspection is not required for

27  companion services or homemaker services providers, as

28  provided under part IV of chapter 400 or for health care

29  services pools, as provided under part XII of chapter 400.

30         (b)  If an inspection is required by the authorizing

31  statute for a license application other than an initial

                                  21

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  application, the inspection must be unannounced. This

 2  paragraph does not apply to inspections required pursuant to

 3  ss. 483.061(2), 395.0161(4), and 383.324(3).

 4         (c)  If a provider is not available when an inspection

 5  is attempted, the application shall be withdrawn from further

 6  consideration.

 7         (10)  The agency may establish procedures for the

 8  electronic submission of required information, including, but

 9  not limited to:

10         (a)  Licensure applications and required signatures.

11         (b)  Payment of fees.

12         (c)  Notarization of applications.

13  

14  Requirements for electronic submission of any documents

15  required by this part or authorizing statutes may be

16  established by rule.

17         408.807  Change of ownership.--Whenever a change of

18  ownership occurs:

19         (1)  The transferor shall notify the agency in writing

20  at least 60 days before the anticipated date of transfer of

21  ownership.

22         (2)  The transferee shall make application to the

23  agency for a license within the timeframes required in s.

24  408.806.

25         (3)  The transferor shall be responsible and liable

26  for:

27         (a)  The lawful operation of the provider and the

28  welfare of the clients served until the date the transferee is

29  licensed by the agency.

30  

31  

                                  22

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Any and all penalties imposed against the

 2  transferor for violations occurring before the date of change

 3  of ownership.

 4         (4)  Any restriction on licensure, including a

 5  conditional license existing at the time of a change of

 6  ownership, shall remain in effect until removed by the agency.

 7         (5)  The transferee shall maintain records of the

 8  transferor as required in this part, authorizing statutes, and

 9  applicable rules including:

10         (a)  All client records.

11         (b)  Inspection reports.

12         (c)  All records required to be maintained pursuant to

13  409.913, if applicable.

14         408.808  License categories.--

15         (1)  STANDARD LICENSE.--A standard license may be

16  issued at the time of initial licensure, license renewal, or

17  change of ownership. A standard license shall be issued when

18  the applicant is in compliance with all statutory requirements

19  and agency rules. Unless sooner revoked, a standard license

20  expires 2 years following the date of issue.

21         (2)  PROVISIONAL LICENSE.--A provisional license may be

22  issued:

23         (a)  Pursuant to s. 408.809(3).

24         (b)  When a denial or revocation proceeding is pending,

25  a provisional license for this purpose is effective until

26  final agency disposition of the proceeding.

27         (3)  INACTIVE LICENSE.--An inactive license may be

28  issued to a health care provider subject to the

29  certificate-of-need provisions in ss. 408.031-408.045 when the

30  provider is currently licensed, does not have a provisional

31  license, and will be temporarily unable to provide services

                                  23

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  but is reasonably expected to resume services within 12

 2  months. Such designation may be made for a period not to

 3  exceed 12 months but may be renewed by the agency for up to 6

 4  additional months upon demonstration by the licensee of the

 5  provider's progress toward reopening. Any request by a

 6  licensee for an inactive license or to extend the previously

 7  approved inactive period must be submitted to the agency,

 8  accompanied by written justification for the inactive license

 9  with the beginning and ending dates of inactivity, including a

10  plan for the transfer of any clients to other providers, and

11  the appropriate licensure fees. The agency may not accept a

12  request that is submitted after initiating closure, after any

13  suspension of service, or after notifying clients of closure

14  or suspension of service. Upon agency approval, the provider

15  shall notify clients of any necessary discharge or transfer as

16  required by authorizing statutes. The beginning of the

17  inactive license shall be the date the provider ceases

18  operations. The end of the inactive period shall become the

19  license expiration date and all licensure fees must be

20  current, paid in full, and may be prorated. Reactivation of an

21  inactive license requires the approval of a renewal

22  application, including payment of licensure fees and agency

23  inspections indicating compliance with all requirements of

24  this part, authorizing statutes, and applicable rules.

25         (4)  OTHER LICENSES.--Other licensure types may be

26  issued pursuant to authorizing statutes.

27         408.809  Background screening; prohibited offenses.--

28         (1)  Level 2 background screening pursuant to chapter

29  435 must be conducted through the agency on each of the

30  following persons, who shall be considered an employee for the

31  purposes of conducting screening under chapter 435:

                                  24

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  The licensee if an individual;

 2         (b)  The administrator or a similarly titled person who

 3  is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the provider;

 4         (c)  The financial officer or similarly titled

 5  individual who is responsible for the financial operation of

 6  the licensee or provider; and

 7         (d)  Any person who is a controlling interest if the

 8  agency has reason to believe that such person has been

 9  convicted of any offense prohibited by s. 435.04. For each

10  controlling interest who has been convicted of any such

11  offense, the licensee shall submit to the agency a description

12  and explanation of the conviction at the time of license

13  application.

14         (2)  Proof of compliance with level 2 screening

15  standards submitted within the previous 5 years to meet any

16  provider or professional licensure requirements of the agency,

17  the Department of Health, or the Department of Children and

18  Family Services satisfies the requirements of this section,

19  provided that such proof is accompanied, under penalty of

20  perjury, by an affidavit of compliance with the provisions of

21  chapter 435. Proof of compliance with the background screening

22  requirements of the Office of Insurance Regulation for an

23  applicant for a certificate of authority to operate a

24  continuing care retirement community under chapter 651,

25  submitted within the previous 5 years, satisfies the

26  Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of

27  Investigation portions of a level 2 background check.

28         (3)  A provisional license may be granted to an

29  applicant when each individual required by this section to

30  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

31  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

                                  25

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  has not yet received background screening results from the

 2  Federal Bureau of Investigation. A standard license may be

 3  granted to the licensee upon the agency's receipt of a report

 4  of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

 5  background screening for each individual required by this

 6  section to undergo background screening which confirms that

 7  all standards have been met, or upon the granting of a

 8  disqualification exemption by the agency as set forth in

 9  chapter 435. Any other person who is required to undergo level

10  2 background screening may serve in his or her capacity

11  pending the agency's receipt of the report from the Federal

12  Bureau of Investigation. However, the person may not continue

13  to serve if the report indicates any violation of background

14  screening standards and a disqualification exemption has not

15  been requested of or granted by the agency as set forth in

16  chapter 435.

17         (4)  When a change in the administrator of a provider

18  occurs, the licensee must notify the agency of the change

19  within the time period specified in the authorizing statute or

20  rules unless otherwise reported to the administrator's

21  professional licensing board, or Department of Health if there

22  is no board, and must provide evidence of compliance with

23  background screening requirements of this section; except that

24  an administrator who has met the standards for the Department

25  of Law Enforcement background check, but for whom background

26  screening results from the Federal Bureau of Investigation

27  have not yet been received, may be employed pending a receipt

28  of the Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening

29  report. An individual may not continue to serve as

30  administrator if the Federal Bureau of Investigation

31  

                                  26

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  background screening report indicates any violation of

 2  background screening standards.

 3         (5)  Background screening is not required to obtain a

 4  certificate of exemption issued under s. 483.106.

 5         408.810  Minimum licensure requirements.--In addition

 6  to the licensure requirements specified in this part, chapter

 7  112, chapter 383, chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter 395,

 8  chapter 400, chapter 440, or chapter 483, each applicant for

 9  licensure by the Agency for Health Care Administration must

10  comply with the requirements of this section in order to

11  obtain and maintain a license.

12         (1)  An applicant for licensure must comply with

13  background screening requirements of s. 408.809.

14         (2)  An applicant for licensure must provide a

15  description and explanation of any exclusions, suspensions, or

16  terminations of the applicant from the Medicare, Medicaid, or

17  federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

18  programs.

19         (3)  Unless otherwise specified in this part,

20  authorizing statutes, or applicable rules, any information

21  required to be reported to the agency must be submitted within

22  10 calendar days after the report period or effective date of

23  the information.

24         (4)  Whenever a licensee discontinues operation of a

25  provider:

26         (a)  The licensee must inform the agency not less than

27  30 days prior to the discontinuance of operation and inform

28  clients of discharge as required by authorizing statutes.

29  Immediately upon discontinuance of operation of a provider,

30  the licensee shall surrender the license to the agency and the

31  license shall be canceled.

                                  27

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Upon closure of a provider, the licensee shall

 2  remain responsible for retaining and appropriately

 3  distributing all records within the timeframes prescribed in

 4  authorizing statutes and applicable rules. In addition, the

 5  licensee or, in the event of death or dissolution of a

 6  licensee, the estate or agent of the licensee shall:

 7         1.  Make arrangements to forward records for each

 8  client to one of the following, based upon the client's

 9  choice: the client or the client's legal representative, the

10  client's attending physician, or the health care provider

11  where the client currently receives services; or

12         2.  Cause a notice to be published in the newspaper of

13  greatest general circulation in the county where the provider

14  was located which advises clients of the discontinuance of the

15  provider operation. The notice must inform clients that they

16  may obtain copies of their records and specify the name,

17  address, and telephone number of the person from whom the

18  copies of records may be obtained. The notice must appear at

19  least once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.

20  

21  Failure to comply with this paragraph is a misdemeanor of the

22  second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083.

23         (5)(a)  On or before the first day services are

24  provided to a client, a licensee must inform the client and

25  his or her immediate family or representative, if appropriate,

26  of the right to report:

27         1.  Complaints. The statewide toll-free telephone

28  number for reporting complaints to the agency must be provided

29  to clients in a manner that is clearly legible and must

30  include the words: "To report a complaint regarding the

31  services you receive, please call toll free (phone number)".

                                  28

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         2.  Abusive, neglectful, or exploitative practices. The

 2  statewide toll-free telephone number for the central abuse

 3  hotline must be provided to clients in a manner that is

 4  clearly legible and must include the words: "To report abuse,

 5  neglect, or exploitation, please call toll-free (phone

 6  number)."

 7  

 8  The agency shall publish a minimum of a 90-day advance notice

 9  of a change in the toll-free telephone numbers.

10         (b)  Each licensee shall establish appropriate policies

11  and procedures for providing such notice to clients.

12         (6)  An applicant must provide the agency with proof of

13  the applicant's legal right to occupy the property before a

14  license may be issued. Proof may include, but need not be

15  limited to, copies of warranty deeds, lease or rental

16  agreements, contracts for deeds, quitclaim deeds, or other

17  such documentation.

18         (7)  An applicant shall provide proof of liability

19  insurance as defined in chapter 624, unless defined otherwise

20  in authorizing statute.

21         (8)  Upon application for initial licensure or

22  change-of-ownership licensure, the applicant shall furnish

23  satisfactory proof of the applicant's financial ability to

24  operate in accordance with the requirements of this part,

25  authorizing statutes, and applicable rules. The agency shall

26  establish standards for this purpose, including information

27  concerning the applicant's controlling interests. The agency

28  also shall establish documentation requirements, to be

29  completed by each applicant, that show anticipated provider

30  revenues and expenditures, the basis for financing the

31  anticipated cash-flow requirements of the provider, and an

                                  29

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  applicant's access to contingency financing. A current

 2  certificate of authority, pursuant to chapter 651, may be

 3  provided as proof of financial ability to operate. The agency

 4  may require a licensee to provide proof of financial ability

 5  to operate at any time if there is evidence of financial

 6  instability, including, but not limited to, unpaid expenses

 7  necessary for the basic operations of the provider.

 8         (9)  A licensee or controlling interest may not

 9  withhold from the agency any evidence of financial

10  instability, including, but not limited to, checks returned

11  due to insufficient funds, delinquent accounts, nonpayment of

12  withholding taxes, unpaid utility expenses, nonpayment for

13  essential services, or adverse court action concerning the

14  financial viability of the provider or any other provider

15  licensed under this part which is under the control of the

16  licensee. Any person found guilty of violating this subsection

17  commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as

18  provided in s. 775.083. Each day of continuing violation is a

19  separate offense.

20         (10)  The agency may not issue a license to a health

21  care provider subject to the certificate of need provisions in

22  ss. 408.031-408.045 if the licensee has not been issued a

23  certificate of need or an exemption. Upon initial licensure of

24  any such provider, the authorization contained in the

25  certificate of need shall be considered fully implemented and

26  merged into the license, and shall have no force and effect

27  upon termination of the license for any reason.

28         408.811  Right of inspection; copies; inspection

29  reports.--

30         (1)  An authorized officer or employee of the agency

31  may make or cause to be made any inspections and

                                  30

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  investigations as the agency deems necessary to determine the

 2  state of compliance with this part, authorizing statutes, and

 3  applicable rules. The right of inspection extends to any

 4  business that the agency has reason to believe is being

 5  operated as a provider without a license, but inspection of

 6  any business suspected of being operated without the

 7  appropriate license may not be made without the permission of

 8  the owner or person in charge unless a warrant is first

 9  obtained from a circuit court. Any application for a license

10  issued under this part, authorizing statutes, or applicable

11  rules constitutes permission for an appropriate inspection to

12  verify the information submitted on or in connection with the

13  application.

14         (a)  All inspections shall be unannounced, except as

15  specified in s. 408.806.

16         (b)  Inspections for relicensure shall be conducted

17  biennially unless otherwise specified by authorizing statutes

18  or applicable rules.

19         (2)  Inspections conducted in conjunction with

20  certification may be accepted in lieu of a complete licensure

21  inspection. However, a licensure inspection may also be

22  conducted to review any licensure requirements that are not

23  also requirements of certification.

24         (3)  The agency shall have access to and the licensee

25  shall provide copies of all provider records required during

26  an inspection at no cost to the agency.

27         (4)(a)  Each licensee shall maintain as public

28  information, available upon request, records of all inspection

29  reports pertaining to that provider which have been filed

30  with, or issued by, any governmental agency unless those

31  reports are exempt from, or contain information that is exempt

                                  31

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  from, s. 119.07(1), or is otherwise made confidential by law.

 2  Effective July 1, 2004, copies of such reports shall be

 3  retained in the records of the provider for at least 5 years

 4  following the date the reports are filed and issued,

 5  regardless of a change of ownership.

 6         (b)  A licensee shall, upon the request of any person

 7  who has completed a written application with intent to be

 8  admitted by such provider or any person who is a patient of

 9  such provider, or any relative, spouse, or guardian of any

10  such person, furnish to the requester a copy of the last

11  inspection report pertaining to the licensed provider which

12  was issued by the agency or by an accrediting organization if

13  such report is used in lieu of a licensure inspection.

14         408.812  Unlicensed activity.--

15         (1)  A person may not offer or advertise to the public

16  services as defined by this part, authorizing statutes, or

17  application rules without obtaining a valid license from the

18  Agency for Health Care Administration. The holder of a license

19  may not advertise or hold out to the public that he or she

20  holds a license for other than that for which he or she

21  actually holds a license.

22         (2)  The operation or maintenance of an unlicensed

23  provider or the performance of any services that necessitate

24  licensure without such licensure is a violation of this part

25  and authorizing statutes. Unlicensed activity constitutes harm

26  that materially affects the health, safety, and welfare of

27  clients. The agency, or any state attorney, may, in addition

28  to other remedies provided in this part, bring an action for

29  an injunction to restrain such violation, or to enjoin the

30  future operation or maintenance of any such provider or the

31  provision of services that necessitate licensure in violation

                                  32

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  of this part and authorizing statutes, until compliance with

 2  this part, authorizing statutes, and agency rules has been

 3  demonstrated to the satisfaction of the agency.

 4         (3)  Any person who owns, operates, or maintains an

 5  unlicensed provider and who, after receiving notification from

 6  the agency, fails to cease operation and apply for a license

 7  under this part and authorizing statutes commits a felony of

 8  the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s.

 9  775.083, or s. 775.084. Each day of continued operation is a

10  separate offense.

11         (4)  Any person found guilty of violating subsection

12  (3) a second or subsequent time commits a felony of the second

13  degree, punishable as provided under s. 775.082, s. 775.083,

14  or s. 775.084. Each day of continued operation is a separate

15  offense.

16         (5)  Any provider that fails to cease operation after

17  agency notification may be fined $1,000 for each day of

18  noncompliance.

19         (6)  When a licensee has an interest in more than one

20  provider and fails to license any provider rendering services

21  that necessitate licensure, the agency may revoke all

22  licenses, impose actions under s. 408.814, or impose a fine of

23  $1,000 unless otherwise specified by authorizing statutes

24  against the licensee until such time as the licensee becomes

25  appropriately licensed.

26         (7)  In addition to injunctive relief pursuant to

27  subsection (2), if the agency determines that an owner is

28  operating or maintaining a provider without obtaining a

29  license and determines that a condition exists that poses a

30  threat to the health, safety, or welfare of a client of the

31  provider, the owner is subject to the same actions and fines

                                  33

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  imposed against a licensed provider as specified in this part,

 2  the authorizing statute, and agency rules.

 3         (8)  Any person aware of the operation of an unlicensed

 4  provider must report that provider and operation to the

 5  agency.

 6         408.813  Administrative fines.--As a penalty for any

 7  violation of this part, authorizing statutes, or applicable

 8  rules, the agency may impose an administrative fine. Unless

 9  the amount of the fine is prescribed by authorizing statutes

10  or applicable rules, the agency may establish criteria for the

11  amount of administrative fines applicable to this part,

12  authorizing statutes, and applicable rules. Each day of

13  violation constitutes a separate violation and is subject to a

14  separate fine. For fines that are upheld following

15  administrative or judicial review, the violator shall pay the

16  fine, plus interest at the rate as specified in s. 55.03 for

17  each day beyond the date set by the agency for payment of the

18  fine.

19         408.814  Moratoriums; emergency suspensions.--

20         (1)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium or

21  emergency suspension as defined in s. 120.60 on any provider

22  if the agency determines that any condition related to the

23  provider presents a threat to the health, safety, or welfare

24  of the clients.

25         (2)  A provider, the license of which is denied or

26  revoked, may be subject to immediate imposition of a

27  moratorium or emergency suspension to run concurrently with

28  licensure denial, revocation, or injunction.

29         (3)  A moratorium or emergency suspension remains in

30  effect after a change of ownership, unless the agency has

31  determined that the conditions that created the moratorium,

                                  34

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  emergency suspension, or denial of licensure have been

 2  corrected.

 3         (4)  When a moratorium or emergency suspension is

 4  placed on a provider, notice of the action shall be posted and

 5  visible to the public at the location of the provider until

 6  the action is lifted.

 7         (5)  Moratoria and emergency suspensions are specific

 8  to the facts of each case, not of general applicability,

 9  therefore not subject to rulemaking under chapter 120.

10         408.815  License denial; revocation.--

11         (1)  In addition to grounds in authorizing statutes,

12  grounds for denying or revoking a license or application

13  include any of the following actions by a controlling

14  interest:

15         (a)  False representation of a material fact in the

16  license application or omission of any material fact from the

17  application.

18         (b)  An intentional or negligent act materially

19  affecting the health or safety of clients of the provider.

20         (c)  A violation of this part, authorizing statutes, or

21  applicable rules.

22         (d)  A demonstrated pattern of deficient performance.

23         (e)  The applicant, licensee, or controlling interest

24  has been or is currently excluded, suspended, terminated from,

25  or has involuntarily withdrawn from participation in the state

26  Medicaid program, the Medicaid program of any other state, or

27  the Medicare program or any other governmental or private

28  health care or health insurance program.

29         (2)  If a licensee lawfully continues to operate while

30  a denial or revocation is pending in litigation, the licensee

31  must continue to meet all other requirements of this part,

                                  35

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  authorizing statutes, and applicable rules, and must file

 2  subsequent renewal applications for licensure, including

 3  licensure fees. Notwithstanding chapter 120, the agency may

 4  withhold a final decision on any application or request filed

 5  during this period until final agency action in pending

 6  litigation.

 7         (3)  An action under s. 408.814, or denial of the

 8  license of the transferor, may be grounds for denial of a

 9  change-of-ownership application of the transferee.

10         408.816  Injunctions.--

11         (1)  In addition to the other powers provided by this

12  part and authorizing statutes, the agency may:

13         (a)  Institute injunction proceedings in a court of

14  competent jurisdiction to restrain or prevent the

15  establishment or operation of a provider that does not have a

16  license or is in violation of any provision of this part,

17  authorizing statutes, or applicable rules. The agency may also

18  institute injunction proceedings in a court of competent

19  jurisdiction when a violation of this part, authorizing

20  statutes, or applicable rules constitutes an emergency

21  affecting the immediate health and safety of a client.

22         (b)  Enforce the provisions of this part, authorizing

23  statutes, or any minimum standard, rule, or order issued or

24  entered into pursuant thereto when the attempt by the agency

25  to correct a violation through administrative sanctions has

26  failed or when the violation materially affects the health,

27  safety, or welfare of clients or involves any operation of an

28  unlicensed provider.

29         (c)  Terminate the operation of a provider when a

30  violation of any provision of this part, authorizing statutes,

31  

                                  36

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  or any standard or rule adopted pursuant thereto exist that

 2  materially affect the health, safety, or welfare of clients.

 3         (2)  Such injunctive relief may be temporary or

 4  permanent.

 5         (3)  If action is necessary to protect clients of

 6  providers from immediate, life-threatening situations, the

 7  court may allow a temporary injunction without bond upon

 8  proper proof being made. If it appears by competent evidence

 9  or a sworn, substantiated affidavit that a temporary

10  injunction should be issued, the court, pending the

11  determination on final hearing, shall enjoin the operation of

12  the provider.

13         408.817  Administrative proceedings.--Administrative

14  proceedings challenging agency licensure enforcement action

15  shall be reviewed on the basis of the facts and conditions

16  that resulted in the agency action.

17         408.818  Health Care Trust Fund.--Unless otherwise

18  prescribed by authorizing statutes, all fees and fines

19  collected pursuant to this part, authorizing statutes, and

20  applicable rules shall be deposited into the Health Care Trust

21  Fund, created in s. 408.16, and used to pay the costs of the

22  agency in administering the provider program paying the fees

23  or fines.

24         408.819  Rules.--The agency may adopt rules necessary

25  to administer this part. Any licensed provider that is in

26  operation at the time of adoption of any applicable rule under

27  this part or authorizing statutes shall be given a reasonable

28  time under the particular circumstances, not to exceed 6

29  months after the date of such adoption, within which to comply

30  with such rule, unless otherwise specified by rule.

31  

                                  37

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 6.  Subsection (12), paragraph (a) of

 2  subsection (13), and subsection (17) of section 112.0455,

 3  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

 4         112.0455  Drug-Free Workplace Act.--

 5         (12)  DRUG-TESTING STANDARDS; LABORATORIES.--

 6         (a)  The requirements of ss. 408.801-408.819 apply to

 7  the provision of services that necessitate licensure pursuant

 8  to this section and part II of chapter 408 and to entities

 9  licensed by or applying for such licensure from the Agency for

10  Health Care Administration pursuant to this section.

11         (b)(a)  A laboratory may analyze initial or

12  confirmation drug specimens only if:

13         1.  The laboratory is licensed and approved by the

14  Agency for Health Care Administration using criteria

15  established by the United States Department of Health and

16  Human Services as general guidelines for modeling the state

17  drug testing program and in accordance with part II of chapter

18  408. Each applicant for licensure must comply with all

19  requirements of part II of chapter 408, with the exception of

20  s. 408.810(5)-(10). the following requirements:

21         a.  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

22  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

23  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

24  in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly

25  titled individual responsible for the daily operation of the

26  laboratory, and of the financial officer, or other similarly

27  titled individual who is responsible for the financial

28  operation of the laboratory, including billings for services.

29  The applicant must comply with the procedures for level 2

30  background screening as set forth in chapter 435, as well as

31  the requirements of s. 435.03(3).

                                  38

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         b.  The agency may require background screening of any

 2  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

 3  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

 4  an offense prohibited under the level 2 standards for

 5  screening set forth in chapter 435.

 6         c.  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

 7  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

 8  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

 9  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

10  in fulfillment of screening requirements.

11         d.  A provisional license may be granted to an

12  applicant when each individual required by this section to

13  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

14  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

15  has not yet received background screening results from the

16  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

17  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

18  set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been

19  issued. A license may be granted to the applicant upon the

20  agency's receipt of a report of the results of the Federal

21  Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

22  individual required by this section to undergo background

23  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

24  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

25  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

26  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

27  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

28  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

29  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

30  violation of background screening standards and a

31  

                                  39

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

 2  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 3         e.  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

 4  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

 5  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 6  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

 7  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

 8  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be

 9  accepted in lieu of this submission.

10         f.  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

11  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

12  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

13  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

14  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

15  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

16  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

17  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

18  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

19  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

20  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

21  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

22  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

23  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

24  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

25  include in the application a statement affirming that the

26  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

27  requirements of this sub-subparagraph.

28         g.  A license may not be granted to any applicant if

29  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

30  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

31  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

                                  40

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

 2  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

 3  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 4         h.  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

 5  applicant:

 6         (I)  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

 7  application required by sub-subparagraph e. or

 8  sub-subparagraph f., or has omitted any material fact from the

 9  application required by sub-subparagraph e. or

10  sub-subparagraph f.; or

11         (II)  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

12  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

13  sub-subparagraph e.

14         i.  An application for license renewal must contain the

15  information required under sub-subparagraphs e. and f.

16         2.  The laboratory has written procedures to ensure

17  chain of custody.

18         3.  The laboratory follows proper quality control

19  procedures, including, but not limited to:

20         a.  The use of internal quality controls including the

21  use of samples of known concentrations which are used to check

22  the performance and calibration of testing equipment, and

23  periodic use of blind samples for overall accuracy.

24         b.  An internal review and certification process for

25  drug test results, conducted by a person qualified to perform

26  that function in the testing laboratory.

27         c.  Security measures implemented by the testing

28  laboratory to preclude adulteration of specimens and drug test

29  results.

30         d.  Other necessary and proper actions taken to ensure

31  reliable and accurate drug test results.

                                  41

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (c)(b)  A laboratory shall disclose to the employer a

 2  written test result report within 7 working days after receipt

 3  of the sample.  All laboratory reports of a drug test result

 4  shall, at a minimum, state:

 5         1.  The name and address of the laboratory which

 6  performed the test and the positive identification of the

 7  person tested.

 8         2.  Positive results on confirmation tests only, or

 9  negative results, as applicable.

10         3.  A list of the drugs for which the drug analyses

11  were conducted.

12         4.  The type of tests conducted for both initial and

13  confirmation tests and the minimum cutoff levels of the tests.

14         5.  Any correlation between medication reported by the

15  employee or job applicant pursuant to subparagraph (8)(b)2.

16  and a positive confirmed drug test result.

17  

18  No report shall disclose the presence or absence of any drug

19  other than a specific drug and its metabolites listed pursuant

20  to this section.

21         (d)(c)  The laboratory shall submit to the Agency for

22  Health Care Administration a monthly report with statistical

23  information regarding the testing of employees and job

24  applicants.  The reports shall include information on the

25  methods of analyses conducted, the drugs tested for, the

26  number of positive and negative results for both initial and

27  confirmation tests, and any other information deemed

28  appropriate by the Agency for Health Care Administration. No

29  monthly report shall identify specific employees or job

30  applicants.

31  

                                  42

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (e)(d)  Laboratories shall provide technical assistance

 2  to the employer, employee, or job applicant for the purpose of

 3  interpreting any positive confirmed test results which could

 4  have been caused by prescription or nonprescription medication

 5  taken by the employee or job applicant.

 6         (13)  RULES.--

 7         (a)  The Agency for Health Care Administration may

 8  adopt additional rules to support this law and part II of

 9  chapter 408, using criteria established by the United States

10  Department of Health and Human Services as general guidelines

11  for modeling drug-free workplace laboratories the state

12  drug-testing program, concerning, but not limited to:

13         1.  Standards for drug-testing laboratory licensing and

14  denial, suspension, and revocation of a license.

15         2.  Urine, hair, blood, and other body specimens and

16  minimum specimen amounts which are appropriate for drug

17  testing, not inconsistent with other provisions established by

18  law.

19         3.  Methods of analysis and procedures to ensure

20  reliable drug-testing results, including standards for initial

21  tests and confirmation tests, not inconsistent with other

22  provisions established by law.

23         4.  Minimum cutoff detection levels for drugs or their

24  metabolites for the purposes of determining a positive test

25  result, not inconsistent with other provisions established by

26  law.

27         5.  Chain-of-custody procedures to ensure proper

28  identification, labeling, and handling of specimens being

29  tested, not inconsistent with other provisions established by

30  law.

31  

                                  43

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         6.  Retention, storage, and transportation procedures

 2  to ensure reliable results on confirmation tests and retests.

 3         7.  A list of the most common medications by brand name

 4  or common name, as applicable, as well as by chemical name,

 5  which may alter or affect a drug test.

 6         (17)  LICENSE FEE.--Fees from licensure of drug-testing

 7  laboratories shall be sufficient to carry out the

 8  responsibilities of the Agency for Health Care Administration

 9  for the regulation of drug-testing laboratories. In accordance

10  with s. 408.805, an applicant or licensee shall pay a fee for

11  each license application submitted under this part and part II

12  of chapter 408. The fee may not be less than $16,000 or more

13  than $20,000 per biennium and shall be established by rule.

14  The Agency for Health Care Administration shall collect fees

15  for all licenses issued under this part.  Each nonrefundable

16  fee shall be due at the time of application and shall be

17  payable to the Agency for Health Care Administration to be

18  deposited in a trust fund administered by the Agency for

19  Health Care Administration and used only for the purposes of

20  this section. The fee schedule is as follows:  For licensure

21  as a drug-testing laboratory, an annual fee of not less than

22  $8,000 or more than $10,000 per fiscal year; for late filing

23  of an application for renewal, an additional fee of $500 per

24  day shall be charged.

25         Section 7.  Section 383.301, Florida Statutes, is

26  amended to read:

27         383.301  Licensure and regulation of birth centers;

28  legislative intent.--It is the intent of the Legislature to

29  provide for the protection of public health and safety in the

30  establishment, maintenance, and operation of birth centers by

31  providing for licensure of birth centers and for the

                                  44

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  development, establishment, and enforcement of minimum

 2  standards with respect to birth centers. The requirements of

 3  part II of chapter 408 apply to the provision of services that

 4  necessitate licensure pursuant to ss. 383.30-383.335 and part

 5  II of chapter 408 and to entities licensed by or applying for

 6  such licensure from the Agency for Health Care Administration

 7  pursuant to ss. 383.30-383.335.

 8         Section 8.  Section 383.304, Florida Statutes, is

 9  repealed.

10         Section 9.  Section 383.305, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         383.305  Licensure; issuance, renewal, denial,

13  suspension, revocation; fees; background screening.--

14         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

15  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

16  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

17  amount of the fee shall be established by rule.

18         (1)(a)  Upon receipt of an application for a license

19  and the license fee, the agency shall issue a license if the

20  applicant and facility have received all approvals required by

21  law and meet the requirements established under ss.

22  383.30-383.335 and by rules promulgated hereunder.

23         (b)  A provisional license may be issued to any birth

24  center that is in substantial compliance with ss.

25  383.30-383.335 and with the rules of the agency.  A

26  provisional license may be granted for a period of no more

27  than 1 year from the effective date of rules adopted by the

28  agency, shall expire automatically at the end of its term, and

29  may not be renewed.

30         (c)  A license, unless sooner suspended or revoked,

31  automatically expires 1 year from its date of issuance and is

                                  45

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  renewable upon application for renewal and payment of the fee

 2  prescribed, provided the applicant and the birth center meet

 3  the requirements established under ss. 383.30-383.335 and by

 4  rules promulgated hereunder.  A complete application for

 5  renewal of a license shall be made 90 days prior to expiration

 6  of the license on forms provided by the agency.

 7         (2)  An application for a license, or renewal thereof,

 8  shall be made to the agency upon forms provided by it and

 9  shall contain such information as the agency reasonably

10  requires, which may include affirmative evidence of ability to

11  comply with applicable laws and rules.

12         (3)(a)  Each application for a birth center license, or

13  renewal thereof, shall be accompanied by a license fee.  Fees

14  shall be established by rule of the agency.  Such fees are

15  payable to the agency and shall be deposited in a trust fund

16  administered by the agency, to be used for the sole purpose of

17  carrying out the provisions of ss. 383.30-383.335.

18         (b)  The fees established pursuant to ss.

19  383.30-383.335 shall be based on actual costs incurred by the

20  agency in the administration of its duties under such

21  sections.

22         (4)  Each license is valid only for the person or

23  governmental unit to whom or which it is issued; is not

24  subject to sale, assignment, or other transfer, voluntary or

25  involuntary; and is not valid for any premises other than

26  those for which it was originally issued.

27         (5)  Each license shall be posted in a conspicuous

28  place on the licensed premises.

29         (6)  Whenever the agency finds that there has been a

30  substantial failure to comply with the requirements

31  established under ss. 383.30-383.335 or in rules adopted under

                                  46

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  those sections, it is authorized to deny, suspend, or revoke a

 2  license.

 3         (2)(7)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with

 4  the following requirements of part II of chapter 408, with the

 5  exception of s. 408.810(7)-(10).:

 6         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 7  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

 8  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

 9  in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly

10  titled individual who is responsible for the daily operation

11  of the center, and of the financial officer, or other

12  similarly titled individual who is responsible for the

13  financial operation of the center, including billings for

14  patient care and services.  The applicant must comply with the

15  procedures for level 2 background screening as set forth in

16  chapter 435 as well as the requirements of s. 435.03(3).

17         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

18  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

19  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

20  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

21  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

22         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

23  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

24  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

25  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

26  in fulfillment of the requirements of paragraph (a).

27         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

28  applicant when each individual required by this section to

29  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

30  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

31  has not yet received background screening results from the

                                  47

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

 2  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

 3  set forth in chapter 435 but a response has not yet been

 4  issued. A standard license may be granted to the applicant

 5  upon the agency's receipt of a report of the results of the

 6  Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

 7  individual required by this section to undergo background

 8  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

 9  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

10  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

11  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

12  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

13  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

14  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

15  violation of background screening standards and a

16  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

17  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

18         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

19  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

20  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

21  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

22  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

23  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be

24  accepted in lieu of this submission.

25         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

26  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

27  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

28  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

29  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

30  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

31  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

                                  48

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

 2  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

 3  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

 4  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 5  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

 6  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

 7  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

 8  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

 9  include in the application a statement affirming that the

10  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

11  requirements of this paragraph.

12         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

13  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

14  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

15  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

16  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

17  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

18  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

19         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

20  applicant:

21         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

22  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

23  omitted any material fact from the application required by

24  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

25         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

26  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

27  paragraph (e).

28         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

29  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

30         Section 10.  Section 383.309, Florida Statutes, is

31  amended to read:

                                  49

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         383.309  Minimum standards for birth centers; rules and

 2  enforcement.--

 3         (1)  The agency shall adopt and enforce rules to

 4  administer ss. 383.30-383.335 and part II of chapter 408,

 5  which rules shall include, but are not limited to, reasonable

 6  and fair minimum standards for ensuring that:

 7         (a)  Sufficient numbers and qualified types of

 8  personnel and occupational disciplines are available at all

 9  times to provide necessary and adequate patient care and

10  safety.

11         (b)  Infection control, housekeeping, sanitary

12  conditions, disaster plan, and medical record procedures that

13  will adequately protect patient care and provide safety are

14  established and implemented.

15         (c)  Licensed facilities are established, organized,

16  and operated consistent with established programmatic

17  standards.

18         (2)  Any licensed facility that is in operation at the

19  time of adoption of any applicable rule under ss.

20  383.30-383.335 shall be given a reasonable time under the

21  particular circumstances, not to exceed 1 year after the date

22  of such adoption, within which to comply with such rule.

23         (2)(3)  The agency may not establish any rule governing

24  the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification,

25  repair, or demolition of birth centers. It is the intent of

26  the Legislature to preempt that function to the Florida

27  Building Commission and the State Fire Marshal through

28  adoption and maintenance of the Florida Building Code and the

29  Florida Fire Prevention Code. However, the agency shall

30  provide technical assistance to the commission and the State

31  Fire Marshal in updating the construction standards of the

                                  50

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code

 2  which govern birth centers. In addition, the agency may

 3  enforce the special-occupancy provisions of the Florida

 4  Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code which apply

 5  to birth centers in conducting any inspection authorized under

 6  this chapter.

 7         Section 11.  Subsection (1) of section 383.315, Florida

 8  Statutes, is amended to read:

 9         383.315  Agreements with consultants for advice or

10  services; maintenance.--

11         (1)  A birth center shall maintain in writing a

12  consultation agreement, signed within the current license

13  period year, with each consultant who has agreed to provide

14  advice and services to the birth center as requested.

15         Section 12.  Section 383.324, Florida Statutes, is

16  amended to read:

17         383.324  Inspections and investigations; Inspection

18  fees.--

19         (1)  The agency shall make or cause to be made such

20  inspections and investigations as it deems necessary.

21         (2)  Each facility licensed under s. 383.305 shall pay

22  to the agency, at the time of inspection, an inspection fee

23  established by rule of the agency.

24         (3)  The agency shall coordinate all periodic

25  inspections for licensure made by the agency to ensure that

26  the cost to the facility of such inspections and the

27  disruption of services by such inspections is minimized.

28         Section 13.  Section 383.325, Florida Statutes, is

29  repealed.

30         Section 14.  Section 383.33, Florida Statutes, is

31  amended to read:

                                  51

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         383.33  Administrative fines penalties; emergency

 2  orders; moratorium on admissions.--

 3         (1)(a)  In addition to the requirements of part II of

 4  chapter 408, the agency may deny, revoke, or suspend a

 5  license, or impose an administrative fine, not to exceed $500

 6  per violation per day, for the violation of any provision of

 7  ss. 383.30-383.335, part II of chapter 408, or applicable

 8  rules or any rule adopted under ss. 383.30-383.335.  Each day

 9  of violation constitutes a separate violation and is subject

10  to a separate fine.

11         (2)(b)  In determining the amount of the fine to be

12  levied for a violation, as provided in paragraph (a), the

13  following factors shall be considered:

14         (a)1.  The severity of the violation, including the

15  probability that death or serious harm to the health or safety

16  of any person will result or has resulted; the severity of the

17  actual or potential harm; and the extent to which the

18  provisions of ss. 383.30-383.335, part II of chapter 408, or

19  applicable rules were violated.

20         (b)2.  Actions taken by the licensee to correct the

21  violations or to remedy complaints.

22         (c)3.  Any previous violations by the licensee.

23         (c)  All amounts collected pursuant to this section

24  shall be deposited into a trust fund administered by the

25  agency to be used for the sole purpose of carrying out the

26  provisions of ss. 383.30-383.335.

27         (2)  The agency may issue an emergency order

28  immediately suspending or revoking a license when it

29  determines that any condition in the licensed facility

30  presents a clear and present danger to the public health and

31  safety.

                                  52

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (3)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium on

 2  elective admissions to any licensed facility, building or

 3  portion thereof, or service when the agency determines that

 4  any condition in the facility presents a threat to the public

 5  health or safety.

 6         Section 15.  Sections 383.331 and 383.332, Florida

 7  Statutes, are repealed.

 8         Section 16.  Subsection (1) of section 383.335, Florida

 9  Statutes, is amended to read:

10         383.335  Partial exemptions.--

11         (1)  Any facility that which was providing obstetrical

12  and gynecological surgical services and was owned and operated

13  by a board-certified obstetrician on June 15, 1984, and that

14  which is otherwise subject to licensure under ss.

15  383.30-383.335 as a birth center, is exempt from the

16  provisions of ss. 383.30-383.335 and part II of chapter 408

17  which restrict the provision of surgical services and outlet

18  forceps delivery and the administration of anesthesia at birth

19  centers. The agency shall adopt rules specifically related to

20  the performance of such services and the administration of

21  anesthesia at such facilities.

22         Section 17.  Subsection (5) of section 390.011, Florida

23  Statutes, is amended to read:

24         390.011  Definitions.--As used in this chapter, the

25  term:

26         (5)  "Hospital" means a facility defined in s. 395.002

27  and licensed under chapter 395.

28         Section 18.  Subsection (1) of section 390.012, Florida

29  Statutes, is amended to read:

30         390.012  Powers of agency; rules; disposal of fetal

31  remains.--

                                  53

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  The agency may shall have the authority to develop

 2  and enforce rules under ss. 390.001-390.021 and part II of

 3  chapter 408 for the health, care, and treatment of persons in

 4  abortion clinics and for the safe operation of such clinics.

 5  These rules shall be comparable to rules which apply to all

 6  surgical procedures requiring approximately the same degree of

 7  skill and care as the performance of first trimester

 8  abortions. The rules shall be reasonably related to the

 9  preservation of maternal health of the clients. The rules

10  shall not impose a legally significant burden on a woman's

11  freedom to decide whether to terminate her pregnancy.  The

12  rules shall provide for:

13         (a)  The performance of pregnancy termination

14  procedures only by a licensed physician.

15         (b)  The making, protection, and preservation of

16  patient records, which shall be treated as medical records

17  under chapter 458.

18         Section 19.  Section 390.013, Florida Statutes, is

19  repealed.

20         Section 20.  Section 390.014, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         390.014  Licenses; fees, display, etc.--

23         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

24  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

25  pursuant to ss. 390.011-390.021 and part II of chapter 408 and

26  to entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from

27  the Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to ss.

28  390.011-390.021. However, an applicant for licensure is exempt

29  from s. 408.810(7)-(10). No abortion clinic shall operate in

30  this state without a currently effective license issued by the

31  agency.

                                  54

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  A separate license shall be required for each

 2  clinic maintained on separate premises, even though it is

 3  operated by the same management as another clinic; but a

 4  separate license shall not be required for separate buildings

 5  on the same premises.

 6         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

 7  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

 8  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The fee

 9  shall be established by rule and The annual license fee

10  required for a clinic shall be nonrefundable and shall be

11  reasonably calculated to cover the cost of regulation under

12  this chapter, but may not be less than $70 or $35 nor more

13  than $500 per biennium $250.

14         (4)  Counties and municipalities applying for licenses

15  under this act shall be exempt from the payment of the license

16  fees.

17         (5)  The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous

18  place inside the clinic.

19         (6)  A license shall be valid only for the clinic to

20  which it is issued, and it shall not be subject to sale,

21  assignment, or other transfer, voluntary or involuntary.  No

22  license shall be valid for any premises other than those for

23  which it was originally issued.

24         Section 21.  Sections 390.015, 390.016, and 390.017,

25  Florida Statutes, are repealed.

26         Section 22.  Section 390.018, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         390.018  Administrative fine penalty in lieu of

29  revocation or suspension.--In addition to the requirements of

30  part II of chapter 408 If the agency finds that one or more

31  grounds exist for the revocation or suspension of a license

                                  55

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  issued to an abortion clinic, the agency may, in lieu of such

 2  suspension or revocation, impose a fine upon the clinic in an

 3  amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of any

 4  provision of this part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable

 5  rules. The fine shall be paid to the agency within 60 days

 6  from the date of entry of the administrative order.  If the

 7  licensee fails to pay the fine in its entirety to the agency

 8  within the period allowed, the license of the licensee shall

 9  stand suspended, revoked, or renewal or continuation may be

10  refused, as the case may be, upon expiration of such period

11  and without any further administrative or judicial

12  proceedings.

13         Section 23.  Sections 390.019 and 390.021, Florida

14  Statutes, are repealed.

15         Section 24.  Subsection (13) of section 394.455,

16  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

17         394.455  Definitions.--As used in this part, unless the

18  context clearly requires otherwise, the term:

19         (13)  "Hospital" means a facility defined in s. 395.002

20  and licensed under chapter 395.

21         Section 25.  Section 394.67, Florida Statutes, is

22  amended to read:

23         394.67  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

24         (1)  "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care

25  Administration.

26         (2)  "Applicant" means an individual applicant, or any

27  officer, director, agent, managing employee, or affiliated

28  person, or any partner or shareholder having an ownership

29  interest equal to a 5-percent or greater interest in the

30  corporation, partnership, or other business entity.

31  

                                  56

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)(3)  "Client" means any individual receiving

 2  services in any substance abuse or mental health facility,

 3  program, or service, which facility, program, or service is

 4  operated, funded, or regulated by the agency and the

 5  department or regulated by the agency.

 6         (3)(4)  "Crisis services" means short-term evaluation,

 7  stabilization, and brief intervention services provided to a

 8  person who is experiencing an acute mental or emotional

 9  crisis, as defined in subsection (17) (18), or an acute

10  substance abuse crisis, as defined in subsection (18) (19), to

11  prevent further deterioration of the person's mental health.

12  Crisis services are provided in settings such as a crisis

13  stabilization unit, an inpatient unit, a short-term

14  residential treatment program, a detoxification facility, or

15  an addictions receiving facility; at the site of the crisis by

16  a mobile crisis response team; or at a hospital on an

17  outpatient basis.

18         (4)(5)  "Crisis stabilization unit" means a program

19  that provides an alternative to inpatient hospitalization and

20  that provides brief, intensive services 24 hours a day, 7 days

21  a week, for mentally ill individuals who are in an acutely

22  disturbed state.

23         (5)(6)  "Department" means the Department of Children

24  and Family Services.

25         (6)(7)  "Director" means any member of the official

26  board of directors reported in the organization's annual

27  corporate report to the Florida Department of State, or, if no

28  such report is made, any member of the operating board of

29  directors. The term excludes members of separate, restricted

30  boards that serve only in an advisory capacity to the

31  operating board.

                                  57

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (7)(8)  "District administrator" means the person

 2  appointed by the Secretary of Children and Family Services for

 3  the purpose of administering a department service district as

 4  set forth in s. 20.19.

 5         (8)(9)  "District plan" or "plan" means the combined

 6  district substance abuse and mental health plan approved by

 7  the district administrator and governing bodies in accordance

 8  with this part.

 9         (9)(10)  "Federal funds" means funds from federal

10  sources for substance abuse or mental health facilities and

11  programs, exclusive of federal funds that are deemed eligible

12  by the Federal Government, and are eligible through state

13  regulation, for matching purposes.

14         (10)(11)  "Governing body" means the chief legislative

15  body of a county, a board of county commissioners, or boards

16  of county commissioners in counties acting jointly, or their

17  counterparts in a charter government.

18         (11)(12)  "Health and human services board" or "board"

19  means the board within a district or subdistrict of the

20  department which is established in accordance with s. 20.19

21  and designated in this part for the purpose of assessing the

22  substance abuse and mental health needs of the community and

23  developing a plan to address those needs.

24         (12)(13)  "Licensed facility" means a facility licensed

25  in accordance with this chapter.

26         (13)(14)  "Local matching funds" means funds received

27  from governing bodies of local government, including city

28  commissions, county commissions, district school boards,

29  special tax districts, private hospital funds, private gifts,

30  both individual and corporate, and bequests and funds received

31  from community drives or any other sources.

                                  58

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (14)(15)  "Managing employee" means the administrator

 2  or other similarly titled individual who is responsible for

 3  the daily operation of the facility.

 4         (15)(16)  "Mental health services" means those

 5  therapeutic interventions and activities that help to

 6  eliminate, reduce, or manage symptoms or distress for persons

 7  who have severe emotional distress or a mental illness and to

 8  effectively manage the disability that often accompanies a

 9  mental illness so that the person can recover from the mental

10  illness, become appropriately self-sufficient for his or her

11  age, and live in a stable family or in the community. The term

12  also includes those preventive interventions and activities

13  that reduce the risk for or delay the onset of mental

14  disorders. The term includes the following types of services:

15         (a)  Treatment services, such as psychiatric

16  medications and supportive psychotherapies, which are intended

17  to reduce or ameliorate the symptoms of severe distress or

18  mental illness.

19         (b)  Rehabilitative services, which are intended to

20  reduce or eliminate the disability that is associated with

21  mental illness. Rehabilitative services may include assessment

22  of personal goals and strengths, readiness preparation,

23  specific skill training, and assistance in designing

24  environments that enable individuals to maximize their

25  functioning and community participation.

26         (c)  Support services, which include services that

27  assist individuals in living successfully in environments of

28  their choice. Such services may include income supports,

29  social supports, housing supports, vocational supports, or

30  accommodations related to the symptoms or disabilities

31  associated with mental illness.

                                  59

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (d)  Case management services, which are intended to

 2  assist individuals in obtaining the formal and informal

 3  resources that they need to successfully cope with the

 4  consequences of their illness. Resources may include treatment

 5  or rehabilitative or supportive interventions by both formal

 6  and informal providers. Case management may include an

 7  assessment of client needs; intervention planning with the

 8  client, his or her family, and service providers; linking the

 9  client to needed services; monitoring service delivery;

10  evaluating the effect of services and supports; and advocating

11  on behalf of the client.

12  

13  Mental health services may be delivered in a variety of

14  settings, such as inpatient, residential, partial hospital,

15  day treatment, outpatient, club house, or a drop-in or

16  self-help center, as well as in other community settings, such

17  as the client's residence or workplace. The types and

18  intensity of services provided shall be based on the client's

19  clinical status and goals, community resources, and

20  preferences. Services such as assertive community treatment

21  involve all four types of services which are delivered by a

22  multidisciplinary treatment team that is responsible for

23  identified individuals who have a serious mental illness.

24         (16)(17)  "Patient fees" means compensation received by

25  a community substance abuse or mental health facility for

26  services rendered to a specific client from any source of

27  funds, including city, county, state, federal, and private

28  sources.

29         (17)(18)  "Person who is experiencing an acute mental

30  or emotional crisis" means a child, adolescent, or adult who

31  is experiencing a psychotic episode or a high level of mental

                                  60

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  or emotional distress which may be precipitated by a traumatic

 2  event or a perceived life problem for which the individual's

 3  typical coping strategies are inadequate. The term includes an

 4  individual who meets the criteria for involuntary examination

 5  specified in s. 394.463(1).

 6         (18)(19)  "Person who is experiencing an acute

 7  substance abuse crisis" means a child, adolescent, or adult

 8  who is experiencing a medical or emotional crisis because of

 9  the use of alcoholic beverages or any psychoactive or

10  mood-altering substance. The term includes an individual who

11  meets the criteria for involuntary admission specified in s.

12  397.675.

13         (19)(20)  "Premises" means those buildings, beds, and

14  facilities located at the main address of the licensee and all

15  other buildings, beds, and facilities for the provision of

16  acute or residential care which are located in such reasonable

17  proximity to the main address of the licensee as to appear to

18  the public to be under the dominion and control of the

19  licensee.

20         (20)(21)  "Program office" means the Mental Health

21  Program Office of the Department of Children and Family

22  Services.

23         (21)(22)  "Residential treatment center for children

24  and adolescents" means a 24-hour residential program,

25  including a therapeutic group home, which provides mental

26  health services to emotionally disturbed children or

27  adolescents as defined in s. 394.492(5) or (6) and which is a

28  private for-profit or not-for-profit corporation under

29  contract with the department which offers a variety of

30  treatment modalities in a more restrictive setting.

31  

                                  61

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (22)(23)  "Residential treatment facility" means a

 2  facility providing residential care and treatment to

 3  individuals exhibiting symptoms of mental illness who are in

 4  need of a 24-hour-per-day, 7-day-a-week structured living

 5  environment, respite care, or long-term community placement.

 6         (23)  "Short-term residential treatment facility" means

 7  a program that provides an alternative to inpatient

 8  hospitalization and that provides brief, intensive services 24

 9  hours a day, 7 days a week, for mentally ill individuals who

10  are temporarily in need of a 24-hour-a-day structured

11  therapeutic setting in a less restrictive, but longer-stay

12  alternative to hospitalization.

13         (24)  "Sliding fee scale" means a schedule of fees for

14  identified services delivered by a service provider which are

15  based on a uniform schedule of discounts deducted from the

16  service provider's usual and customary charges. These charges

17  must be consistent with the prevailing market rates in the

18  community for comparable services.

19         (25)  "Substance abuse services" means services

20  designed to prevent or remediate the consequences of substance

21  abuse, improve an individual's quality of life and

22  self-sufficiency, and support long-term recovery. The term

23  includes the following service categories:

24         (a)  Prevention services, which include information

25  dissemination; education regarding the consequences of

26  substance abuse; alternative drug-free activities; problem

27  identification; referral of persons to appropriate prevention

28  programs; community-based programs that involve members of

29  local communities in prevention activities; and environmental

30  strategies to review, change, and enforce laws that control

31  the availability of controlled and illegal substances.

                                  62

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Assessment services, which include the evaluation

 2  of individuals and families in order to identify their

 3  strengths and determine their required level of care,

 4  motivation, and need for treatment and ancillary services.

 5         (c)  Intervention services, which include early

 6  identification, short-term counseling and referral, and

 7  outreach.

 8         (d)  Rehabilitation services, which include

 9  residential, outpatient, day or night, case management,

10  in-home, psychiatric, and medical treatment, and methadone or

11  medication management.

12         (e)  Ancillary services, which include self-help and

13  other support groups and activities; aftercare provided in a

14  structured, therapeutic environment; supported housing;

15  supported employment; vocational services; and educational

16  services.

17         Section 26.  Section 394.875, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         394.875  Crisis stabilization units, short-term

20  residential treatment facilities, residential treatment

21  facilities, and residential treatment centers for children and

22  adolescents; authorized services; license required;

23  penalties.--

24         (1)(a)  The purpose of a crisis stabilization unit is

25  to stabilize and redirect a client to the most appropriate and

26  least restrictive community setting available, consistent with

27  the client's needs.  Crisis stabilization units may screen,

28  assess, and admit for stabilization persons who present

29  themselves to the unit and persons who are brought to the unit

30  under s. 394.463.  Clients may be provided 24-hour

31  observation, medication prescribed by a physician or

                                  63

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  psychiatrist, and other appropriate services.  Crisis

 2  stabilization units shall provide services regardless of the

 3  client's ability to pay and shall be limited in size to a

 4  maximum of 30 beds.

 5         (b)  The purpose of a short-term residential treatment

 6  unit is to provide intensive services in a 24-hour-a-day

 7  structured therapeutic setting as a less restrictive, but

 8  longer-stay alternative to hospitalization.

 9         (c)(b)  The purpose of a residential treatment facility

10  is to be a part of a comprehensive treatment program for

11  mentally ill individuals in a community-based residential

12  setting.

13         (d)(c)  The purpose of a residential treatment center

14  for children and adolescents is to provide mental health

15  assessment and treatment services pursuant to ss. 394.491,

16  394.495, and 394.496 to children and adolescents who meet the

17  target population criteria specified in s. 394.493(1)(a), (b),

18  or (c).

19         (2)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

20  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

21  pursuant to ss. 394.455-394.904 and part II of chapter 408 and

22  to entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from

23  the Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to ss.

24  394.455-394.904. However, an applicant for licensure is exempt

25  from the provisions of s. 408.810(8), (9), and (10). It is

26  unlawful for any entity to hold itself out as a crisis

27  stabilization unit, a residential treatment facility, or a

28  residential treatment center for children and adolescents, or

29  to act as a crisis stabilization unit, a residential treatment

30  facility, or a residential treatment center for children and

31  

                                  64

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  adolescents, unless it is licensed by the agency pursuant to

 2  this chapter.

 3         (3)  Any person who violates subsection (2) is guilty

 4  of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided

 5  in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

 6         (4)  The agency may maintain an action in circuit court

 7  to enjoin the unlawful operation of a crisis stabilization

 8  unit, a residential treatment facility, or a residential

 9  treatment center for children and adolescents if the agency

10  first gives the violator 14 days' notice of its intention to

11  maintain such action and if the violator fails to apply for

12  licensure within such 14-day period.

13         (3)(5)  The following entities are exempt from

14  licensure as required in ss. 394.455-394.904 Subsection (2)

15  does not apply to:

16         (a)  Hospitals licensed under chapter 395 or programs

17  operated within such hospitals. Homes for special services

18  licensed under chapter 400; or

19         (b)  Nursing homes licensed under chapter 400.

20         (c)  Comprehensive transitional education programs

21  licensed under s. 393.067.

22         (4)(6)  The department, in consultation with the

23  agency, may establish multiple license classifications for

24  residential treatment facilities.

25         (5)(7)  The agency may not issue a license to a crisis

26  stabilization unit unless the unit receives state mental

27  health funds and is affiliated with a designated public

28  receiving facility.

29         (6)(8)  The agency may issue a license for a crisis

30  stabilization unit or short-term residential treatment

31  facility, certifying the number of authorized beds for such

                                  65

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  facility as indicated by existing need and available

 2  appropriations.  The agency may disapprove an application for

 3  such a license if it determines that a facility should not be

 4  licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.  Any

 5  facility operating beds in excess of those authorized by the

 6  agency shall, upon demand of the agency, reduce the number of

 7  beds to the authorized number, forfeit its license, or provide

 8  evidence of a license issued pursuant to chapter 395 for the

 9  excess beds.

10         (7)(9)  A children's crisis stabilization unit which

11  does not exceed 20 licensed beds and which provides separate

12  facilities or a distinct part of a facility, separate

13  staffing, and treatment exclusively for minors may be located

14  on the same premises as a crisis stabilization unit serving

15  adults. The department, in consultation with the agency, shall

16  adopt rules governing facility construction, staffing and

17  licensure requirements, and the operation of such units for

18  minors.

19         (8)(10)  The department, in consultation with the

20  agency, must adopt rules governing a residential treatment

21  center for children and adolescents which specify licensure

22  standards for:  admission; length of stay; program and

23  staffing; discharge and discharge planning; treatment

24  planning; seclusion, restraints, and time-out; rights of

25  patients under s. 394.459; use of psychotropic medications;

26  and standards for the operation of such centers.

27         (9)(11)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection

28  (6) (8), crisis stabilization units may not exceed their

29  licensed capacity by more than 10 percent, nor may they exceed

30  their licensed capacity for more than 3 consecutive working

31  days or for more than 7 days in 1 month.

                                  66

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (10)(12)  Notwithstanding the other provisions of this

 2  section, any facility licensed under former chapter 396 and

 3  chapter 397 for detoxification, residential level I care, and

 4  outpatient treatment may elect to license concurrently all of

 5  the beds at such facility both for that purpose and as a

 6  long-term residential treatment facility pursuant to this

 7  section, if all of the following conditions are met:

 8         (a)  The licensure application is received by the

 9  department prior to January 1, 1993.

10         (b)  On January 1, 1993, the facility was licensed

11  under former chapter 396 and chapter 397 as a facility for

12  detoxification, residential level I care, and outpatient

13  treatment of substance abuse.

14         (c)  The facility restricted its practice to the

15  treatment of law enforcement personnel for a period of at

16  least 12 months beginning after January 1, 1992.

17         (d)  The number of beds to be licensed under this

18  chapter is equal to or less than the number of beds licensed

19  under former chapter 396 and chapter 397 as of January 1,

20  1993.

21         (e)  The licensee agrees in writing to a condition

22  placed upon the license that the facility will limit its

23  treatment exclusively to law enforcement personnel and their

24  immediate families who are seeking admission on a voluntary

25  basis and who are exhibiting symptoms of posttraumatic stress

26  disorder or other mental health problems, including drug or

27  alcohol abuse, which are directly related to law enforcement

28  work and which are amenable to verbal treatment therapies; the

29  licensee agrees to coordinate the provision of appropriate

30  postresidential care for discharged individuals; and the

31  licensee further agrees in writing that a failure to meet any

                                  67

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  condition specified in this paragraph shall constitute grounds

 2  for a revocation of the facility's license as a residential

 3  treatment facility.

 4         (f)  The licensee agrees that the facility will meet

 5  all licensure requirements for a residential treatment

 6  facility, including minimum standards for compliance with

 7  lifesafety requirements, except those licensure requirements

 8  which are in express conflict with the conditions and other

 9  provisions specified in this subsection.

10         (g)  The licensee agrees that the conditions stated in

11  this subsection must be agreed to in writing by any person

12  acquiring the facility by any means.

13  

14  Any facility licensed under this subsection is not required to

15  provide any services to any persons except those included in

16  the specified conditions of licensure, and is exempt from any

17  requirements related to the 60-day or greater average length

18  of stay imposed on community-based residential treatment

19  facilities otherwise licensed under this chapter.

20         (13)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

21  following requirements:

22         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

23  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

24  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

25  in chapter 435,  of the managing employee and financial

26  officer, or other similarly titled individual who is

27  responsible for the financial operation of the facility,

28  including billings for client care and services. The applicant

29  must comply with the procedures for level 2 background

30  screening as set forth in chapter 435, as well as the

31  requirements of s. 435.03(3).

                                  68

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

 2  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

 3  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

 4  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

 5  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

 6         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

 7  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

 8  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

 9  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

10  in fulfillment of the requirements of paragraph (a).

11         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

12  applicant when each individual required by this section to

13  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

14  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

15  has not yet received background screening results from the

16  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

17  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

18  set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been

19  issued. A standard license may be granted to the applicant

20  upon the agency's receipt of a report of the results of the

21  Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

22  individual required by this section to undergo background

23  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

24  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

25  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

26  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

27  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

28  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

29  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

30  violation of background screening standards and a

31  

                                  69

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

 2  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 3         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

 4  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

 5  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 6  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

 7  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

 8  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be

 9  accepted in lieu of this submission.

10         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

11  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

12  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

13  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

14  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

15  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

16  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

17  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

18  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

19  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

20  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

21  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

22  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

23  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

24  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

25  include in the application a statement affirming that the

26  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

27  requirements of this paragraph.

28         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

29  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

30  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

31  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

                                  70

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

 2  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

 3  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 4         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

 5  applicant:

 6         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

 7  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

 8  omitted any material fact from the application required by

 9  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

10         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

11  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

12  paragraph (e).

13         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

14  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

15         Section 27.  Section 394.876, Florida Statutes, is

16  repealed.

17         Section 28.  Section 394.877, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         394.877  Fees.--

20         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

21  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

22  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

23  amount of the fee shall be established by rule. Each

24  application for licensure or renewal must be accompanied by a

25  fee set by the department, in consultation with the agency, by

26  rule. Such fees shall be reasonably calculated to cover only

27  the cost of regulation under this chapter.

28         (2)  All fees collected under this section shall be

29  deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund.

30         Section 29.  Section 394.878, Florida Statutes, is

31  amended to read:

                                  71

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         394.878  Issuance and renewal of licenses.--

 2         (1)  Upon review of the application for licensure and

 3  receipt of appropriate fees, the agency shall issue an

 4  original or renewal license to any applicant that meets the

 5  requirements of this chapter.

 6         (2)  A license is valid for a period of 1 year.  An

 7  applicant for renewal of a license shall apply to the agency

 8  no later than 90 days before expiration of the current

 9  license.

10         (3)  A license may not be transferred from one entity

11  to another and is valid only for the premises for which it was

12  originally issued.  For the purposes of this subsection,

13  "transfer" includes, but is not limited to, transfer of a

14  majority of the ownership interests in a licensee or transfer

15  of responsibilities under the license to another entity by

16  contractual arrangement.

17         (4)  Each license shall state the services which the

18  licensee is required or authorized to perform and the maximum

19  residential capacity of the licensed premises.

20         (1)(5)  The agency may issue a probationary license to

21  an applicant that has completed the application requirements

22  of this chapter but has not, at the time of the application,

23  developed an operational crisis stabilization unit or

24  residential treatment facility.  The probationary license

25  shall expire 90 days after issuance and may once be renewed

26  for an additional 90-day period. The agency may cancel a

27  probationary license at any time.

28         (2)(6)  The agency may issue an interim license to an

29  applicant that has substantially completed all application

30  requirements and has initiated action to fully meet such

31  requirements.  The interim license shall expire 90 days after

                                  72

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  issuance and, in cases of extreme hardship, may once be

 2  renewed for an additional 90-day period.

 3         (7)  Any applicant which fails to file an application

 4  for license renewal during the 90-day relicensure period shall

 5  be considered unlicensed and subject to penalties pursuant to

 6  s. 394.875.

 7         Section 30.  Subsections (1), (3), and (4) of section

 8  394.879, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

 9         394.879  Rules; enforcement.--

10         (1)  The agency, in consultation with the department,

11  may adopt rules to administer part II of chapter 408. The

12  department, in consultation with the agency, shall adopt rules

13  pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the

14  provisions of this chapter, including, at a minimum, rules

15  providing standards to ensure that:

16         (a)  Sufficient numbers and types of qualified

17  personnel are on duty and available at all times to provide

18  necessary and adequate client safety and care.

19         (b)  Adequate space is provided each client of a

20  licensed facility.

21         (c)  Licensed facilities are limited to an appropriate

22  number of beds.

23         (d)  Each licensee establishes and implements adequate

24  infection control, housekeeping, sanitation, disaster

25  planning, and medical recordkeeping.

26         (e)  Licensed facilities are established, organized,

27  and operated in accordance with programmatic standards of the

28  department.

29         (f)  The operation and purposes of these facilities

30  assure individuals' health, safety, and welfare.

31  

                                  73

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (3)  The department, in consultation with the agency,

 2  shall allow any licensed facility in operation at the time of

 3  adoption of any rule a reasonable period, not to exceed 1

 4  year, to bring itself into compliance with department rules

 5  such rule.

 6         (4)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

 7  agency may impose an administrative penalty of no more than

 8  $500 per day against any licensee that violates any rule

 9  adopted pursuant to this section and may suspend or revoke the

10  license or deny the renewal application of such licensee.  In

11  imposing such penalty, the agency shall consider the severity

12  of the violation, actions taken by the licensee to correct the

13  violation, and previous violations by the licensee. Fines

14  collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the

15  Mental Health Facility Licensing Trust Fund.

16         Section 31.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section

17  394.90, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

18         394.90  Inspection; right of entry; records.--

19         (1)(a)  The department and the agency, in accordance

20  with s. 408.811, may enter and inspect at any time a licensed

21  facility to determine whether the facility is in compliance

22  with this chapter and applicable the rules of the department.

23         Section 32.  Section 394.902, Florida Statutes, is

24  amended to read:

25         394.902  Denial, suspension, and revocation; other

26  remedies.--

27         (1)  The agency may issue an emergency order suspending

28  or revoking a license if the agency determines that the

29  continued operation of the licensed facility presents a clear

30  and present danger to the public health or safety.

31  

                                  74

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The agency may impose a moratorium on elective

 2  admissions to a licensee or any program or portion of a

 3  licensed facility if the agency determines that any condition

 4  in the facility presents a threat to the public health or

 5  safety.

 6         (3)  If the agency determines that an applicant or

 7  licensee is not in compliance with this chapter or the rules

 8  adopted under this chapter, the agency may deny, suspend, or

 9  revoke the license or application or may suspend, revoke, or

10  impose reasonable restrictions on any portion of the license.

11  If a license is revoked, the licensee is barred from

12  submitting any application for licensure to the agency for a

13  period of 6 months following revocation.

14         (4)  The agency may maintain an action in circuit court

15  to enjoin the operation of any licensed or unlicensed facility

16  in violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this

17  chapter.

18         (5)  License denial, suspension, or revocation

19  procedures shall be in accordance with chapter 120.

20         Section 33.  Subsection (4) of section 395.002, Florida

21  Statutes, is repealed.

22         Section 34.  Section 395.003, Florida Statutes, is

23  amended to read:

24         395.003  Licensure; issuance, renewal, denial,

25  modification, suspension, and revocation.--

26         (1)(a)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408

27  apply to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

28  pursuant to ss. 395.001-395.1065 and part II of chapter 408

29  and to entities licensed by or applying for such licensure

30  from the Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to ss.

31  

                                  75

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  395.001-395.1065. However, an applicant for licensure is

 2  exempt from certain requirements of s. 408.810, as follows:

 3         (a)  An applicant for an ambulatory surgery center or a

 4  mobile surgical facility license is exempt from s.

 5  408.810(7)-(10); and

 6         (b)  An applicant for a hospital license is exempt from

 7  s. 408.810(7)-(9). No person shall establish, conduct, or

 8  maintain a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or mobile

 9  surgical facility in this state without first obtaining a

10  license under this part.

11         (2)(a)(b)1.  A It is unlawful for any person may not to

12  use or advertise to the public, in any way or by any medium

13  whatsoever, any facility as a "hospital," "ambulatory surgical

14  center," or "mobile surgical facility" unless such facility

15  has first secured a license under the provisions of this part.

16         (b)2.  Nothing in This part does not apply applies to

17  veterinary hospitals or to commercial business establishments

18  using the word "hospital," "ambulatory surgical center," or

19  "mobile surgical facility" as a part of a trade name if no

20  treatment of human beings is not performed on the premises of

21  such establishments.

22         (2)(a)  Upon the receipt of an application for a

23  license and the license fee, the agency shall issue a license

24  if the applicant and facility have received all approvals

25  required by law and meet the requirements established under

26  this part and in rules. Such license shall include all beds

27  and services located on the premises of the facility.

28         (b)  A provisional license may be issued to a new

29  facility or a facility that is in substantial compliance with

30  this part and with the rules of the agency.  A provisional

31  license shall be granted for a period of no more than 1 year

                                  76

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  and shall expire automatically at the end of its term.  A

 2  provisional license may not be renewed.

 3         (c)  A license, unless sooner suspended or revoked,

 4  shall automatically expire 2 years from the date of issuance

 5  and shall be renewable biennially upon application for renewal

 6  and payment of the fee prescribed by s. 395.004(2), provided

 7  the applicant and licensed facility meet the requirements

 8  established under this part and in rules.  An application for

 9  renewal of a license shall be made 90 days prior to expiration

10  of the license, on forms provided by the agency.

11         (3)(d)  The agency shall, at the request of a licensee,

12  issue a single license to a licensee for facilities located on

13  separate premises.  Such a license shall specifically state

14  the location of the facilities, the services, and the licensed

15  beds available on each separate premises.  If a licensee

16  requests a single license, the licensee shall designate which

17  facility or office is responsible for receipt of information,

18  payment of fees, service of process, and all other activities

19  necessary for the agency to carry out the provisions of this

20  part.

21         (4)(e)  The agency shall, at the request of a licensee

22  that is a teaching hospital as defined in s. 408.07(44), issue

23  a single license to a licensee for facilities that have been

24  previously licensed as separate premises, provided such

25  separately licensed facilities, taken together, constitute the

26  same premises as defined in s. 395.002(24). Such license for

27  the single premises shall include all of the beds, services,

28  and programs that were previously included on the licenses for

29  the separate premises. The granting of a single license under

30  this paragraph shall not in any manner reduce the number of

31  beds, services, or programs operated by the licensee.

                                  77

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (5)(f)  Intensive residential treatment programs for

 2  children and adolescents which have received accreditation

 3  from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

 4  Organizations and which meet the minimum standards developed

 5  by rule of the agency for such programs shall be licensed by

 6  the agency under this part.

 7         (3)(a)  Each license shall be valid only for the person

 8  to whom it is issued and shall not be sold, assigned, or

 9  otherwise transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily.  A

10  license is only valid for the premises for which it was

11  originally issued.

12         (b)1.  An application for a new license is required if

13  ownership, a majority of the ownership, or controlling

14  interest of a licensed facility is transferred or assigned and

15  when a lessee agrees to undertake or provide services to the

16  extent that legal liability for operation of the facility

17  rests with the lessee. The application for a new license

18  showing such change shall be made at least 60 days prior to

19  the date of the sale, transfer, assignment, or lease.

20         (6)2.  After a change of ownership has occurred, the

21  transferee shall be liable for any liability to the state,

22  regardless of when identified, resulting from changes to

23  allowable costs affecting provider reimbursement for Medicaid

24  participation or Public Medical Assistance Trust Fund

25  Assessments, and related administrative fines.  The

26  transferee, simultaneously with the transfer of ownership,

27  shall pay or make arrangements to pay to the agency or the

28  department any amount owed to the agency or the department;

29  payment assurances may be in the form of an irrevocable credit

30  instrument or payment bond acceptable to the agency or the

31  department provided by or on behalf of the transferor.  The

                                  78

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  issuance of a license to the transferee shall be delayed

 2  pending payment or until arrangement for payment acceptable to

 3  the agency or the department is made.

 4         (7)(4)  The agency shall issue a license which

 5  specifies the service categories and the number of hospital

 6  beds in each bed category for which a license is received.

 7  Such information shall be listed on the face of the license.

 8  All beds which are not covered by any specialty-bed-need

 9  methodology shall be specified as general beds.  A licensed

10  facility shall not operate a number of hospital beds greater

11  than the number indicated by the agency on the face of the

12  license without approval from the agency under conditions

13  established by rule.

14         (8)(5)(a)  Adherence to patient rights, standards of

15  care, and examination and placement procedures provided under

16  part I of chapter 394 shall be a condition of licensure for

17  hospitals providing voluntary or involuntary medical or

18  psychiatric observation, evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

19         (b)  Any hospital that provides psychiatric treatment

20  to persons under 18 years of age who have emotional

21  disturbances shall comply with the procedures pertaining to

22  the rights of patients prescribed in part I of chapter 394.

23         (9)(6)  A No specialty hospital may not shall provide

24  any service or regularly serve any population group beyond

25  those services or groups specified in its license.

26         (7)  Licenses shall be posted in a conspicuous place on

27  each of the licensed premises.

28         (10)(8)  In addition to the requirements of ss.

29  408.801-408.819, whenever the agency finds that there has been

30  a substantial failure to comply with the requirements

31  

                                  79

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  established under this part or in rules, the agency is

 2  authorized to deny, modify, suspend, or revoke:

 3         (a)  A license;

 4         (b)  That part of a license which is limited to a

 5  separate premises, as designated on the license; or

 6         (c)  Licensure approval limited to a facility,

 7  building, or portion thereof, or a service, within a given

 8  premises.

 9         Section 35.  Section 395.004, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         395.004  Application for license, Fees; expenses.--

12         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

13  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

14  submitted under this part and ss. 408.801-408.819. The amount

15  of the fee shall be established by rule An application for a

16  license or renewal thereof shall be made under oath to the

17  agency, upon forms provided by it, and shall contain such

18  information as the agency reasonably requires, which may

19  include affirmative evidence of ability to comply with

20  applicable laws and rules.

21         (2)  Each application for a general hospital license,

22  specialty hospital license, ambulatory surgical center

23  license, or mobile surgical facility license, or renewal

24  thereof, shall be accompanied by a license fee, in accordance

25  with the following schedule:

26         (a)  The biennial license, provisional license, and

27  license renewal fee required of a facility licensed under this

28  part shall be reasonably calculated to cover the cost of

29  regulation under this part and shall be established by rule at

30  the rate of not less than $9.50 per hospital bed, nor more

31  than $30 per hospital bed, except that the minimum license fee

                                  80

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  shall be $1,500 and the total fees collected from all licensed

 2  facilities may not exceed the cost of properly carrying out

 3  the provisions of this part.

 4         (b)  Such fees shall be paid to the agency and shall be

 5  deposited in the Planning and Regulation Trust Fund of the

 6  agency, which is hereby created, for the sole purpose of

 7  carrying out the provisions of this part.

 8         Section 36.  Section 395.0055, Florida Statutes, is

 9  repealed.

10         Section 37.  Section 395.0161, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         395.0161  Licensure inspection.--

13         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.811, the agency shall

14  make or cause to be made such inspections and investigations

15  as it deems necessary, including:

16         (a)  Inspections directed by the Health Care Financing

17  Administration.

18         (b)  Validation inspections.

19         (c)  Lifesafety inspections.

20         (d)  Licensure complaint investigations, including full

21  licensure investigations with a review of all licensure

22  standards as outlined in the administrative rules.  Complaints

23  received by the agency from individuals, organizations, or

24  other sources are subject to review and investigation by the

25  agency.

26         (e)  Emergency access complaint investigations.

27         (f)  inspections of mobile surgical facilities at each

28  time a facility establishes a new location, prior to the

29  admission of patients. However, such inspections shall not be

30  required when a mobile surgical facility is moved temporarily

31  to a location where medical treatment will not be provided.

                                  81

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The agency shall accept, in lieu of its own

 2  periodic inspections for licensure, the survey or inspection

 3  of an accrediting organization, provided the accreditation of

 4  the licensed facility is not provisional and provided the

 5  licensed facility authorizes release of, and the agency

 6  receives the report of, the accrediting organization.  The

 7  agency shall develop, and adopt by rule, criteria for

 8  accepting survey reports of accrediting organizations in lieu

 9  of conducting a state licensure inspection.

10         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

11  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

12  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. With the

13  exception of state-operated licensed facilities, each facility

14  licensed under this part shall pay to the agency, at the time

15  of inspection, the following fees:

16         (a)  Inspection for licensure.--A fee shall be paid

17  which is not less than $8 per hospital bed, nor more than $12

18  per hospital bed, except that the minimum fee shall be $400

19  per facility.

20         (b)  Inspection for lifesafety only.--A fee shall be

21  paid which is not less than 75 cents per hospital bed, nor

22  more than $1.50 per hospital bed, except that the minimum fee

23  shall be $40 per facility.

24         (4)  The agency shall coordinate all periodic

25  inspections for licensure made by the agency to ensure that

26  the cost to the facility of such inspections and the

27  disruption of services by such inspections is minimized.

28         Section 38.  Section 395.0162, Florida Statutes, is

29  repealed.

30         Section 39.  Subsections (2) and (3) of section

31  395.0163, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

                                  82

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         395.0163  Construction inspections; plan submission and

 2  approval; fees.--

 3         (2)(a)  The agency is authorized to charge an initial

 4  fee of $2,000 for review of plans and construction on all

 5  projects, no part of which is refundable.  The agency may also

 6  collect a fee, not to exceed 1 percent of the estimated

 7  construction cost or the actual cost of review, whichever is

 8  less, for the portion of the review which encompasses initial

 9  review through the initial revised construction document

10  review.  The agency is further authorized to collect its

11  actual costs on all subsequent portions of the review and

12  construction inspections. The initial fee payment shall

13  accompany the initial submission of plans and specifications.

14  Any subsequent payment that is due is payable upon receipt of

15  the invoice from the agency.

16         (b)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the

17  contrary, all moneys received by the agency pursuant to the

18  provisions of this section shall be deposited in the Planning

19  and Regulation Trust Fund, as created by s. 395.004, to be

20  held and applied solely for the operations required under this

21  section.

22         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.811, the agency shall

23  inspect a mobile surgical facility at initial licensure and at

24  each time the facility establishes a new location, prior to

25  admission of patients. However, such inspections shall not be

26  required when a mobile surgical facility is moved temporarily

27  to a location where medical treatment will not be provided.

28         Section 40.  Subsection (2) of section 395.0197,

29  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

30         395.0197  Internal risk management program.--

31  

                                  83

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The internal risk management program is the

 2  responsibility of the governing board of the health care

 3  facility. Each licensed facility shall use the services of

 4  hire a risk manager, licensed under s. 395.10974, who is

 5  responsible for implementation and oversight of such

 6  facility's internal risk management program as required by

 7  this section. A risk manager must not be made responsible for

 8  more than four internal risk management programs in separate

 9  hospitals licensed facilities, unless the hospitals facilities

10  are under one corporate ownership or the risk management

11  programs are in rural hospitals.

12         Section 41.  Section 395.0199, Florida Statutes, is

13  amended to read:

14         395.0199  Private utilization review.--

15         (1)  The purpose of this section is to:

16         (a)  Promote the delivery of quality health care in a

17  cost-effective manner.

18         (b)  Foster greater coordination between providers and

19  health insurers performing utilization review.

20         (c)  Protect patients and insurance providers by

21  ensuring that private review agents are qualified to perform

22  utilization review activities and to make informed decisions

23  on the appropriateness of medical care.

24         (d)  This section does not regulate the activities of

25  private review agents, health insurers, health maintenance

26  organizations, or hospitals, except as expressly provided

27  herein, or authorize regulation or intervention as to the

28  correctness of utilization review decisions of insurers or

29  private review agents.

30         (2)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

31  to the provision of services that necessitate registration or

                                  84

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  licensure pursuant to this section and part II of chapter 408

 2  and to persons registered by or applying for such registration

 3  from the Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to

 4  this section. However, an applicant for registration is exempt

 5  from the provisions of ss. 408.810(5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and

 6  (10) and 408.811. A private review agent conducting

 7  utilization review as to health care services performed or

 8  proposed to be performed in this state shall register with the

 9  agency in accordance with this section.

10         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

11  registrant shall pay a fee for each registration issued under

12  this part and part II of chapter 408. The amount of the fee

13  shall be established by rule, Registration shall be made

14  annually with the agency on forms furnished by the agency and

15  shall be accompanied by the appropriate registration fee as

16  set by the agency.  The fee shall be sufficient to pay for the

17  administrative costs of registering the agent, but may shall

18  not exceed $250. The agency may also charge reasonable fees,

19  reflecting actual costs, to persons requesting copies of

20  registration.

21         (4)  Each applicant for registration must comply with

22  the following requirements:

23         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

24  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

25  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

26  in chapter 435, of the managing employee or other similarly

27  titled individual who is responsible for the operation of the

28  entity. The applicant must comply with the procedures for

29  level 2 background screening as set forth in chapter 435, as

30  well as the requirements of s. 435.03(3).

31  

                                  85

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

 2  other individual who is an applicant, if the agency has

 3  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

 4  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

 5  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

 6         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

 7  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

 8  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

 9  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

10  in fulfillment of the requirements of paragraph (a).

11         (d)  A provisional registration may be granted to an

12  applicant when each individual required by this section to

13  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

14  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

15  has not yet received background screening results from the

16  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

17  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

18  set forth in chapter 435 but a response has not yet been

19  issued. A standard registration may be granted to the

20  applicant upon the agency's receipt of a report of the results

21  of the Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening

22  for each individual required by this section to undergo

23  background screening which confirms that all standards have

24  been met, or upon the granting of a disqualification exemption

25  by the agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person

26  who is required to undergo level 2 background screening may

27  serve in his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of

28  the report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However,

29  the person may not continue to serve if the report indicates

30  any violation of background screening standards and a

31  

                                  86

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

 2  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 3         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

 4  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

 5  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 6  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

 7  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

 8  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be

 9  accepted in lieu of this submission.

10         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

11  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

12  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

13  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

14  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

15  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

16  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

17  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

18  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

19  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

20  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

21  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

22  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

23  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

24  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

25  include in the application a statement affirming that the

26  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

27  requirements of this paragraph.

28         (g)  A registration may not be granted to an applicant

29  if the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty

30  of, regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

31  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

                                  87

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

 2  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

 3  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 4         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke the registration if

 5  any applicant:

 6         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

 7  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

 8  omitted any material fact from the application required by

 9  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

10         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

11  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

12  paragraph (e).

13         (i)  An application for registration renewal must

14  contain the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

15         (4)(5)  Registration shall include the following:

16         (a)  A description of the review policies and

17  procedures to be used in evaluating proposed or delivered

18  hospital care.

19         (b)  The name, address, and telephone number of the

20  utilization review agent performing utilization review, who

21  shall be at least:

22         1.  A licensed practical nurse or licensed registered

23  nurse, or other similarly qualified medical records or health

24  care professionals, for performing initial review when

25  information is necessary from the physician or hospital to

26  determine the medical necessity or appropriateness of hospital

27  services; or

28         2.  A licensed physician, or a licensed physician

29  practicing in the field of psychiatry for review of mental

30  health services, for an initial denial determination prior to

31  a final denial determination by the health insurer and which

                                  88

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  shall include the written evaluation and findings of the

 2  reviewing physician.

 3         (c)  A description of an appeal procedure for patients

 4  or health care providers whose services are under review, who

 5  may appeal an initial denial determination prior to a final

 6  determination by the health insurer with whom the private

 7  review agent has contracted.  The appeal procedure shall

 8  provide for review by a licensed physician, or by a licensed

 9  physician practicing in the field of psychiatry for review of

10  mental health services, and shall include the written

11  evaluation and findings of the reviewing physician.

12         (d)  A designation of the times when the staff of the

13  utilization review agent will be available by toll-free

14  telephone, which shall include at least 40 hours per week

15  during the normal business hours of the agent.

16         (e)  An acknowledgment and agreement that any private

17  review agent which, as a general business practice, fails to

18  adhere to the policies, procedures, and representations made

19  in its application for registration shall have its

20  registration revoked.

21         (f)  Disclosure of any incentive payment provision or

22  quota provision which is contained in the agent's contract

23  with a health insurer and is based on reduction or denial of

24  services, reduction of length of stay, or selection of

25  treatment setting.

26         (g)  Updates of any material changes to review policies

27  or procedures.

28         (6)  The agency may impose fines or suspend or revoke

29  the registration of any private review agent in violation of

30  this section.  Any private review agent failing to register or

31  update registration as required by this section shall be

                                  89

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  deemed to be within the jurisdiction of the agency and subject

 2  to an administrative penalty not to exceed $1,000.  The agency

 3  may bring actions to enjoin activities of private review

 4  agents in violation of this section.

 5         (5)(7)  An No insurer may not shall knowingly contract

 6  with or utilize a private review agent that which has failed

 7  to register as required by this section or which has had a

 8  registration revoked by the agency.

 9         (6)(8)  A private review agent that which operates

10  under contract with the federal or state government for

11  utilization review of patients eligible for hospital or other

12  services under Title XVIII or Title XIX of the Social Security

13  Act is exempt from the provisions of this section for services

14  provided under such contract.  A private review agent that

15  which provides utilization review services to the federal or

16  state government and a private insurer shall not be exempt for

17  services provided to nonfederally funded patients.  This

18  section shall not apply to persons who perform utilization

19  review services for medically necessary hospital services

20  provided to injured workers pursuant to chapter 440 and shall

21  not apply to self-insurance funds or service companies

22  authorized pursuant to chapter 440 or part VII of chapter 626.

23         (7)(9)  Facilities licensed under this chapter shall

24  promptly comply with the requests of utilization review agents

25  or insurers which are reasonably necessary to facilitate

26  prompt accomplishment of utilization review activities.

27         (8)(10)  The agency shall adopt rules to implement the

28  provisions of this section.

29         Section 42.  Subsection (1) of section 395.1046,

30  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

31         395.1046  Complaint investigation procedures.--

                                  90

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.811, the agency shall

 2  investigate any complaint against a hospital for any violation

 3  of s. 395.1041 that the agency reasonably believes to be

 4  legally sufficient.  A complaint is legally sufficient if it

 5  contains ultimate facts which show that a violation of this

 6  chapter, or any rule adopted under this chapter by the agency,

 7  has occurred.  The agency may investigate, or continue to

 8  investigate, and may take appropriate final action on a

 9  complaint, even though the original complainant withdraws his

10  or her complaint or otherwise indicates his or her desire not

11  to cause it to be investigated to completion.  When an

12  investigation of any person or facility is undertaken, the

13  agency shall notify such person in writing of the

14  investigation and inform the person or facility in writing of

15  the substance, the facts which show that a violation has

16  occurred, and the source of any complaint filed against him or

17  her.  The agency may conduct an investigation without

18  notification to any person if the act under investigation is a

19  criminal offense.  The agency shall have access to all records

20  necessary for the investigation of the complaint.

21         Section 43.  Subsections (1), (7), and (8) of section

22  395.1055, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

23         395.1055  Rules and enforcement.--

24         (1)  The agency shall adopt rules pursuant to ss.

25  120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this part

26  and part II of chapter 408, which shall include reasonable and

27  fair minimum standards for ensuring that:

28         (a)  Sufficient numbers and qualified types of

29  personnel and occupational disciplines are on duty and

30  available at all times to provide necessary and adequate

31  patient care and safety.

                                  91

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Infection control, housekeeping, sanitary

 2  conditions, and medical record procedures that will adequately

 3  protect patient care and safety are established and

 4  implemented.

 5         (c)  A comprehensive emergency management plan is

 6  prepared and updated annually.  Such standards must be

 7  included in the rules adopted by the agency after consulting

 8  with the Department of Community Affairs.  At a minimum, the

 9  rules must provide for plan components that address emergency

10  evacuation transportation; adequate sheltering arrangements;

11  postdisaster activities, including emergency power, food, and

12  water; postdisaster transportation; supplies; staffing;

13  emergency equipment; individual identification of residents

14  and transfer of records, and responding to family inquiries.

15  The comprehensive emergency management plan is subject to

16  review and approval by the local emergency management agency.

17  During its review, the local emergency management agency shall

18  ensure that the following agencies, at a minimum, are given

19  the opportunity to review the plan: the Department of Elderly

20  Affairs, the Department of Health, the Agency for Health Care

21  Administration, and the Department of Community Affairs. Also,

22  appropriate volunteer organizations must be given the

23  opportunity to review the plan.  The local emergency

24  management agency shall complete its review within 60 days and

25  either approve the plan or advise the facility of necessary

26  revisions.

27         (d)  Licensed facilities are established, organized,

28  and operated consistent with established standards and rules.

29         (e)  Licensed facility beds conform to minimum space,

30  equipment, and furnishings standards as specified by the

31  department.

                                  92

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (f)  All hospitals submit such data as necessary to

 2  conduct certificate-of-need reviews required under ss.

 3  408.031-408.045. Such data shall include, but shall not be

 4  limited to, patient origin data, hospital utilization data,

 5  type of service reporting, and facility staffing data.  The

 6  agency shall not collect data that identifies or could

 7  disclose the identity of individual patients. The agency shall

 8  utilize existing uniform statewide data sources when available

 9  and shall minimize reporting costs to hospitals.

10         (g)  Each hospital has a quality improvement program

11  designed according to standards established by their current

12  accrediting organization. This program will enhance quality of

13  care and emphasize quality patient outcomes, corrective action

14  for problems, governing board review, and reporting to the

15  agency of standardized data elements necessary to analyze

16  quality of care outcomes.  The agency shall use existing data,

17  when available, and shall not duplicate the efforts of other

18  state agencies in order to obtain such data.

19         (7)  Any licensed facility which is in operation at the

20  time of promulgation of any applicable rules under this part

21  shall be given a reasonable time, under the particular

22  circumstances, but not to exceed 1 year from the date of such

23  promulgation, within which to comply with such rules.

24         (7)(8)  The agency may not adopt any rule governing the

25  design, construction, erection, alteration, modification,

26  repair, or demolition of any public or private hospital,

27  intermediate residential treatment facility, or ambulatory

28  surgical center. It is the intent of the Legislature to

29  preempt that function to the Florida Building Commission and

30  the State Fire Marshal through adoption and maintenance of the

31  Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

                                  93

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  However, the agency shall provide technical assistance to the

 2  commission and the State Fire Marshal in updating the

 3  construction standards of the Florida Building Code and the

 4  Florida Fire Prevention Code which govern hospitals,

 5  intermediate residential treatment facilities, and ambulatory

 6  surgical centers.

 7         Section 44.  Section 395.1065, Florida Statutes, is

 8  amended to read:

 9         395.1065  Criminal and administrative penalties;

10  injunctions; emergency orders; moratorium.--

11         (1)  Any person establishing, conducting, managing, or

12  operating any facility without a license under this part is

13  guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined

14  not more than $500 for the first offense and not more than

15  $1,000 for each subsequent offense, and each day of continuing

16  violation after conviction shall be considered a separate

17  offense.

18         (1)(2)(a)  The agency may deny, revoke, or suspend a

19  license or impose an administrative fine, not to exceed $1,000

20  per violation, per day, for the violation of any provision of

21  this part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules adopted

22  under this part. Each day of violation constitutes a separate

23  violation and is subject to a separate fine.

24         (b)  In determining the amount of fine to be levied for

25  a violation, as provided in paragraph (a), the following

26  factors shall be considered:

27         1.  The severity of the violation, including the

28  probability that death or serious harm to the health or safety

29  of any person will result or has resulted, the severity of the

30  actual or potential harm, and the extent to which the

31  provisions of this part were violated.

                                  94

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         2.  Actions taken by the licensee to correct the

 2  violations or to remedy complaints.

 3         3.  Any previous violations of the licensee.

 4         (c)  All amounts collected pursuant to this section

 5  shall be deposited into the Planning and Regulation Trust

 6  Fund, as created by s. 395.004.

 7         (c)(d)  The agency may impose an administrative fine

 8  for the violation of s. 641.3154 or, if sufficient claims due

 9  to a provider from a health maintenance organization do not

10  exist to enable the take-back of an overpayment, as provided

11  under s. 641.3155(5), for the violation of s. 641.3155(5). The

12  administrative fine for a violation cited in this paragraph

13  shall be in the amounts specified in s. 641.52(5), and the

14  provisions of paragraph (a) do not apply.

15         (2)(3)  Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any

16  other remedy, the agency may maintain an action in the name of

17  the state for injunction or other process to enforce the

18  provisions of this part, part II of chapter 408, and

19  applicable rules promulgated hereunder.

20         (4)  The agency may issue an emergency order

21  immediately suspending or revoking a license when it

22  determines that any condition in the licensed facility

23  presents a clear and present danger to public health and

24  safety.

25         (5)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium on

26  elective admissions to any licensed facility, building, or

27  portion thereof, or service, when the agency determines that

28  any condition in the facility presents a threat to public

29  health or safety.

30         (3)(6)  In seeking to impose penalties against a

31  facility as defined in s. 394.455 for a violation of part I of

                                  95

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  chapter 394, the agency is authorized to rely on the

 2  investigation and findings by the Department of Health in lieu

 3  of conducting its own investigation.

 4         Section 45.  Subsection (1) of section 395.10973,

 5  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 6         395.10973  Powers and duties of the agency.--It is the

 7  function of the agency to:

 8         (1)  Adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54

 9  to implement the provisions of this part and part II of

10  chapter 408 conferring duties upon it.

11         Section 46.  Section 395.10974, Florida Statutes, is

12  amended to read:

13         395.10974  Health care risk managers; qualifications,

14  licensure, fees.--

15         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

16  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

17  pursuant to ss. 395.10971-395.10976 and part II of chapter 408

18  and to entities licensed by or applying for such licensure

19  from the Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to ss.

20  395.10971-395.10976. Any person desiring to be licensed as a

21  health care risk manager shall submit an application on a form

22  provided by the agency. In order to qualify for licensure, the

23  applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the agency

24  which demonstrates the applicant's competence, by education or

25  experience, in the following areas:

26         (a)  Applicable standards of health care risk

27  management.

28         (b)  Applicable federal, state, and local health and

29  safety laws and rules.

30         (c)  General risk management administration.

31         (d)  Patient care.

                                  96

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (e)  Medical care.

 2         (f)  Personal and social care.

 3         (g)  Accident prevention.

 4         (h)  Departmental organization and management.

 5         (i)  Community interrelationships.

 6         (j)  Medical terminology.

 7  

 8  Each applicant for licensure must comply with all provisions

 9  of part II of chapter 408, with the exception of ss. 408.809,

10  408.810, and 408.811. The agency may require such additional

11  information, from the applicant or any other person, as may be

12  reasonably required to verify the information contained in the

13  application.

14         (2)  The agency shall not grant or issue a license as a

15  health care risk manager to any individual unless from the

16  application it affirmatively appears that the applicant:

17         (a)  Is 18 years of age or over;

18         (b)  Is a high school graduate or equivalent; and

19         (c)1.  Has fulfilled the requirements of a 1-year

20  program or its equivalent in health care risk management

21  training which may be developed or approved by the agency;

22         2.  Has completed 2 years of college-level studies

23  which would prepare the applicant for health care risk

24  management, to be further defined by rule; or

25         3.  Has obtained 1 year of practical experience in

26  health care risk management.

27         (3)  The agency shall issue a license to practice

28  health care risk management to any applicant who qualifies

29  under this section. In accordance with s. 408.805, an

30  applicant or licensee shall pay a fee for each license

31  application submitted under this part and part II of chapter

                                  97

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  408. The amount of the fees shall be established by rule, as

 2  follows: and submits an application fee of not more than $75,

 3  a fingerprinting fee of not more than $75, and a license fee

 4  of not more than $100. The agency shall by rule establish fees

 5  and procedures for the issuance and cancellation of licenses.

 6         (4)  The agency shall renew a health care risk manager

 7  license upon receipt of a biennial renewal application and

 8  fees. The agency shall by rule establish a procedure for the

 9  biennial renewal of licenses.

10         Section 47.  Paragraph (l) of subsection (3) of section

11  395.1041, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

12         395.1041  Access to emergency services and care.--

13         (3)  EMERGENCY SERVICES; DISCRIMINATION; LIABILITY OF

14  FACILITY OR HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL.--

15         (l)  Hospital personnel must may withhold or withdraw

16  cardiopulmonary resuscitation if presented with an order not

17  to resuscitate executed pursuant to s. 401.45. Facility staff

18  and facilities shall not be subject to criminal prosecution or

19  civil liability, nor be considered to have engaged in

20  negligent or unprofessional conduct, for withholding or

21  withdrawing cardiopulmonary resuscitation pursuant to such an

22  order. The absence of an order not to resuscitate executed

23  pursuant to s. 401.45 does not preclude a physician from

24  withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary resuscitation as

25  otherwise permitted by law.

26         Section 48.  Section 395.10411, Florida Statutes, is

27  created to read:

28         395.10411  Duty of a facility to carry out the advance

29  directive of a patient.--

30         (1)  When a person who has a terminal condition or an

31  end-stage condition or is in a persistent vegetative state and

                                  98

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  who has an advance directive is a patient in a facility

 2  licensed under this chapter which is providing health care

 3  services to the person, the facility must carry out the

 4  advance directive or must transfer the patient pursuant to s.

 5  765.1105 to a facility that will carry out the advance

 6  directive. The cost of transferring a patient for the purpose

 7  of carrying out an advance directive shall be paid by the

 8  facility from which the patient is transferred, and neither

 9  the patient nor the receiving facility is responsible for any

10  part of such cost. A facility that fails to carry out a

11  patient's advance directive will not receive payment of any

12  state funds for life-prolonging treatment provided to the

13  patient.

14         (2)  When a person who has a terminal condition or an

15  end-stage condition or is in a persistent vegetative state and

16  who has an order not to resuscitate is a patient in a facility

17  licensed under this chapter which is providing health care

18  services to the person, the facility must carry out the order

19  not to resuscitate. A facility that fails to carry out a

20  patient's order not to resuscitate will not receive payment of

21  any state funds for life-prolonging treatment provided to the

22  patient.

23         (3)  When a person who has a terminal condition or an

24  end-stage condition or is in a persistent vegetative state and

25  who has an advance directive is a designated organ donor, a

26  health care facility may keep the organs of the person viable

27  for a period not to exceed 36 hours once the decision has been

28  made to remove life support. This subsection does not

29  supersede an advance directive, and life-prolonging procedures

30  may not be used beyond a period of 36 hours.

31  

                                  99

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 49.  Section 765.1105, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         765.1105  Transfer of a patient.--

 4         (1)  A health care provider or facility that refuses to

 5  comply with a patient's advance directive, or the treatment

 6  decision of his or her surrogate, must shall make reasonable

 7  efforts to transfer the patient to another health care

 8  provider or facility that will comply with the directive or

 9  treatment decision. This chapter does not require a health

10  care provider or facility to commit any act which is contrary

11  to the provider's or facility's moral or ethical beliefs, if

12  the patient:

13         (a)  Is not in an emergency condition; and

14         (b)  Has received written information upon admission

15  informing the patient of the policies of the health care

16  provider or facility regarding such moral or ethical beliefs.

17         (2)  A health care provider or facility that is

18  unwilling to carry out the wishes of the patient or the

19  treatment decision of his or her surrogate because of moral or

20  ethical beliefs must, within 48 hours after a determination by

21  the attending physician that the patient's condition is such

22  that the advance directive applies, 7 days either:

23         (a)  Transfer the patient to another health care

24  provider or facility. The health care provider or facility

25  shall pay the costs for transporting the patient to another

26  health care provider or facility; or

27         (b)  If the patient has not been transferred, carry out

28  the wishes of the patient or the patient's surrogate, unless

29  the provisions of s. 765.105 apply.

30         Section 50.  Section 765.1021, Florida Statutes, is

31  created to read:

                                 100

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         765.1021  Advance directive as part of a patient's

 2  medical record.--To encourage individuals to complete an

 3  advance directive and to inform individuals about options for

 4  care available to them at the end of life, the Legislature

 5  encourages primary physicians and patients to discuss advance

 6  directives and end-of-life care in a physician's office

 7  setting on a nonemergency basis. If a patient completes an

 8  advance directive and gives a copy of it to a physician, the

 9  patient's advance directive must become part of the patient's

10  medical record.

11         Section 51.  Subsection (1) of section 765.304, Florida

12  Statutes, is amended to read:

13         765.304  Procedure for living will.--

14         (1)  If a person has made a living will expressing his

15  or her desires concerning life-prolonging procedures, but has

16  not designated a surrogate to execute his or her wishes

17  concerning life-prolonging procedures or designated a

18  surrogate under part II, the attending physician must may

19  proceed as directed by the principal in the living will or

20  must transfer him or her to a physician who will comply with

21  the living will. In the event of a dispute or disagreement

22  concerning the attending physician's decision to withhold or

23  withdraw life-prolonging procedures, the attending physician

24  shall not withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures

25  pending review under s. 765.105. If a review of a disputed

26  decision is not sought within 7 days following the attending

27  physician's decision to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging

28  procedures, the attending physician must may proceed in

29  accordance with the principal's instructions.

30         Section 52.  Subsection (2) of section 395.10975,

31  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

                                 101

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         395.10975  Grounds for denial, suspension, or

 2  revocation of a health care risk manager's license;

 3  administrative fine.--

 4         (2)  If the agency finds that one or more of the

 5  grounds set forth in subsection (1) exist, it may, in lieu of

 6  or in addition to denial suspension or revocation, enter an

 7  order imposing one or more of the following penalties:

 8         (a)  Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed

 9  $2,500 for each count or separate offense.

10         (b)  Issuance of a reprimand.

11         (c)  Placement of the licensee on probation for a

12  period of time and subject to such conditions as the agency

13  may specify, including requiring the licensee to attend

14  continuing education courses or to work under the supervision

15  of another licensee.

16         Section 53.  Subsection (17) of section 400.021,

17  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

18         400.021  Definitions.--When used in this part, unless

19  the context otherwise requires, the term:

20         (17)  "Resident care plan" means a written plan

21  developed, maintained, and reviewed not less than quarterly by

22  a registered nurse, with participation from other facility

23  staff and the resident or his or her designee or legal

24  representative, which includes a comprehensive assessment of

25  the needs of an individual resident; the type and frequency of

26  services required to provide the necessary care for the

27  resident to attain or maintain the highest practicable

28  physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being; a listing of

29  services provided within or outside the facility to meet those

30  needs; and an explanation of service goals. The resident care

31  plan must be signed by the director of nursing or another

                                 102

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  registered nurse employed by the facility to whom

 2  institutional responsibilities have been delegated and by the

 3  resident, the resident's designee, or the resident's legal

 4  representative. The facility may not use an agency or

 5  temporary registered nurse to satisfy the foregoing

 6  requirement and must document the institutional

 7  responsibilities that have been delegated to the registered

 8  nurse.

 9         Section 54.  Subsections (5) and (20) of section

10  400.021, Florida Statutes, are repealed.

11         Section 55.  Subsection (3) of section 400.022, Florida

12  Statutes, is amended to read:

13         400.022  Residents' rights.--

14         (3)  Any violation of the resident's rights set forth

15  in this section shall constitute grounds for action by the

16  agency under the provisions of s. 400.102, s. 400.121, or part

17  II of chapter 408.  In order to determine whether the licensee

18  is adequately protecting residents' rights, the licensure

19  annual inspection of the facility shall include private

20  informal conversations with a sample of residents to discuss

21  residents' experiences within the facility with respect to

22  rights specified in this section and general compliance with

23  standards, and consultation with the ombudsman council in the

24  local planning and service area of the Department of Elderly

25  Affairs in which the nursing home is located.

26         Section 56.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section

27  400.051, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

28         400.051  Homes or institutions exempt from the

29  provisions of this part.--

30         (1)  The following shall be exempt from the provisions

31  of this part:

                                 103

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Any hospital, as defined in s. 395.002 s.

 2  395.002(11), that is licensed under chapter 395.

 3         Section 57.  Section 400.062, Florida Statutes, is

 4  amended to read:

 5         400.062  License required; fee; disposition; display;

 6  transfer.--

 7         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

 8  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

 9  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

10  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

11  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

12  It is unlawful to operate or maintain a facility without first

13  obtaining from the agency a license authorizing such

14  operation.

15         (2)  Separate licenses shall be required for facilities

16  maintained in separate premises, even though operated under

17  the same management. However, a separate license shall not be

18  required for separate buildings on the same grounds.

19         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

20  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

21  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

22  annual license fee required for each license issued under this

23  part shall be comprised of two parts.  Part I of the license

24  fee shall be the basic license fee. The rate per bed for the

25  basic license fee shall be established biennially annually and

26  shall be $100 $50 per bed unless modified by rule. The agency

27  may adjust the per bed licensure fees by the Consumer Price

28  Index based on the 12 months immediately preceding the

29  increase to cover the cost of regulation under this part. Part

30  II of the license fee shall be the resident protection fee,

31  which shall be at the rate of not less than 50 25 cents per

                                 104

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  bed. The rate per bed shall be the minimum rate per bed, and

 2  such rate shall remain in effect until the effective date of a

 3  rate per bed adopted by rule by the agency pursuant to this

 4  part. At such time as the amount on deposit in the Resident

 5  Protection Trust Fund is less than $1 million, the agency may

 6  adopt rules to establish a rate which may not exceed $20 $10

 7  per bed.  The rate per bed shall revert back to the minimum

 8  rate per bed when the amount on deposit in the Resident

 9  Protection Trust Fund reaches $1 million, except that any rate

10  established by rule shall remain in effect until such time as

11  the rate has been equally required for each license issued

12  under this part.  Any amount in the fund in excess of $2

13  million shall revert to the Health Care Trust Fund and may not

14  be expended without prior approval of the Legislature.  The

15  agency may prorate the biennial annual license fee for those

16  licenses which it issues under this part for less than 2 years

17  1 year.  Funds generated by license fees collected in

18  accordance with this section shall be deposited in the

19  following manner:

20         (a)  The basic license fee collected shall be deposited

21  in the Health Care Trust Fund, established for the sole

22  purpose of carrying out this part. When the balance of the

23  account established in the Health Care Trust Fund for the

24  deposit of fees collected as authorized under this section

25  exceeds one-third of the annual cost of regulation under this

26  part, the excess shall be used to reduce the licensure fees in

27  the next year.

28         (b)  The resident protection fee collected shall be

29  deposited in the Resident Protection Trust Fund for the sole

30  purpose of paying, in accordance with the provisions of s.

31  400.063, for the appropriate alternate placement, care, and

                                 105

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  treatment of a resident removed from a nursing home facility

 2  on a temporary, emergency basis or for the maintenance and

 3  care of residents in a nursing home facility pending removal

 4  and alternate placement.

 5         (4)  Counties or municipalities applying for licenses

 6  under this part are exempt from license fees authorized under

 7  this section.

 8         (5)  The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous

 9  place inside the facility.

10         (6)  A license shall be valid only in the hands of the

11  individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation to

12  whom it is issued and shall not be subject to sale,

13  assignment, or other transfer, voluntary or involuntary, nor

14  shall a license be valid for any premises other than those for

15  which originally issued.

16         Section 58.  Subsection (1) of section 400.063, Florida

17  Statutes, is amended to read:

18         400.063  Resident Protection Trust Fund.--

19         (1)  A Resident Protection Trust Fund shall be

20  established for the purpose of collecting and disbursing funds

21  generated from the license fees and administrative fines as

22  provided for in ss. 393.0673(2), 400.062(3) 400.062(3)(b),

23  400.111(1), 400.121(2), and 400.23(8).  Such funds shall be

24  for the sole purpose of paying for the appropriate alternate

25  placement, care, and treatment of residents who are removed

26  from a facility licensed under this part or a facility

27  specified in s. 393.0678(1) in which the agency determines

28  that existing conditions or practices constitute an immediate

29  danger to the health, safety, or security of the residents.

30  If the agency determines that it is in the best interest of

31  the health, safety, or security of the residents to provide

                                 106

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  for an orderly removal of the residents from the facility, the

 2  agency may utilize such funds to maintain and care for the

 3  residents in the facility pending removal and alternative

 4  placement.  The maintenance and care of the residents shall be

 5  under the direction and control of a receiver appointed

 6  pursuant to s. 393.0678(1) or s. 400.126(1).  However, funds

 7  may be expended in an emergency upon a filing of a petition

 8  for a receiver, upon the declaration of a state of local

 9  emergency pursuant to s. 252.38(3)(a)5., or upon a duly

10  authorized local order of evacuation of a facility by

11  emergency personnel to protect the health and safety of the

12  residents.

13         Section 59.  Section 400.071, Florida Statutes, is

14  amended to read:

15         400.071  Application for license.--

16         (1)  An application for a license as required by s.

17  400.062 shall be made to the agency on forms furnished by it

18  and shall be accompanied by the appropriate license fee.

19         (1)(2)  The application shall be under oath and shall

20  contain the following:

21         (a)  The name, address, and social security number of

22  the applicant if an individual; if the applicant is a firm,

23  partnership, or association, its name, address, and employer

24  identification number (EIN), and the name and address of any

25  controlling interest; and the name by which the facility is to

26  be known.

27         (b)  The name of any person whose name is required on

28  the application under the provisions of paragraph (a) and who

29  owns at least a 10-percent interest in any professional

30  service, firm, association, partnership, or corporation

31  providing goods, leases, or services to the facility for which

                                 107

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the application is made, and the name and address of the

 2  professional service, firm, association, partnership, or

 3  corporation in which such interest is held.

 4         (c)  The location of the facility for which a license

 5  is sought and an indication, as in the original application,

 6  that such location conforms to the local zoning ordinances.

 7         (d)  The name of the person or persons under whose

 8  management or supervision the facility will be conducted and

 9  the name of the administrator.

10         (a)(e)  A signed affidavit disclosing any financial or

11  ownership interest that a controlling interest, as defined in

12  s. 408.803, person or entity described in paragraph (a) or

13  paragraph (d) has held in the last 5 years in any entity

14  licensed by this state or any other state to provide health or

15  residential care which has closed voluntarily or

16  involuntarily; has filed for bankruptcy; has had a receiver

17  appointed; has had a license denied, suspended, or revoked; or

18  has had an injunction issued against it which was initiated by

19  a regulatory agency. The affidavit must disclose the reason

20  any such entity was closed, whether voluntarily or

21  involuntarily.

22         (b)(f)  The total number of beds and the total number

23  of Medicare and Medicaid certified beds.

24         (c)(g)  Information relating to the number, experience,

25  and training of the employees of the facility and of the moral

26  character of the applicant and employees which the agency

27  requires by rule, including the name and address of any

28  nursing home with which the applicant or employees have been

29  affiliated through ownership or employment within 5 years of

30  the date of the application for a license and the record of

31  any criminal convictions involving the applicant and any

                                 108

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  criminal convictions involving an employee if known by the

 2  applicant after inquiring of the employee.  The applicant must

 3  demonstrate that sufficient numbers of qualified staff, by

 4  training or experience, will be employed to properly care for

 5  the type and number of residents who will reside in the

 6  facility.

 7         (d)(h)  Copies of any civil verdict or judgment

 8  involving the applicant rendered within the 10 years preceding

 9  the application, relating to medical negligence, violation of

10  residents' rights, or wrongful death.  As a condition of

11  licensure, the licensee agrees to provide to the agency copies

12  of any new verdict or judgment involving the applicant,

13  relating to such matters, within 30 days after filing with the

14  clerk of the court.  The information required in this

15  paragraph shall be maintained in the facility's licensure file

16  and in an agency database which is available as a public

17  record.

18         (3)  The applicant shall submit evidence which

19  establishes the good moral character of the applicant,

20  manager, supervisor, and administrator. No applicant, if the

21  applicant is an individual; no member of a board of directors

22  or officer of an applicant, if the applicant is a firm,

23  partnership, association, or corporation; and no licensed

24  nursing home administrator shall have been convicted, or found

25  guilty, regardless of adjudication, of a crime in any

26  jurisdiction which affects or may potentially affect residents

27  in the facility.

28         (4)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

29  following requirements:

30         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

31  application, the agency shall require background screening of

                                 109

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the applicant, in accordance with the level 2 standards for

 2  screening set forth in chapter 435. As used in this

 3  subsection, the term "applicant" means the facility

 4  administrator, or similarly titled individual who is

 5  responsible for the day-to-day operation of the licensed

 6  facility, and the facility financial officer, or similarly

 7  titled individual who is responsible for the financial

 8  operation of the licensed facility.

 9         (b)  The agency may require background screening for a

10  member of the board of directors of the licensee or an officer

11  or an individual owning 5 percent or more of the licensee if

12  the agency has probable cause to believe that such individual

13  has been convicted of an offense prohibited under the level 2

14  standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

15         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

16  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

17  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

18  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

19  state is acceptable in fulfillment of paragraph (a). Proof of

20  compliance with background screening which has been submitted

21  within the previous 5 years to fulfill the requirements of the

22  Financial Services Commission and the Office of Insurance

23  Regulation pursuant to chapter 651 as part of an application

24  for a certificate of authority to operate a continuing care

25  retirement community is acceptable in fulfillment of the

26  Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of

27  Investigation background check.

28         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

29  applicant when each individual required by this section to

30  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

31  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

                                 110

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  has not yet received background screening results from the

 2  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

 3  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

 4  set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been

 5  issued.  A license may be granted to the applicant upon the

 6  agency's receipt of a report of the results of the Federal

 7  Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

 8  individual required by this section to undergo background

 9  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

10  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

11  agency as set forth in chapter 435.  Any other person who is

12  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

13  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

14  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; however, the person

15  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

16  violation of background screening standards and a

17  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

18  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

19         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

20  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

21  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

22  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

23  disclosure of ownership and control interest requirements of

24  the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be accepted in lieu of

25  this submission.

26         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

27  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

28  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

29  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

30  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

31  applicant. This requirement shall not apply to a director of a

                                 111

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

 2  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

 3  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

 4  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

 5  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 6  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

 7  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

 8  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

 9  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

10  include in the application a statement affirming that the

11  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

12  requirements of this paragraph.

13         (g)  An application for license renewal must contain

14  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

15         (5)  The applicant shall furnish satisfactory proof of

16  financial ability to operate and conduct the nursing home in

17  accordance with the requirements of this part and all rules

18  adopted under this part, and the agency shall establish

19  standards for this purpose, including information reported

20  under paragraph (2)(e). The agency also shall establish

21  documentation requirements, to be completed by each applicant,

22  that show anticipated facility revenues and expenditures, the

23  basis for financing the anticipated cash-flow requirements of

24  the facility, and an applicant's access to contingency

25  financing.

26         (2)(6)  If the applicant offers continuing care

27  agreements as defined in chapter 651, proof shall be furnished

28  that such applicant has obtained a certificate of authority as

29  required for operation under that chapter.

30         (3)(7)  As a condition of licensure, each licensee,

31  except one offering continuing care agreements as defined in

                                 112

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  chapter 651, must agree to accept recipients of Title XIX of

 2  the Social Security Act on a temporary, emergency basis.  The

 3  persons whom the agency may require such licensees to accept

 4  are those recipients of Title XIX of the Social Security Act

 5  who are residing in a facility in which existing conditions

 6  constitute an immediate danger to the health, safety, or

 7  security of the residents of the facility.

 8         (4)(8)  The agency may not issue a license to a nursing

 9  home that fails to receive a certificate of need under the

10  provisions of ss. 408.031-408.045. It is the intent of the

11  Legislature that, in reviewing a certificate-of-need

12  application to add beds to an existing nursing home facility,

13  preference be given to the application of a licensee who has

14  been awarded a Gold Seal as provided for in s. 400.235, if the

15  applicant otherwise meets the review criteria specified in s.

16  408.035.

17         (5)(9)  The agency may develop an abbreviated survey

18  for licensure renewal applicable to a licensee that has

19  continuously operated as a nursing facility since 1991 or

20  earlier, has operated under the same management for at least

21  the preceding 30 months, and has had during the preceding 30

22  months no class I or class II deficiencies.

23         (10)  The agency may issue an inactive license to a

24  nursing home that will be temporarily unable to provide

25  services but that is reasonably expected to resume services.

26  Such designation may be made for a period not to exceed 12

27  months but may be renewed by the agency for up to 6 additional

28  months. Any request by a licensee that a nursing home become

29  inactive must be submitted to the agency and approved by the

30  agency prior to initiating any suspension of service or

31  notifying residents. Upon agency approval, the nursing home

                                 113

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  shall notify residents of any necessary discharge or transfer

 2  as provided in s. 400.0255.

 3         (6)(11)  As a condition of licensure, each facility

 4  must establish and submit with its application a plan for

 5  quality assurance and for conducting risk management.

 6         (12)  The applicant must provide the agency with proof

 7  of a legal right to occupy the property before a license may

 8  be issued. Proof may include, but is not limited to, copies of

 9  warranty deeds, lease or rental agreements, contracts for

10  deeds, or quitclaim deeds.

11         Section 60.  Section 400.0712, Florida Statutes, is

12  created to read:

13         400.0712  Application for inactive license.--

14         (1)  As specified in this section, the agency may issue

15  an inactive license to a nursing home facility for all or a

16  portion of its beds. Any request by a licensee that a nursing

17  home or portion of a nursing home become inactive must be

18  submitted to the agency in the approved format. The facility

19  may not initiate any suspension of services, notify residents,

20  or initiate facility closure before receiving approval from

21  the agency; and a facility that violates this provision may

22  not be issued an inactive license. Upon agency approval of an

23  inactive license, the nursing home shall notify residents of

24  any necessary discharge or transfer as provided in s.

25  400.0255.

26         (2)  The agency may issue an inactive license to a

27  nursing home that chooses to use an unoccupied contiguous

28  portion of the facility for an alternative use to meet the

29  needs of elderly persons through the use of less restrictive,

30  less institutional services.

31  

                                 114

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  An inactive license issued under this subsection

 2  may be granted for a period not to exceed 12 months but may be

 3  renewed annually by the agency for 12 months.

 4         (b)  A request to extend the inactive license must be

 5  submitted to the agency in the approved format and approved by

 6  the agency in writing.

 7         (c)  Nursing homes that receive an inactive license to

 8  provide alternative services shall not receive preference for

 9  participation in the Assisted Living for the Elderly Medicaid

10  waiver.

11         (3)  The agency may issue an inactive license to a

12  nursing home that will be temporarily unable to provide

13  services but is reasonably expected to resume services.

14         (a)  An inactive license issued under this subsection

15  may be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months and may be

16  renewed by the agency for an additional 6 months upon

17  demonstration of progress toward reopening.

18         (b)  All licensure fees must be current and paid in

19  full, and may be prorated as provided by agency rule, before

20  the inactive license is issued.

21         (c)  Reactivation of an inactive license requires that

22  the applicant pay all licensure fees and be inspected by the

23  agency to confirm that all of the requirements of this part

24  and applicable rules are met.

25         (4)  The agency shall adopt rules necessary to

26  administer this section.

27         Section 61.  Section 400.102, Florida Statutes, is

28  amended to read:

29         400.102  Action by agency against licensee; grounds.--

30  

31  

                                 115

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  In addition to the grounds listed in part II of

 2  chapter 408, any of the following conditions shall be grounds

 3  for action by the agency against a licensee:

 4         (a)  An intentional or negligent act materially

 5  affecting the health or safety of residents of the facility;

 6         (1)(b)  Misappropriation or conversion of the property

 7  of a resident of the facility;

 8         (2)(c)  Failure to follow the criteria and procedures

 9  provided under part I of chapter 394 relating to the

10  transportation, voluntary admission, and involuntary

11  examination of a nursing home resident or;

12         (d)  Violation of provisions of this part or rules

13  adopted under this part;

14         (3)(e)  Fraudulent altering, defacing, or falsifying

15  any medical or nursing home records, or causing or procuring

16  any of these offenses to be committed. ; or

17         (f)  Any act constituting a ground upon which

18  application for a license may be denied.

19         (2)  If the agency has reasonable belief that any of

20  such conditions exist, it shall take the following action:

21         (a)  In the case of an applicant for original

22  licensure, denial action as provided in s. 400.121.

23         (b)  In the case of an applicant for relicensure or a

24  current licensee, administrative action as provided in s.

25  400.121 or injunctive action as authorized by s. 400.125.

26         (c)  In the case of a facility operating without a

27  license, injunctive action as authorized in s. 400.125.

28         Section 62.  Section 400.111, Florida Statutes, is

29  amended to read:

30         400.111  Renewal Expiration of license; renewal.--

31  

                                 116

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  A license issued for the operation of a facility,

 2  unless sooner suspended or revoked, shall expire on the date

 3  set forth by the agency on the face of the license or 1 year

 4  from the date of issuance, whichever occurs first.  Ninety

 5  days prior to the expiration date, an application for renewal

 6  shall be submitted to the agency.  A license shall be renewed

 7  upon the filing of an application on forms furnished by the

 8  agency if the applicant has first met the requirements

 9  established under this part and all rules adopted under this

10  part.  The failure to file an application within the period

11  established in this subsection shall result in a late fee

12  charged to the licensee by the agency in an amount equal to 50

13  percent of the fee in effect on the last preceding regular

14  renewal date.  A late fee shall be levied for each and every

15  day the filing of the license application is delayed, but in

16  no event shall such fine aggregate more than $5,000.  If an

17  application is received after the required filing date and

18  exhibits a hand-canceled postmark obtained from a United

19  States Post Office dated on or before the required filing

20  date, no fine will be levied.

21         (2)  A licensee against whom a revocation or suspension

22  proceeding, or any judicial proceeding instituted by the

23  agency under this part, is pending at the time of license

24  renewal may be issued a temporary license effective until

25  final disposition by the agency of such proceeding. If

26  judicial relief is sought from the aforesaid administrative

27  order, the court having jurisdiction may issue such orders

28  regarding the issuance of a temporary permit during the

29  pendency of the judicial proceeding.

30         (3)  The agency may not renew a license if the

31  applicant has failed to pay any fines assessed by final order

                                 117

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  of the agency or final order of the Health Care Financing

 2  Administration under requirements for federal certification.

 3  The agency may renew the license of an applicant following the

 4  assessment of a fine by final order if such fine has been paid

 5  into an escrow account pending an appeal of a final order.

 6         (4)  In addition to the requirements of part II of

 7  chapter 408, the licensee shall submit a signed affidavit

 8  disclosing any financial or ownership interest that a

 9  controlling interest licensee has held within the last 5 years

10  in any entity licensed by the state or any other state to

11  provide health or residential care which entity has closed

12  voluntarily or involuntarily; has filed for bankruptcy; has

13  had a receiver appointed; has had a license denied, suspended,

14  or revoked; or has had an injunction issued against it which

15  was initiated by a regulatory agency. The affidavit must

16  disclose the reason such entity was closed, whether

17  voluntarily or involuntarily.

18         Section 63.  Subsections (2) and (5) of section

19  400.1183, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

20         400.1183  Resident grievance procedures.--

21         (2)  Each facility shall maintain records of all

22  grievances and shall report annually to the agency at the time

23  of relicensure the total number of grievances handled, a

24  categorization of the cases underlying the grievances, and the

25  final disposition of the grievances.

26         (5)  The agency may impose an administrative fine, in

27  accordance with s. 400.121, against a nursing home facility

28  for noncompliance with this section.

29         Section 64.  Section 400.121, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31  

                                 118

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         400.121  Denial or, suspension, revocation of license;

 2  moratorium on admissions; administrative fines; procedure;

 3  order to increase staffing.--

 4         (1)  The agency may deny an application, revoke or

 5  suspend a license, or impose an administrative fine, not to

 6  exceed $500 per violation per day, against any applicant or

 7  licensee for the following violations by the applicant,

 8  licensee, or other controlling interest:

 9         (a)  A violation of any provision of s. 400.102(1);

10         (b)  A violation of any provision of this part, part II

11  of chapter 408, or applicable rule; or A demonstrated pattern

12  of deficient practice;

13         (c)  Failure to pay any outstanding fines assessed by

14  final order of the agency or final order of the Health Care

15  Financing Administration pursuant to requirements for federal

16  certification. The agency may renew or approve the license of

17  an applicant following the assessment of a fine by final order

18  if such fine has been paid into an escrow account pending an

19  appeal of a final order;

20         (d)  Exclusion from the Medicare or Medicaid program;

21  or

22         (b)(e)  An adverse action by a regulatory agency

23  against any other licensed facility that has a common

24  controlling interest with the licensee or applicant against

25  whom the action under this section is being brought. If the

26  adverse action involves solely the management company, the

27  applicant or licensee shall be given 30 days to remedy before

28  final action is taken. If the adverse action is based solely

29  upon actions by a controlling interest, the applicant or

30  licensee may present factors in mitigation of any proposed

31  

                                 119

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  penalty based upon a showing that such penalty is

 2  inappropriate under the circumstances.

 3  

 4  All hearings shall be held within the county in which the

 5  licensee or applicant operates or applies for a license to

 6  operate a facility as defined herein.

 7         (2)  Except as provided in s. 400.23(8), a $500 fine

 8  shall be imposed for each violation. Each day a violation of

 9  this part occurs constitutes a separate violation and is

10  subject to a separate fine, but in no event may any fine

11  aggregate more than $5,000.  A fine may be levied pursuant to

12  this section in lieu of and notwithstanding the provisions of

13  s. 400.23. Fines paid shall be deposited in the Resident

14  Protection Trust Fund and expended as provided in s. 400.063.

15         (3)  The agency shall revoke or deny a nursing home

16  license if the licensee or controlling interest operates a

17  facility in this state that:

18         (a)  Has had two moratoria imposed by final order for

19  substandard quality of care, as defined by 42 C.F.R. part 483,

20  within any 30-month period;

21         (b)  Is conditionally licensed for 180 or more

22  continuous days;

23         (c)  Is cited for two class I deficiencies arising from

24  unrelated circumstances during the same survey or

25  investigation; or

26         (d)  Is cited for two class I deficiencies arising from

27  separate surveys or investigations within a 30-month period.

28  

29  The licensee may present factors in mitigation of revocation,

30  and the agency may make a determination not to revoke a

31  

                                 120

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  license based upon a showing that revocation is inappropriate

 2  under the circumstances.

 3         (4)  The agency may issue an order immediately

 4  suspending or revoking a license when it determines that any

 5  condition in the facility presents a danger to the health,

 6  safety, or welfare of the residents in the facility.

 7         (5)(a)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium

 8  on admissions to any facility when the agency determines that

 9  any condition in the facility presents a threat to the health,

10  safety, or welfare of the residents in the facility.

11         (4)(b)  Where the agency has placed a moratorium on

12  admissions on any facility two times within a 7-year period,

13  the agency may revoke suspend the license of the nursing home

14  and the facility's management company, if any.  During the

15  suspension, the agency shall take the facility into

16  receivership and shall operate the facility.

17         (5)(6)  An action taken by the agency to deny, suspend,

18  or revoke a facility's license under this part shall be heard

19  by the Division of Administrative Hearings of the Department

20  of Management Services within 60 days after the assignment of

21  an administrative law judge, unless the time limitation is

22  waived by both parties.  The administrative law judge must

23  render a decision within 30 days after receipt of a proposed

24  recommended order.

25         (6)(7)  The agency is authorized to require a facility

26  to increase staffing beyond the minimum required by law, if

27  the agency has taken administrative action against the

28  facility for care-related deficiencies directly attributable

29  to insufficient staff. Under such circumstances, the facility

30  may request an expedited interim rate increase. The agency

31  shall process the request within 10 days after receipt of all

                                 121

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  required documentation from the facility. A facility that

 2  fails to maintain the required increased staffing is subject

 3  to a fine of $500 per day for each day the staffing is below

 4  the level required by the agency.

 5         (8)  An administrative proceeding challenging an action

 6  taken by the agency pursuant to this section shall be reviewed

 7  on the basis of the facts and conditions that resulted in such

 8  agency action.

 9         (7)(9)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to

10  the contrary, agency action in an administrative proceeding

11  under this section may be overcome by the licensee upon a

12  showing by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary.

13         (8)(10)  In addition to any other sanction imposed

14  under this part, in any final order that imposes sanctions,

15  the agency may assess costs related to the investigation and

16  prosecution of the case. Payment of agency costs shall be

17  deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund.

18         Section 65.  Section 400.125, Florida Statutes, is

19  repealed.

20         Section 66.  Subsections (14), (15), (16), and (20) of

21  section 400.141, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

22         400.141  Administration and management of nursing home

23  facilities.--Every licensed facility shall comply with all

24  applicable standards and rules of the agency and shall:

25         (14)  Submit to the agency the information specified in

26  s. 400.071(1)(a) s. 400.071(2)(e) for a management company

27  within 30 days after the effective date of the management

28  agreement.

29         (15)(a)  At the end of each calendar quarter, submit

30  semiannually to the agency, or more frequently if requested by

31  the agency, information regarding facility staff-to-resident

                                 122

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  ratios, staff turnover, and staff stability, including

 2  information regarding certified nursing assistants, licensed

 3  nurses, the director of nursing, and the facility

 4  administrator. For purposes of this reporting:

 5         1.(a)  Staff-to-resident ratios must be reported in the

 6  categories specified in s. 400.23(3)(a) and applicable rules.

 7  The ratio must be reported as an average for the most recent

 8  calendar quarter.

 9         2.(b)  Staff turnover must be reported for the most

10  recent 12-month period ending on the last workday of the most

11  recent calendar quarter prior to the date the information is

12  submitted. The turnover rate must be computed quarterly, with

13  the annual rate being the cumulative sum of the quarterly

14  rates. The turnover rate is the total number of terminations

15  or separations experienced during the quarter, excluding any

16  employee terminated during a probationary period of 3 months

17  or less, divided by the total number of staff employed at the

18  end of the period for which the rate is computed, and

19  expressed as a percentage.

20         3.(c)  The formula for determining staff stability is

21  the total number of employees that have been employed for more

22  than 12 months, divided by the total number of employees

23  employed at the end of the most recent calendar quarter, and

24  expressed as a percentage.

25         (b)(d)  A nursing facility that has failed to comply

26  with state minimum-staffing requirements for 2 consecutive

27  days is prohibited from accepting new admissions until the

28  facility has achieved the minimum-staffing requirements for a

29  period of 6 consecutive days. For the purposes of this

30  paragraph, any person who was a resident of the facility and

31  was absent from the facility for the purpose of receiving

                                 123

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  medical care at a separate location or was on a leave of

 2  absence is not considered a new admission. Failure to impose

 3  such an admissions moratorium constitutes a class II

 4  deficiency.

 5         (c)(e)  A nursing facility that which does not have a

 6  conditional license may be cited for failure to comply with

 7  the standards in s. 400.23(3)(a) only if it has failed to meet

 8  those standards on 2 consecutive days or if it has failed to

 9  meet at least 97 percent of those standards on any one day.

10         (d)(f)  A facility that which has a conditional license

11  must be in compliance with the standards in s. 400.23(3)(a) at

12  all times from the effective date of the conditional license

13  until the effective date of a subsequent standard license.

14  

15  Nothing in this section shall limit the agency's ability to

16  impose a deficiency or take other actions if a facility does

17  not have enough staff to meet the residents' needs.

18         (16)  Report monthly the number of vacant beds in the

19  facility which are available for resident occupancy on the

20  last day of the month information is reported.

21         (20)  Maintain general and professional liability

22  insurance coverage in accordance with part II of chapter 408

23  which that is in force at all times. In lieu of general and

24  professional liability insurance coverage, a state-designated

25  teaching nursing home and its affiliated assisted living

26  facilities created under s. 430.80 may demonstrate proof of

27  financial responsibility as provided in s. 430.80(3)(h); the

28  exception provided in this paragraph shall expire July 1,

29  2005.

30  

31  

                                 124

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Facilities that have been awarded a Gold Seal under the

 2  program established in s. 400.235 may develop a plan to

 3  provide certified nursing assistant training as prescribed by

 4  federal regulations and state rules and may apply to the

 5  agency for approval of their program.

 6         Section 67.  Subsections (4) and (5) of section 400.17,

 7  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

 8         400.17  Bribes, kickbacks, certain solicitations

 9  prohibited.--

10         (4)  Solicitation of contributions of any kind in a

11  threatening, coercive, or unduly forceful manner by or on

12  behalf of a nursing home by any agent, employee, owner, or

13  representative of a nursing home shall be grounds for denial,

14  suspension, or revocation of the license for any nursing home

15  on behalf of which such contributions were solicited.

16         (5)  The admission, maintenance, or treatment of a

17  nursing home resident whose care is supported in whole or in

18  part by state funds may not be made conditional upon the

19  receipt of any manner of contribution or donation from any

20  person. However, this may not be construed to prohibit the

21  offer or receipt of contributions or donations to a nursing

22  home which are not related to the care of a specific resident.

23  Contributions solicited or received in violation of this

24  subsection shall be grounds for denial, suspension, or

25  revocation of a license for any nursing home on behalf of

26  which such contributions were solicited.

27         Section 68.  Section 400.179, Florida Statutes, is

28  amended to read:

29         400.179  Sale or transfer of ownership of a nursing

30  facility; Liability for Medicaid underpayments and

31  overpayments.--

                                 125

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  It is the intent of the Legislature to protect the

 2  rights of nursing home residents and the security of public

 3  funds when a nursing facility is sold or the ownership is

 4  transferred.

 5         (2)  Whenever a nursing facility is sold or the

 6  ownership is transferred, including leasing, the transferee

 7  shall make application to the agency for a new license at

 8  least 90 days prior to the date of transfer of ownership.

 9         (3)  The transferor shall notify the agency in writing

10  at least 90 days prior to the date of transfer of ownership.

11  The transferor shall be responsible and liable for the lawful

12  operation of the nursing facility and the welfare of the

13  residents domiciled in the facility until the date the

14  transferee is licensed by the agency.  The transferor shall be

15  liable for any and all penalties imposed against the facility

16  for violations occurring prior to the date of transfer of

17  ownership.

18         (4)  The transferor shall, prior to transfer of

19  ownership, repay or make arrangements to repay to the agency

20  or the Department of Children and Family Services any amounts

21  owed to the agency or the department.  Should the transferor

22  fail to repay or make arrangements to repay the amounts owed

23  to the agency or the department prior to the transfer of

24  ownership, the issuance of a license to the transferee shall

25  be delayed until repayment or until arrangements for repayment

26  are made.

27         (2)(5)  Because any transfer of a nursing facility may

28  expose the fact that Medicaid may have underpaid or overpaid

29  the transferor, and because in most instances, any such

30  underpayment or overpayment can only be determined following a

31  

                                 126

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  formal field audit, the liabilities for any such underpayments

 2  or overpayments shall be as follows:

 3         (a)  The Medicaid program shall be liable to the

 4  transferor for any underpayments owed during the transferor's

 5  period of operation of the facility.

 6         (b)  Without regard to whether the transferor had

 7  leased or owned the nursing facility, the transferor shall

 8  remain liable to the Medicaid program for all Medicaid

 9  overpayments received during the transferor's period of

10  operation of the facility, regardless of when determined.

11         (c)  Where the facility transfer takes any form of a

12  sale of assets, in addition to the transferor's continuing

13  liability for any such overpayments, if the transferor fails

14  to meet these obligations, the transferee shall be liable for

15  all liabilities that can be readily identifiable 90 days in

16  advance of the transfer. Such liability shall continue in

17  succession until the debt is ultimately paid or otherwise

18  resolved. It shall be the burden of the transferee to

19  determine the amount of all such readily identifiable

20  overpayments from the Agency for Health Care Administration,

21  and the agency shall cooperate in every way with the

22  identification of such amounts.  Readily identifiable

23  overpayments shall include overpayments that will result from,

24  but not be limited to:

25         1.  Medicaid rate changes or adjustments;

26         2.  Any depreciation recapture;

27         3.  Any recapture of fair rental value system indexing;

28  or

29         4.  Audits completed by the agency.

30  

31  

                                 127

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  The transferor shall remain liable for any such Medicaid

 2  overpayments that were not readily identifiable 90 days in

 3  advance of the nursing facility transfer.

 4         (d)  Where the transfer involves a facility that has

 5  been leased by the transferor:

 6         1.  The transferee shall, as a condition to being

 7  issued a license by the agency, acquire, maintain, and provide

 8  proof to the agency of a bond with a term of 30 months,

 9  renewable annually, in an amount not less than the total of 3

10  months Medicaid payments to the facility computed on the basis

11  of the preceding 12-month average Medicaid payments to the

12  facility.

13         2.  A leasehold licensee may meet the requirements of

14  subparagraph 1. by payment of a nonrefundable fee, paid at

15  initial licensure, paid at the time of any subsequent change

16  of ownership, and paid at the time of any subsequent change of

17  ownership, and paid annually thereafter at the time of any

18  subsequent annual license renewal, in the amount of 2 percent

19  of the total of 3 months' Medicaid payments to the facility

20  computed on the basis of the preceding 12-month average

21  Medicaid payments to the facility. If a preceding 12-month

22  average is not available, projected Medicaid payments may be

23  used. The fee shall be deposited into the Health Care Trust

24  Fund and shall be accounted for separately as a Medicaid

25  nursing home overpayment account. These fees shall be used at

26  the sole discretion of the agency to repay nursing home

27  Medicaid overpayments. Payment of this fee shall not release

28  the licensee from any liability for any Medicaid overpayments,

29  nor shall payment bar the agency from seeking to recoup

30  overpayments from the licensee and any other liable party. As

31  a condition of exercising this lease bond alternative,

                                 128

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  licensees paying this fee must maintain an existing lease bond

 2  through the end of the 30-month term period of that bond. The

 3  agency is herein granted specific authority to promulgate all

 4  rules pertaining to the administration and management of this

 5  account, including withdrawals from the account, subject to

 6  federal review and approval. This provision shall take effect

 7  upon becoming law and shall apply to any leasehold license

 8  application.

 9         a.  The financial viability of the Medicaid nursing

10  home overpayment account shall be determined by the agency

11  through annual review of the account balance and the amount of

12  total outstanding, unpaid Medicaid overpayments owing from

13  leasehold licensees to the agency as determined by final

14  agency audits.

15         b.  The agency, in consultation with the Florida Health

16  Care Association and the Florida Association of Homes for the

17  Aging, shall study and make recommendations on the minimum

18  amount to be held in reserve to protect against Medicaid

19  overpayments to leasehold licensees and on the issue of

20  successor liability for Medicaid overpayments upon sale or

21  transfer of ownership of a nursing facility. The agency shall

22  submit the findings and recommendations of the study to the

23  Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the

24  House of Representatives by January 1, 2003.

25         3.  The leasehold licensee may meet the bond

26  requirement through other arrangements acceptable to the

27  agency. The agency is herein granted specific authority to

28  promulgate rules pertaining to lease bond arrangements.

29         4.  All existing nursing facility licensees, operating

30  the facility as a leasehold, shall acquire, maintain, and

31  provide proof to the agency of the 30-month bond required in

                                 129

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  subparagraph 1., above, on and after July 1, 1993, for each

 2  license renewal.

 3         5.  It shall be the responsibility of all nursing

 4  facility operators, operating the facility as a leasehold, to

 5  renew the 30-month bond and to provide proof of such renewal

 6  to the agency annually at the time of application for license

 7  renewal.

 8         6.  Any failure of the nursing facility licensee

 9  operator to acquire, maintain, renew annually, or provide

10  proof to the agency shall be grounds for the agency to deny

11  or, cancel, revoke, or suspend the facility license to operate

12  such facility and to take any further action, including, but

13  not limited to, enjoining the facility, asserting a moratorium

14  pursuant to part II of chapter 408, or applying for a

15  receiver, deemed necessary to ensure compliance with this

16  section and to safeguard and protect the health, safety, and

17  welfare of the facility's residents. A lease agreement

18  required as a condition of bond financing or refinancing under

19  s. 154.213 by a health facilities authority or required under

20  s. 159.30 by a county or municipality is not a leasehold for

21  purposes of this paragraph and is not subject to the bond

22  requirement of this paragraph.

23         Section 69.  Subsections (1) and (4) of section 400.18,

24  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

25         400.18  Closing of nursing facility.--

26         (1)  Whenever a licensee voluntarily discontinues

27  operation, and during the period when it is preparing for such

28  discontinuance, it shall inform the agency not less than 90

29  days prior to the discontinuance of operation. The licensee

30  also shall inform the resident or the next of kin, legal

31  representative, or agency acting on behalf of the resident of

                                 130

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the fact, and the proposed time, of such discontinuance of

 2  operation and give at least 90 days' notice so that suitable

 3  arrangements may be made for the transfer and care of the

 4  resident.  In the event any resident has no such person to

 5  represent him or her, the licensee shall be responsible for

 6  securing a suitable transfer of the resident before the

 7  discontinuance of operation.  The agency shall be responsible

 8  for arranging for the transfer of those residents requiring

 9  transfer who are receiving assistance under the Medicaid

10  program.

11         (4)  Immediately upon discontinuance of operation of a

12  facility, the licensee shall surrender the license therefor to

13  the agency, and the license shall be canceled.

14         Section 70.  Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section

15  400.19, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

16         400.19  Right of entry and inspection.--

17         (1)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

18  agency and any duly designated officer or employee thereof or

19  a member of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council or the

20  local long-term care ombudsman council shall have the right to

21  enter upon and into the premises of any facility licensed

22  pursuant to this part, or any distinct nursing home unit of a

23  hospital licensed under chapter 395 or any freestanding

24  facility licensed under chapter 395 that provides extended

25  care or other long-term care services, at any reasonable time

26  in order to determine the state of compliance with the

27  provisions of this part and rules in force pursuant thereto.

28  The right of entry and inspection shall also extend to any

29  premises which the agency has reason to believe is being

30  operated or maintained as a facility without a license, but no

31  such entry or inspection of any premises shall be made without

                                 131

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the permission of the owner or person in charge thereof,

 2  unless a warrant is first obtained from the circuit court

 3  authorizing same.  Any application for a facility license or

 4  renewal thereof, made pursuant to this part, shall constitute

 5  permission for and complete acquiescence in any entry or

 6  inspection of the premises for which the license is sought, in

 7  order to facilitate verification of the information submitted

 8  on or in connection with the application; to discover,

 9  investigate, and determine the existence of abuse or neglect;

10  or to elicit, receive, respond to, and resolve complaints. The

11  agency shall, within 60 days after receipt of a complaint made

12  by a resident or resident's representative, complete its

13  investigation and provide to the complainant its findings and

14  resolution.

15         (2)  The agency shall coordinate nursing home facility

16  licensing activities and responsibilities of any duly

17  designated officer or employee involved in nursing home

18  facility inspection to assure necessary, equitable, and

19  consistent supervision of inspection personnel without

20  unnecessary duplication of inspections, consultation services,

21  or complaint investigations. To facilitate such coordination,

22  all rules promulgated by the agency pursuant to this part

23  shall be distributed to nursing homes licensed under s.

24  400.062 30 days prior to implementation.  This requirement

25  does not apply to emergency rules.

26         (3)  The agency shall every 15 months conduct at least

27  one unannounced inspection to determine compliance by the

28  licensee with statutes, and with rules promulgated under the

29  provisions of those statutes, governing minimum standards of

30  construction, quality and adequacy of care, and rights of

31  residents. The survey shall be conducted every 6 months for

                                 132

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the next 2-year period if the facility has been cited for a

 2  class I deficiency, has been cited for two or more class II

 3  deficiencies arising from separate surveys or investigations

 4  within a 60-day period, or has had three or more substantiated

 5  complaints within a 6-month period, each resulting in at least

 6  one class I or class II deficiency. In addition to any other

 7  fees or fines in this part, the agency shall assess a fine for

 8  each facility that is subject to the 6-month survey cycle. The

 9  fine for the 2-year period shall be $6,000, one-half to be

10  paid at the completion of each survey. The agency may adjust

11  this fine by the change in the Consumer Price Index, based on

12  the 12 months immediately preceding the increase, to cover the

13  cost of the additional surveys. The agency shall verify

14  through subsequent inspection that any deficiency identified

15  during the annual inspection is corrected.  However, the

16  agency may verify the correction of a class III or class IV

17  deficiency unrelated to resident rights or resident care

18  without reinspecting the facility if adequate written

19  documentation has been received from the facility, which

20  provides assurance that the deficiency has been corrected. The

21  giving or causing to be given of advance notice of such

22  unannounced inspections by an employee of the agency to any

23  unauthorized person shall constitute cause for suspension of

24  not fewer than 5 working days according to the provisions of

25  chapter 110.

26         Section 71.  Section 400.191, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         400.191  Availability, distribution, and posting of

29  reports and records.--

30         (1)  The agency shall provide information to the public

31  about all of the licensed nursing home facilities operating in

                                 133

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the state. The agency shall, within 60 days after an annual

 2  inspection visit or within 30 days after any interim visit to

 3  a facility, send copies of the inspection reports to the local

 4  long-term care ombudsman council, the agency's local office,

 5  and a public library or the county seat for the county in

 6  which the facility is located. The agency may provide

 7  electronic access to inspection reports as a substitute for

 8  sending copies.

 9         (2)  The agency shall publish the Guide to Nursing

10  Homes in Florida provide additional information in

11  consumer-friendly printed and electronic formats to assist

12  consumers and their families in comparing and evaluating

13  nursing home facilities.

14         (a)  The agency shall provide an Internet site which

15  shall include at least the following information either

16  directly or indirectly through a link to another established

17  site or sites of the agency's choosing:

18         1.  A list by name and address of all nursing home

19  facilities in this state, including any prior name a facility

20  was known by during the previous 12-month period.

21         2.  Whether such nursing home facilities are

22  proprietary or nonproprietary.

23         3.  The current owner of the facility's license and the

24  year that that entity became the owner of the license.

25         4.  The name of the owner or owners of each facility

26  and whether the facility is affiliated with a company or other

27  organization owning or managing more than one nursing facility

28  in this state.

29         5.  The total number of beds in each facility and the

30  most recently available occupancy levels.

31  

                                 134

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         6.  The number of private and semiprivate rooms in each

 2  facility.

 3         7.  The religious affiliation, if any, of each

 4  facility.

 5         8.  The languages spoken by the administrator and staff

 6  of each facility.

 7         9.  Whether or not each facility accepts Medicare or

 8  Medicaid recipients or insurance, health maintenance

 9  organization, Veterans Administration, CHAMPUS program, or

10  workers' compensation coverage.

11         10.  Recreational and other programs available at each

12  facility.

13         11.  Special care units or programs offered at each

14  facility.

15         12.  Whether the facility is a part of a retirement

16  community that offers other services pursuant to part III,

17  part IV, or part V.

18         13.  Survey and deficiency information contained on the

19  Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) system of

20  the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health

21  Care Financing Administration, including recertification

22  annual survey, revisit, and complaint survey information, for

23  each facility for the past 30 45 months.  For noncertified

24  nursing homes, state survey and deficiency information,

25  including licensure annual survey, revisit, and complaint

26  survey information for the past 30 45 months shall be

27  provided.

28         14.  A summary of the Online Survey Certification and

29  Reporting (OSCAR) data for each facility over the past 30 45

30  months. Such summary may include a score, rating, or

31  comparison ranking with respect to other facilities based on

                                 135

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the number of citations received by the facility of

 2  recertification annual, revisit, and complaint surveys; the

 3  severity and scope of the citations; and the number of annual

 4  recertification surveys the facility has had during the past

 5  30 45 months. The score, rating, or comparison ranking may be

 6  presented in either numeric or symbolic form for the intended

 7  consumer audience.

 8         (b)  The agency shall provide the following information

 9  in printed form:

10         1.  A list by name and address of all nursing home

11  facilities in this state.

12         2.  Whether such nursing home facilities are

13  proprietary or nonproprietary.

14         3.  The current owner or owners of the facility's

15  license and the year that entity became the owner of the

16  license.

17         4.  The total number of beds, and of private and

18  semiprivate rooms, in each facility.

19         5.  The religious affiliation, if any, of each

20  facility.

21         6.  The name of the owner of each facility and whether

22  the facility is affiliated with a company or other

23  organization owning or managing more than one nursing facility

24  in this state.

25         7.  The languages spoken by the administrator and staff

26  of each facility.

27         8.  Whether or not each facility accepts Medicare or

28  Medicaid recipients or insurance, health maintenance

29  organization, Veterans Administration, CHAMPUS program, or

30  workers' compensation coverage.

31  

                                 136

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         9.  Recreational programs, special care units, and

 2  other programs available at each facility.

 3         10.  The Internet address for the site where more

 4  detailed information can be seen.

 5         11.  A statement advising consumers that each facility

 6  will have its own policies and procedures related to

 7  protecting resident property.

 8         12.  A summary of the Online Survey Certification and

 9  Reporting (OSCAR) data for each facility over the past 30 45

10  months. Such summary may include a score, rating, or

11  comparison ranking with respect to other facilities based on

12  the number of citations received by the facility on

13  recertification annual, revisit, and complaint surveys; the

14  severity and scope of the citations; the number of citations;

15  and the number of annual recertification surveys the facility

16  has had during the past 30 45 months. The score, rating, or

17  comparison ranking may be presented in either numeric or

18  symbolic form for the intended consumer audience.

19         (c)  For purposes of this subsection, references to the

20  Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) system shall

21  refer to any future system that the Centers for Medicare and

22  Medicaid Services Health Care Financing Administration

23  develops to replace the current OSCAR system.

24         (d)  The agency may provide the following additional

25  information on an Internet site or in printed form as the

26  information becomes available:

27         1.  The licensure status history of each facility.

28         2.  The rating history of each facility.

29         3.  The regulatory history of each facility, which may

30  include federal sanctions, state sanctions, federal fines,

31  state fines, and other actions.

                                 137

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         4.  Whether the facility currently possesses the Gold

 2  Seal designation awarded pursuant to s. 400.235.

 3         5.  Internet links to the Internet sites of the

 4  facilities or their affiliates.

 5         (3)  Each nursing home facility licensee shall maintain

 6  as public information, available upon request, records of all

 7  cost and inspection reports pertaining to that facility that

 8  have been filed with, or issued by, any governmental agency.

 9  Copies of such reports shall be retained in such records for

10  not less than 5 years from the date the reports are filed or

11  issued.

12         (a)  The agency shall quarterly publish in the Guide to

13  Nursing Homes in Florida a "Nursing Home Guide Watch List" to

14  assist consumers in evaluating the quality of nursing home

15  care in Florida. The watch list must identify each facility

16  that met the criteria for a conditional licensure status on

17  any day within the quarter covered by the list and each

18  facility that was operating under bankruptcy protection on any

19  day within the quarter. The watch list must include, but is

20  not limited to, the facility's name, address, and ownership;

21  the county in which the facility operates; the license

22  expiration date; the number of licensed beds; a description of

23  the deficiency causing the facility to be placed on the list;

24  any corrective action taken; and the cumulative number and

25  percentage of days times the facility had a conditional

26  license and was has been on a watch list in the past 30

27  months. The watch list must include a brief description

28  regarding how to choose a nursing home, the categories of

29  licensure, the agency's inspection process, an explanation of

30  terms used in the watch list, and the addresses and phone

31  

                                 138

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  numbers of the agency's managed care and health quality

 2  assurance field area offices.

 3         (b)  Upon publication of each quarterly Guide to

 4  Nursing Homes in Florida watch list, the agency must transmit

 5  a copy of all pages listing the facility the watch list to

 6  each nursing home facility by mail and must make the watch

 7  list available on the agency's Internet website.

 8         (4)  Any records of a nursing home facility determined

 9  by the agency to be necessary and essential to establish

10  lawful compliance with any rules or standards shall be made

11  available to the agency on the premises of the facility and

12  submitted to the agency. Each facility must submit this

13  information electronically when electronic transmission to the

14  agency is available.

15         (5)  Every nursing home facility licensee shall:

16         (a)  Post, in a sufficient number of prominent

17  positions in the nursing home so as to be accessible to all

18  residents and to the general public:

19         1.  A concise summary of the last inspection report

20  pertaining to the nursing home and issued by the agency, with

21  references to the page numbers of the full reports, noting any

22  deficiencies found by the agency and the actions taken by the

23  licensee to rectify such deficiencies and indicating in such

24  summaries where the full reports may be inspected in the

25  nursing home.

26         2.  A copy of the most recent version of all pages

27  listing the facility in the Guide to Nursing Homes in Florida

28  the Florida Nursing Home Guide Watch List.

29         (b)  Upon request, provide to any person who has

30  completed a written application with an intent to be admitted

31  to, or to any resident of, such nursing home, or to any

                                 139

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  relative, spouse, or guardian of such person, a copy of the

 2  last inspection report pertaining to the nursing home and

 3  issued by the agency, provided the person requesting the

 4  report agrees to pay a reasonable charge to cover copying

 5  costs.

 6         (6)  The agency may adopt rules as necessary to

 7  administer this section.

 8         Section 72.  Section 400.20, Florida Statutes, is

 9  amended to read:

10         400.20  Licensed nursing home administrator

11  required.--A No nursing home may not shall operate except

12  under the supervision of a licensed nursing home

13  administrator, and a no person may not shall be a nursing home

14  administrator unless he or she holds is the holder of a

15  current license as provided in chapter 468.

16         Section 73.  Subsection (4) of section 400.211, Florida

17  Statutes, is amended to read:

18         400.211  Persons employed as nursing assistants;

19  certification requirement.--

20         (4)  When employed by a nursing home facility for a

21  12-month period or longer, a nursing assistant, to maintain

22  certification, shall submit to a performance review every 12

23  months and must receive regular inservice education based on

24  the outcome of such reviews. The inservice training must:

25         (a)  Be sufficient to ensure the continuing competence

26  of nursing assistants and be in accordance with s. 464.203(7),

27  must be at least 18 hours per year, and may include hours

28  accrued under s. 464.203(8);

29         (b)  Include, at a minimum:

30         1.  Techniques for assisting with eating and proper

31  feeding;

                                 140

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         2.  Principles of adequate nutrition and hydration;

 2         3.  Techniques for assisting and responding to the

 3  cognitively impaired resident or the resident with difficult

 4  behaviors;

 5         4.  Techniques for caring for the resident at the

 6  end-of-life; and

 7         5.  Recognizing changes that place a resident at risk

 8  for pressure ulcers and falls; and

 9         (c)  Address areas of weakness as determined in nursing

10  assistant performance reviews and may address the special

11  needs of residents as determined by the nursing home facility

12  staff.

13  

14  Costs associated with this training may not be reimbursed from

15  additional Medicaid funding through interim rate adjustments.

16         Section 74.  Subsections (2), (7), and (8) of section

17  400.23, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (10) is

18  added to that section, to read:

19         400.23  Rules; evaluation and deficiencies; licensure

20  status.--

21         (2)  Pursuant to the intention of the Legislature, the

22  agency, in consultation with the Department of Health and the

23  Department of Elderly Affairs, shall adopt and enforce rules

24  to implement this part and part II of chapter 408, which shall

25  include reasonable and fair criteria in relation to:

26         (a)  The location of the facility and housing

27  conditions that will ensure the health, safety, and comfort of

28  residents, including an adequate call system. In making such

29  rules, the agency shall be guided by criteria recommended by

30  nationally recognized reputable professional groups and

31  associations with knowledge of such subject matters. The

                                 141

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  agency shall update or revise such criteria as the need

 2  arises. The agency may require alterations to a building if it

 3  determines that an existing condition constitutes a distinct

 4  hazard to life, health, or safety. In performing any

 5  inspections of facilities authorized by this part, the agency

 6  may enforce the special-occupancy provisions of the Florida

 7  Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code which apply

 8  to nursing homes. The agency is directed to provide assistance

 9  to the Florida Building Commission in updating the

10  construction standards of the code relative to nursing homes.

11         (b)  The number and qualifications of all personnel,

12  including management, medical, nursing, and other professional

13  personnel, and nursing assistants, orderlies, and support

14  personnel, having responsibility for any part of the care

15  given residents.

16         (c)  All sanitary conditions within the facility and

17  its surroundings, including water supply, sewage disposal,

18  food handling, and general hygiene which will ensure the

19  health and comfort of residents.

20         (d)  The equipment essential to the health and welfare

21  of the residents.

22         (e)  A uniform accounting system.

23         (f)  The care, treatment, and maintenance of residents

24  and measurement of the quality and adequacy thereof, based on

25  rules developed under this chapter and the Omnibus Budget

26  Reconciliation Act of 1987 (Pub. L. No. 100-203) (December 22,

27  1987), Title IV (Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Health-Related

28  Programs), Subtitle C (Nursing Home Reform), as amended.

29         (g)  The preparation and annual update of a

30  comprehensive emergency management plan.  The agency shall

31  adopt rules establishing minimum criteria for the plan after

                                 142

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  consultation with the Department of Community Affairs.  At a

 2  minimum, the rules must provide for plan components that

 3  address emergency evacuation transportation; adequate

 4  sheltering arrangements; postdisaster activities, including

 5  emergency power, food, and water; postdisaster transportation;

 6  supplies; staffing; emergency equipment; individual

 7  identification of residents and transfer of records; and

 8  responding to family inquiries.  The comprehensive emergency

 9  management plan is subject to review and approval by the local

10  emergency management agency.  During its review, the local

11  emergency management agency shall ensure that the following

12  agencies, at a minimum, are given the opportunity to review

13  the plan:  the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department

14  of Health, the Agency for Health Care Administration, and the

15  Department of Community Affairs.  Also, appropriate volunteer

16  organizations must be given the opportunity to review the

17  plan.  The local emergency management agency shall complete

18  its review within 60 days and either approve the plan or

19  advise the facility of necessary revisions.

20         (h)  The availability, distribution, and posting of

21  reports and records pursuant to s. 400.191 and the Gold Seal

22  Program pursuant to s. 400.235.

23         (7)  The agency shall, at least every 15 months,

24  evaluate all nursing home facilities and make a determination

25  as to the degree of compliance by each licensee with the

26  established rules adopted under this part as a basis for

27  assigning a licensure status to that facility.  The agency

28  shall base its evaluation on the most recent inspection

29  report, taking into consideration findings from other official

30  reports, surveys, interviews, investigations, and inspections.

31  

                                 143

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  The agency shall assign a licensure status of standard or

 2  conditional to each nursing home.

 3         (a)  A standard licensure status means that a facility

 4  has no class I or class II deficiencies and has corrected all

 5  class III deficiencies within the time established by the

 6  agency.

 7         (b)  A conditional licensure status means that a

 8  facility, due to the presence of one or more class I or class

 9  II deficiencies, or class III deficiencies not corrected

10  within the time established by the agency, is not in

11  substantial compliance at the time of the survey with criteria

12  established under this part or with rules adopted by the

13  agency.  If the facility has no class I, class II, or class

14  III deficiencies at the time of the followup survey, a

15  standard licensure status may be assigned.

16         (c)  In evaluating the overall quality of care and

17  services and determining whether the facility will receive a

18  conditional or standard license, the agency shall consider the

19  needs and limitations of residents in the facility and the

20  results of interviews and surveys of a representative sampling

21  of residents, families of residents, ombudsman council members

22  in the planning and service area in which the facility is

23  located, guardians of residents, and staff of the nursing home

24  facility.

25         (d)  The current licensure status of each facility must

26  be indicated in bold print on the face of the license.  A list

27  of the deficiencies of the facility shall be posted in a

28  prominent place that is in clear and unobstructed public view

29  at or near the place where residents are being admitted to

30  that facility. Licensees receiving a conditional licensure

31  status for a facility shall prepare, within 10 working days

                                 144

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  after receiving notice of deficiencies, a plan for correction

 2  of all deficiencies and shall submit the plan to the agency

 3  for approval.

 4         (e)  Each licensee shall post its license in a

 5  prominent place that is in clear and unobstructed public view

 6  at or near the place where residents are being admitted to the

 7  facility.

 8         (e)(f)  The agency shall adopt rules that:

 9         1.  Establish uniform procedures for the evaluation of

10  facilities.

11         2.  Provide criteria in the areas referenced in

12  paragraph (c).

13         3.  Address other areas necessary for carrying out the

14  intent of this section.

15         (8)  The agency shall adopt rules pursuant to this part

16  and part II of chapter 408 to provide that, when the criteria

17  established under subsection (2) are not met, such

18  deficiencies shall be classified according to the nature and

19  the scope of the deficiency. The scope shall be cited as

20  isolated, patterned, or widespread. An isolated deficiency is

21  a deficiency affecting one or a very limited number of

22  residents, or involving one or a very limited number of staff,

23  or a situation that occurred only occasionally or in a very

24  limited number of locations. A patterned deficiency is a

25  deficiency where more than a very limited number of residents

26  are affected, or more than a very limited number of staff are

27  involved, or the situation has occurred in several locations,

28  or the same resident or residents have been affected by

29  repeated occurrences of the same deficient practice but the

30  effect of the deficient practice is not found to be pervasive

31  throughout the facility. A widespread deficiency is a

                                 145

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  deficiency in which the problems causing the deficiency are

 2  pervasive in the facility or represent systemic failure that

 3  has affected or has the potential to affect a large portion of

 4  the facility's residents. The agency shall indicate the

 5  classification on the face of the notice of deficiencies as

 6  follows:

 7         (a)  A class I deficiency is a deficiency that the

 8  agency determines presents a situation in which immediate

 9  corrective action is necessary because the facility's

10  noncompliance has caused, or is likely to cause, serious

11  injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident receiving

12  care in a facility. The condition or practice constituting a

13  class I violation shall be abated or eliminated immediately,

14  unless a fixed period of time, as determined by the agency, is

15  required for correction. A class I deficiency is subject to a

16  civil penalty of $10,000 for an isolated deficiency, $12,500

17  for a patterned deficiency, and $15,000 for a widespread

18  deficiency. The fine amount shall be doubled for each

19  deficiency if the facility was previously cited for one or

20  more class I or class II deficiencies during the last

21  licensure annual inspection or any inspection or complaint

22  investigation since the last licensure annual inspection. A

23  fine must be levied notwithstanding the correction of the

24  deficiency.

25         (b)  A class II deficiency is a deficiency that the

26  agency determines has compromised the resident's ability to

27  maintain or reach his or her highest practicable physical,

28  mental, and psychosocial well-being, as defined by an accurate

29  and comprehensive resident assessment, plan of care, and

30  provision of services. A class II deficiency is subject to a

31  civil penalty of $2,500 for an isolated deficiency, $5,000 for

                                 146

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  a patterned deficiency, and $7,500 for a widespread

 2  deficiency. The fine amount shall be doubled for each

 3  deficiency if the facility was previously cited for one or

 4  more class I or class II deficiencies during the last

 5  licensure annual inspection or any inspection or complaint

 6  investigation since the last licensure annual inspection. A

 7  fine shall be levied notwithstanding the correction of the

 8  deficiency.

 9         (c)  A class III deficiency is a deficiency that the

10  agency determines will result in no more than minimal

11  physical, mental, or psychosocial discomfort to the resident

12  or has the potential to compromise the resident's ability to

13  maintain or reach his or her highest practical physical,

14  mental, or psychosocial well-being, as defined by an accurate

15  and comprehensive resident assessment, plan of care, and

16  provision of services. A class III deficiency is subject to a

17  civil penalty of $1,000 for an isolated deficiency, $2,000 for

18  a patterned deficiency, and $3,000 for a widespread

19  deficiency. The fine amount shall be doubled for each

20  deficiency if the facility was previously cited for one or

21  more class I or class II deficiencies during the last

22  licensure annual inspection or any inspection or complaint

23  investigation since the last licensure annual inspection. A

24  citation for a class III deficiency must specify the time

25  within which the deficiency is required to be corrected.  If a

26  class III deficiency is corrected within the time specified,

27  no civil penalty shall be imposed.

28         (d)  A class IV deficiency is a deficiency that the

29  agency determines has the potential for causing no more than a

30  minor negative impact on the resident. If the class IV

31  deficiency is isolated, no plan of correction is required.

                                 147

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (10)  Agency records, reports, ranking systems,

 2  Internet information, and publications must be promptly

 3  updated to reflect the most current agency actions.

 4         Section 75.  Subsections (1) and (2) of section

 5  400.241, Florida Statutes, are repealed.

 6         Section 76.  Subsection (5) of section 400.402, Florida

 7  Statutes, is repealed and present subsections (12), (14), and

 8  (17) of that section are redesignated as subsections (11),

 9  (13), and (16), respectively, and amended to read:

10         400.402  Definitions.--When used in this part, the

11  term:

12         (5)  "Applicant" means an individual owner,

13  corporation, partnership, firm, association, or governmental

14  entity that applies for a license.

15         (11)(12)  "Extended congregate care" means acts beyond

16  those authorized in subsection (16) (17) that may be performed

17  pursuant to part I of chapter 464 by persons licensed

18  thereunder while carrying out their professional duties, and

19  other supportive services which may be specified by rule.  The

20  purpose of such services is to enable residents to age in

21  place in a residential environment despite mental or physical

22  limitations that might otherwise disqualify them from

23  residency in a facility licensed under this part.

24         (13)(14)  "Limited nursing services" means acts that

25  may be performed pursuant to part I of chapter 464 by persons

26  licensed thereunder while carrying out their professional

27  duties but limited to those acts which the agency department

28  specifies by rule.  Acts which may be specified by rule as

29  allowable limited nursing services shall be for persons who

30  meet the admission criteria established by the agency

31  department for assisted living facilities and shall not be

                                 148

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  complex enough to require 24-hour nursing supervision and may

 2  include such services as the application and care of routine

 3  dressings, and care of casts, braces, and splints.

 4         (16)(17)  "Personal services" means direct physical

 5  assistance with or supervision of the activities of daily

 6  living and the self-administration of medication and other

 7  similar services which the agency department may define by

 8  rule.  "Personal services" shall not be construed to mean the

 9  provision of medical, nursing, dental, or mental health

10  services.

11         Section 77.  Section 400.407, Florida Statutes, is

12  amended to read:

13         400.407  License required; fee, display.--

14         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

15  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

16  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

17  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

18  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

19  However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from s.

20  408.810(10). A license issued by the agency is required for an

21  assisted living facility operating in this state.

22         (2)  Separate licenses shall be required for facilities

23  maintained in separate premises, even though operated under

24  the same management.  A separate license shall not be required

25  for separate buildings on the same grounds.

26         (3)  In addition to the requirements of s. 408.806,

27  each any license granted by the agency must state the maximum

28  resident capacity of the facility, the type of care for which

29  the license is granted, the date the license is issued, the

30  expiration date of the license, and any other information

31  deemed necessary by the agency. Licenses shall be issued for

                                 149

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  one or more of the following categories of care: standard,

 2  extended congregate care, limited nursing services, or limited

 3  mental health.

 4         (a)  A standard license shall be issued to facilities

 5  providing one or more of the personal services identified in

 6  s. 400.402. Such facilities may also employ or contract with a

 7  person licensed under part I of chapter 464 to administer

 8  medications and perform other tasks as specified in s.

 9  400.4255.

10         (b)  An extended congregate care license shall be

11  issued to facilities providing, directly or through contract,

12  services beyond those authorized in paragraph (a), including

13  acts performed pursuant to part I of chapter 464 by persons

14  licensed thereunder, and supportive services defined by rule

15  to persons who otherwise would be disqualified from continued

16  residence in a facility licensed under this part.

17         1.  In order for extended congregate care services to

18  be provided in a facility licensed under this part, the agency

19  must first determine that all requirements established in law

20  and rule are met and must specifically designate, on the

21  facility's license, that such services may be provided and

22  whether the designation applies to all or part of a facility.

23  Such designation may be made at the time of initial licensure

24  or relicensure, or upon request in writing by a licensee under

25  this part pursuant to s. 408.806. Notification of approval or

26  denial of such request shall be made in accordance with part

27  II of chapter 408 within 90 days after receipt of such request

28  and all necessary documentation. Existing facilities

29  qualifying to provide extended congregate care services must

30  have maintained a standard license and may not have been

31  subject to administrative sanctions during the previous 2

                                 150

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  years, or since initial licensure if the facility has been

 2  licensed for less than 2 years, for any of the following

 3  reasons:

 4         a.  A class I or class II violation;

 5         b.  Three or more repeat or recurring class III

 6  violations of identical or similar resident care standards as

 7  specified in rule from which a pattern of noncompliance is

 8  found by the agency;

 9         c.  Three or more class III violations that were not

10  corrected in accordance with the corrective action plan

11  approved by the agency;

12         d.  Violation of resident care standards resulting in a

13  requirement to employ the services of a consultant pharmacist

14  or consultant dietitian;

15         e.  Denial, suspension, or revocation of a license for

16  another facility under this part in which the applicant for an

17  extended congregate care license has at least 25 percent

18  ownership interest; or

19         f.  Imposition of a moratorium on admissions or

20  initiation of injunctive proceedings.

21         2.  Facilities that are licensed to provide extended

22  congregate care services shall maintain a written progress

23  report on each person who receives such services, which report

24  describes the type, amount, duration, scope, and outcome of

25  services that are rendered and the general status of the

26  resident's health.  A registered nurse, or appropriate

27  designee, representing the agency shall visit such facilities

28  at least quarterly to monitor residents who are receiving

29  extended congregate care services and to determine if the

30  facility is in compliance with this part, part II of chapter

31  408, and with rules that relate to extended congregate care.

                                 151

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  One of these visits may be in conjunction with the regular

 2  survey.  The monitoring visits may be provided through

 3  contractual arrangements with appropriate community agencies.

 4  A registered nurse shall serve as part of the team that

 5  inspects such facility. The agency may waive one of the

 6  required yearly monitoring visits for a facility that has been

 7  licensed for at least 24 months to provide extended congregate

 8  care services, if, during the inspection, the registered nurse

 9  determines that extended congregate care services are being

10  provided appropriately, and if the facility has no class I or

11  class II violations and no uncorrected class III violations.

12  Before such decision is made, the agency shall consult with

13  the long-term care ombudsman council for the area in which the

14  facility is located to determine if any complaints have been

15  made and substantiated about the quality of services or care.

16  The agency may not waive one of the required yearly monitoring

17  visits if complaints have been made and substantiated.

18         3.  Facilities that are licensed to provide extended

19  congregate care services shall:

20         a.  Demonstrate the capability to meet unanticipated

21  resident service needs.

22         b.  Offer a physical environment that promotes a

23  homelike setting, provides for resident privacy, promotes

24  resident independence, and allows sufficient congregate space

25  as defined by rule.

26         c.  Have sufficient staff available, taking into

27  account the physical plant and firesafety features of the

28  building, to assist with the evacuation of residents in an

29  emergency, as necessary.

30         d.  Adopt and follow policies and procedures that

31  maximize resident independence, dignity, choice, and

                                 152

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  decisionmaking to permit residents to age in place to the

 2  extent possible, so that moves due to changes in functional

 3  status are minimized or avoided.

 4         e.  Allow residents or, if applicable, a resident's

 5  representative, designee, surrogate, guardian, or attorney in

 6  fact to make a variety of personal choices, participate in

 7  developing service plans, and share responsibility in

 8  decisionmaking.

 9         f.  Implement the concept of managed risk.

10         g.  Provide, either directly or through contract, the

11  services of a person licensed pursuant to part I of chapter

12  464.

13         h.  In addition to the training mandated in s. 400.452,

14  provide specialized training as defined by rule for facility

15  staff.

16         4.  Facilities licensed to provide extended congregate

17  care services are exempt from the criteria for continued

18  residency as set forth in rules adopted under s. 400.441.

19  Facilities so licensed shall adopt their own requirements

20  within guidelines for continued residency set forth by the

21  department in rule. However, such facilities may not serve

22  residents who require 24-hour nursing supervision. Facilities

23  licensed to provide extended congregate care services shall

24  provide each resident with a written copy of facility policies

25  governing admission and retention.

26         5.  The primary purpose of extended congregate care

27  services is to allow residents, as they become more impaired,

28  the option of remaining in a familiar setting from which they

29  would otherwise be disqualified for continued residency.  A

30  facility licensed to provide extended congregate care services

31  may also admit an individual who exceeds the admission

                                 153

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  criteria for a facility with a standard license, if the

 2  individual is determined appropriate for admission to the

 3  extended congregate care facility.

 4         6.  Before admission of an individual to a facility

 5  licensed to provide extended congregate care services, the

 6  individual must undergo a medical examination as provided in

 7  s. 400.426(4) and the facility must develop a preliminary

 8  service plan for the individual.

 9         7.  When a facility can no longer provide or arrange

10  for services in accordance with the resident's service plan

11  and needs and the facility's policy, the facility shall make

12  arrangements for relocating the person in accordance with s.

13  400.428(1)(k).

14         8.  Failure to provide extended congregate care

15  services may result in denial of extended congregate care

16  license renewal.

17         9.  No later than January 1 of each year, the

18  department, in consultation with the agency, shall prepare and

19  submit to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the

20  Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairs of

21  appropriate legislative committees, a report on the status of,

22  and recommendations related to, extended congregate care

23  services. The status report must include, but need not be

24  limited to, the following information:

25         a.  A description of the facilities licensed to provide

26  such services, including total number of beds licensed under

27  this part.

28         b.  The number and characteristics of residents

29  receiving such services.

30         c.  The types of services rendered that could not be

31  provided through a standard license.

                                 154

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         d.  An analysis of deficiencies cited during licensure

 2  inspections.

 3         e.  The number of residents who required extended

 4  congregate care services at admission and the source of

 5  admission.

 6         f.  Recommendations for statutory or regulatory

 7  changes.

 8         g.  The availability of extended congregate care to

 9  state clients residing in facilities licensed under this part

10  and in need of additional services, and recommendations for

11  appropriations to subsidize extended congregate care services

12  for such persons.

13         h.  Such other information as the department considers

14  appropriate.

15         (c)  A limited nursing services license shall be issued

16  to a facility that provides services beyond those authorized

17  in paragraph (a) and as specified in this paragraph.

18         1.  In order for limited nursing services to be

19  provided in a facility licensed under this part, the agency

20  must first determine that all requirements established in law

21  and rule are met and must specifically designate, on the

22  facility's license, that such services may be provided. Such

23  designation may be made at the time of initial licensure or

24  relicensure, or upon request in writing by a licensee under

25  this part pursuant to s. 408.806. Notification of approval or

26  denial of such request shall be made in accordance with part

27  II of chapter 408 within 90 days after receipt of such request

28  and all necessary documentation. Existing facilities

29  qualifying to provide limited nursing services shall have

30  maintained a standard license and may not have been subject to

31  administrative sanctions that affect the health, safety, and

                                 155

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  welfare of residents for the previous 2 years or since initial

 2  licensure if the facility has been licensed for less than 2

 3  years.

 4         2.  Facilities that are licensed to provide limited

 5  nursing services shall maintain a written progress report on

 6  each person who receives such nursing services, which report

 7  describes the type, amount, duration, scope, and outcome of

 8  services that are rendered and the general status of the

 9  resident's health.  A registered nurse representing the agency

10  shall visit such facilities at least twice a year to monitor

11  residents who are receiving limited nursing services and to

12  determine if the facility is in compliance with applicable

13  provisions of this part and with related rules. The monitoring

14  visits may be provided through contractual arrangements with

15  appropriate community agencies.  A registered nurse shall also

16  serve as part of the team that inspects such facility.

17         3.  A person who receives limited nursing services

18  under this part must meet the admission criteria established

19  by the agency for assisted living facilities.  When a resident

20  no longer meets the admission criteria for a facility licensed

21  under this part, arrangements for relocating the person shall

22  be made in accordance with s. 400.428(1)(k), unless the

23  facility is licensed to provide extended congregate care

24  services.

25         (4)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

26  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

27  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

28  amount of the fee shall be established by rule.

29         (a)  The biennial license fee required of a facility is

30  $300 per license, with an additional fee of $50 per resident

31  based on the total licensed resident capacity of the facility,

                                 156

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  except that no additional fee will be assessed for beds

 2  designated for recipients of optional state supplementation

 3  payments provided for in s. 409.212. The total fee may not

 4  exceed $10,000, no part of which shall be returned to the

 5  facility.  The agency shall adjust the per bed license fee and

 6  the total licensure fee annually by not more than the change

 7  in the consumer price index based on the 12 months immediately

 8  preceding the increase.

 9         (b)  In addition to the total fee assessed under

10  paragraph (a), the agency shall require facilities that are

11  licensed to provide extended congregate care services under

12  this part to pay an additional fee per licensed facility.  The

13  amount of the biennial fee shall be $400 per license, with an

14  additional fee of $10 per resident based on the total licensed

15  resident capacity of the facility. No part of this fee shall

16  be returned to the facility. The agency may adjust the per bed

17  license fee and the annual license fee once each year by not

18  more than the average rate of inflation for the 12 months

19  immediately preceding the increase.

20         (c)  In addition to the total fee assessed under

21  paragraph (a), the agency shall require facilities that are

22  licensed to provide limited nursing services under this part

23  to pay an additional fee per licensed facility.  The amount of

24  the biennial fee shall be $250 per license, with an additional

25  fee of $10 per resident based on the total licensed resident

26  capacity of the facility.  No part of this fee shall be

27  returned to the facility.  The agency may adjust the per bed

28  license fee and the biennial license fee once each year by not

29  more than the average rate of inflation for the 12 months

30  immediately preceding the increase.

31  

                                 157

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (5)  Counties or municipalities applying for licenses

 2  under this part are exempt from the payment of license fees.

 3         (6)  The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous

 4  place inside the facility.

 5         (7)  A license shall be valid only in the possession of

 6  the individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation

 7  to which it is issued and shall not be subject to sale,

 8  assignment, or other transfer, voluntary or involuntary; nor

 9  shall a license be valid for any premises other than that for

10  which originally issued.

11         (8)  A fee may be charged to a facility requesting a

12  duplicate license.  The fee shall not exceed the actual cost

13  of duplication and postage.

14         Section 78.  Subsection (1) of section 400.4075,

15  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

16         400.4075  Limited mental health license.--An assisted

17  living facility that serves three or more mental health

18  residents must obtain a limited mental health license.

19         (1)  To obtain a limited mental health license, a

20  facility must hold a standard license as an assisted living

21  facility, must not have any current uncorrected deficiencies

22  or violations, and must ensure that, within 6 months after

23  receiving a limited mental health license, the facility

24  administrator and the staff of the facility who are in direct

25  contact with mental health residents must complete training of

26  no less than 6 hours related to their duties. Such designation

27  may be made at the time of initial licensure or relicensure,

28  or upon request in writing by a licensee under this part

29  pursuant to s. 408.806. Notification of approval or denial of

30  such request shall be made in accordance with part II of

31  chapter 408. The This training required by this subsection

                                 158

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  shall will be provided by or approved by the Department of

 2  Children and Family Services.

 3         Section 79.  Section 400.408, Florida Statutes, is

 4  amended to read:

 5         400.408  Unlicensed facilities; referral of person for

 6  residency to unlicensed facility; penalties; verification of

 7  licensure status.--

 8         (1)(a)  It is unlawful to own, operate, or maintain an

 9  assisted living facility without obtaining a license under

10  this part.

11         (b)  Except as provided under paragraph (d), any person

12  who owns, operates, or maintains an unlicensed assisted living

13  facility commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as

14  provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Each day of

15  continued operation is a separate offense.

16         (c)  Any person found guilty of violating paragraph (a)

17  a second or subsequent time commits a felony of the second

18  degree, punishable as provided under s. 775.082, s. 775.083,

19  or s. 775.084. Each day of continued operation is a separate

20  offense.

21         (1)(d)  Any person who owns, operates, or maintains an

22  unlicensed assisted living facility due to a change in this

23  part or a modification in department rule within 6 months

24  after the effective date of such change and who, within 10

25  working days after receiving notification from the agency,

26  fails to cease operation or apply for a license under this

27  part commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as

28  provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Each day of

29  continued operation is a separate offense.

30  

31  

                                 159

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (e)  Any facility that fails to cease operation after

 2  agency notification may be fined for each day of noncompliance

 3  pursuant to s. 400.419.

 4         (f)  When a licensee has an interest in more than one

 5  assisted living facility, and fails to license any one of

 6  these facilities, the agency may revoke the license, impose a

 7  moratorium, or impose a fine pursuant to s. 400.419, on any or

 8  all of the licensed facilities until such time as the

 9  unlicensed facility is licensed or ceases operation.

10         (g)  If the agency determines that an owner is

11  operating or maintaining an assisted living facility without

12  obtaining a license and determines that a condition exists in

13  the facility that poses a threat to the health, safety, or

14  welfare of a resident of the facility, the owner is subject to

15  the same actions and fines imposed against a licensed facility

16  as specified in ss. 400.414 and 400.419.

17         (h)  Any person aware of the operation of an unlicensed

18  assisted living facility must report that facility to the

19  agency. The agency shall provide to the department's elder

20  information and referral providers a list, by county, of

21  licensed assisted living facilities, to assist persons who are

22  considering an assisted living facility placement in locating

23  a licensed facility.

24         (2)(i)  Each field office of the Agency for Health Care

25  Administration shall establish a local coordinating workgroup

26  which includes representatives of local law enforcement

27  agencies, state attorneys, local fire authorities, the

28  Department of Children and Family Services, the district

29  long-term care ombudsman council, and the district human

30  rights advocacy committee to assist in identifying the

31  operation of unlicensed facilities and to develop and

                                 160

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  implement a plan to ensure effective enforcement of state laws

 2  relating to such facilities. The workgroup shall report its

 3  findings, actions, and recommendations semiannually to the

 4  Director of Health Facility Regulation of the agency.

 5         (3)(2)  It is unlawful to knowingly refer a person for

 6  residency to an unlicensed assisted living facility; to an

 7  assisted living facility the license of which is under denial

 8  or has been suspended or revoked; or to an assisted living

 9  facility that has a moratorium pursuant to s. 408.814 on

10  admissions.  Any person who violates this subsection commits a

11  noncriminal violation, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500

12  as provided in s. 775.083.

13         (a)  Any health care practitioner, as defined in s.

14  456.001, who is aware of the operation of an unlicensed

15  facility shall report that facility to the agency. Failure to

16  report a facility that the practitioner knows or has

17  reasonable cause to suspect is unlicensed shall be reported to

18  the practitioner's licensing board.

19         (b)  Any hospital or community mental health center

20  licensed under chapter 395 or chapter 394 which knowingly

21  discharges a patient or client to an unlicensed facility is

22  subject to sanction by the agency.

23         (c)  Any employee of the agency or department, or the

24  Department of Children and Family Services, who knowingly

25  refers a person for residency to an unlicensed facility; to a

26  facility the license of which is under denial or has been

27  suspended or revoked; or to a facility that has a moratorium

28  pursuant to s. 408.814 on admissions is subject to

29  disciplinary action by the agency or department, or the

30  Department of Children and Family Services.

31  

                                 161

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (d)  The employer of any person who is under contract

 2  with the agency or department, or the Department of Children

 3  and Family Services, and who knowingly refers a person for

 4  residency to an unlicensed facility; to a facility the license

 5  of which is under denial or has been suspended or revoked; or

 6  to a facility that has a moratorium pursuant to s. 408.814 on

 7  admissions shall be fined and required to prepare a corrective

 8  action plan designed to prevent such referrals.

 9         (e)  The agency shall provide the department and the

10  Department of Children and Family Services with a list of

11  licensed facilities within each county and shall update the

12  list at least quarterly.

13         (f)  At least annually, the agency shall notify, in

14  appropriate trade publications, physicians licensed under

15  chapter 458 or chapter 459, hospitals licensed under chapter

16  395, nursing home facilities licensed under part II of this

17  chapter, and employees of the agency or the department, or the

18  Department of Children and Family Services, who are

19  responsible for referring persons for residency, that it is

20  unlawful to knowingly refer a person for residency to an

21  unlicensed assisted living facility and shall notify them of

22  the penalty for violating such prohibition. The department and

23  the Department of Children and Family Services shall, in turn,

24  notify service providers under contract to the respective

25  departments who have responsibility for resident referrals to

26  facilities. Further, the notice must direct each noticed

27  facility and individual to contact the appropriate agency

28  office in order to verify the licensure status of any facility

29  prior to referring any person for residency. Each notice must

30  include the name, telephone number, and mailing address of the

31  appropriate office to contact.

                                 162

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 80.  Section 400.411, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.411  Initial application for license; provisional

 4  license.--

 5         (1)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with all

 6  provisions of part II of chapter 408 and the following:

 7  Application for a license shall be made to the agency on forms

 8  furnished by it and shall be accompanied by the appropriate

 9  license fee.

10         (2)  The applicant may be an individual owner, a

11  corporation, a partnership, a firm, an association, or a

12  governmental entity.

13         (3)  The application must be signed by the applicant

14  under oath and must contain the following:

15         (a)  The name, address, date of birth, and social

16  security number of the applicant and the name by which the

17  facility is to be known. If the applicant is a firm,

18  partnership, or association, the application shall contain the

19  name, address, date of birth, and social security number of

20  every member thereof. If the applicant is a corporation, the

21  application shall contain the corporation's name and address;

22  the name, address, date of birth, and social security number

23  of each of its directors and officers; and the name and

24  address of each person having at least a 5-percent ownership

25  interest in the corporation.

26         (b)  The name and address of any professional service,

27  firm, association, partnership, or corporation that is to

28  provide goods, leases, or services to the facility if a

29  5-percent or greater ownership interest in the service, firm,

30  association, partnership, or corporation is owned by a person

31  

                                 163

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  whose name must be listed on the application under paragraph

 2  (a).

 3         (c)  The name and address of any long-term care

 4  facility with which the applicant, administrator, or financial

 5  officer has been affiliated through ownership or employment

 6  within 5 years of the date of this license application; and a

 7  signed affidavit disclosing any financial or ownership

 8  interest that the applicant, or any person listed in paragraph

 9  (a), holds or has held within the last 5 years in any facility

10  licensed under this part, or in any other entity licensed by

11  this state or another state to provide health or residential

12  care, which facility or entity closed or ceased to operate as

13  a result of financial problems, or has had a receiver

14  appointed or a license denied, suspended or revoked, or was

15  subject to a moratorium on admissions, or has had an

16  injunctive proceeding initiated against it.

17         (d)  A description and explanation of any exclusions,

18  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

19  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

20  disclosure of ownership and control interest requirements of

21  the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be accepted in lieu of

22  this submission.

23         (e)  The names and addresses of persons of whom the

24  agency may inquire as to the character, reputation, and

25  financial responsibility of the owner and, if different from

26  the applicant, the administrator and financial officer.

27         (a)(f)  Identify Identification of all other homes or

28  facilities, including the addresses and the license or

29  licenses under which they operate, if applicable, which are

30  currently operated by the applicant or administrator and which

31  provide housing, meals, and personal services to residents.

                                 164

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)(g)  Provide the location of the facility for which

 2  a license is sought and documentation, signed by the

 3  appropriate local government official, which states that the

 4  applicant has met local zoning requirements.

 5         (c)(h)  Provide the name, address, date of birth,

 6  social security number, education, and experience of the

 7  administrator, if different from the applicant.

 8         (4)  The applicant shall furnish satisfactory proof of

 9  financial ability to operate and conduct the facility in

10  accordance with the requirements of this part. A certificate

11  of authority, pursuant to chapter 651, may be provided as

12  proof of financial ability.

13         (5)  If the applicant is a continuing care facility

14  certified under chapter 651, a copy of the facility's

15  certificate of authority must be provided.

16         (6)  The applicant shall provide proof of liability

17  insurance as defined in s. 624.605.

18         (7)  If the applicant is a community residential home,

19  the applicant must provide proof that it has met the

20  requirements specified in chapter 419.

21         (8)  The applicant must provide the agency with proof

22  of legal right to occupy the property.

23         (2)(9)  The applicant must furnish proof that the

24  facility has received a satisfactory firesafety inspection.

25  The local authority having jurisdiction or the State Fire

26  Marshal must conduct the inspection within 30 days after

27  written request by the applicant.

28         (3)(10)  The applicant must furnish documentation of a

29  satisfactory sanitation inspection of the facility by the

30  county health department.

31  

                                 165

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (11)  The applicant must furnish proof of compliance

 2  with level 2 background screening as required under s.

 3  400.4174.

 4         (4)(12)  A provisional license may be issued to an

 5  applicant making initial application for licensure or making

 6  application for a change of ownership.  A provisional license

 7  shall be limited in duration to a specific period of time not

 8  to exceed 6 months, as determined by the agency.

 9         (5)(13)  A county or municipality may not issue an

10  occupational license that is being obtained for the purpose of

11  operating a facility regulated under this part without first

12  ascertaining that the applicant has been licensed to operate

13  such facility at the specified location or locations by the

14  agency.  The agency shall furnish to local agencies

15  responsible for issuing occupational licenses sufficient

16  instruction for making such determinations.

17         Section 81.  Section 400.412, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         400.412  Sale or transfer of ownership of a

20  facility.--It is the intent of the Legislature to protect the

21  rights of the residents of an assisted living facility when

22  the facility is sold or the ownership thereof is transferred.

23  Therefore, in addition to the requirements of part II of

24  chapter 408, whenever a facility is sold or the ownership

25  thereof is transferred, including leasing:

26         (1)  The transferee shall make application to the

27  agency for a new license at least 60 days before the date of

28  transfer of ownership.  The application must comply with the

29  provisions of s. 400.411.

30  

31  

                                 166

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)(a)  The transferor shall notify the agency in

 2  writing at least 60 days before the date of transfer of

 3  ownership.

 4         (1)(b)  The transferee new owner shall notify the

 5  residents, in writing, of the change transfer of ownership

 6  within 7 days after of his or her receipt of the new license.

 7         (3)  The transferor shall be responsible and liable

 8  for:

 9         (a)  The lawful operation of the facility and the

10  welfare of the residents domiciled in the facility until the

11  date the transferee is licensed by the agency.

12         (b)  Any and all penalties imposed against the facility

13  for violations occurring before the date of transfer of

14  ownership unless the penalty imposed is a moratorium on

15  admissions or denial of licensure.  The moratorium on

16  admissions or denial of licensure remains in effect after the

17  transfer of ownership, unless the agency has approved the

18  transferee's corrective action plan or the conditions which

19  created the moratorium or denial have been corrected, and may

20  be grounds for denial of license to the transferee in

21  accordance with chapter 120.

22         (c)  Any outstanding liability to the state, unless the

23  transferee has agreed, as a condition of sale or transfer, to

24  accept the outstanding liabilities and to guarantee payment

25  therefor; except that, if the transferee fails to meet these

26  obligations, the transferor shall remain liable for the

27  outstanding liability.

28         (2)(4)  The transferor of a facility the license of

29  which is denied pending an administrative hearing shall, as a

30  part of the written change-of-ownership transfer-of-ownership

31  contract, advise the transferee that a plan of correction must

                                 167

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  be submitted by the transferee and approved by the agency at

 2  least 7 days before the change transfer of ownership and that

 3  failure to correct the condition which resulted in the

 4  moratorium pursuant to s. 408.814 on admissions or denial of

 5  licensure is grounds for denial of the transferee's license.

 6         (5)  The transferee must provide the agency with proof

 7  of legal right to occupy the property before a license may be

 8  issued.  Proof may include, but is not limited to, copies of

 9  warranty deeds, or copies of lease or rental agreements,

10  contracts for deeds, quitclaim deeds, or other such

11  documentation.

12         Section 82.  Section 400.414, Florida Statutes, is

13  amended to read:

14         400.414  Denial or, revocation, or suspension of

15  license; moratorium; imposition of administrative fine;

16  grounds.--

17         (1)  The agency may deny or, revoke, or suspend any

18  license issued under this part, impose a moratorium, or impose

19  an administrative fine in the manner provided in chapter 120,

20  for any of the following actions by an assisted living

21  facility, for the actions of any person subject to level 2

22  background screening under s. 400.4174, or for the actions of

23  any facility employee in violation of any provision of this

24  part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rule:

25         (a)  An intentional or negligent act seriously

26  affecting the health, safety, or welfare of a resident of the

27  facility.

28         (b)  The determination by the agency that the owner

29  lacks the financial ability to provide continuing adequate

30  care to residents.

31  

                                 168

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (c)  Misappropriation or conversion of the property of

 2  a resident of the facility.

 3         (d)  Failure to follow the criteria and procedures

 4  provided under part I of chapter 394 relating to the

 5  transportation, voluntary admission, and involuntary

 6  examination of a facility resident.

 7         (e)  A citation of any of the following deficiencies as

 8  defined in s. 400.419:

 9         1.  One or more cited class I deficiencies.

10         2.  Three or more cited class II deficiencies.

11         3.  Five or more cited class III deficiencies that have

12  been cited on a single survey and have not been corrected

13  within the times specified.

14         (f)  A determination that a person subject to level 2

15  background screening under s. 400.4174(1) does not meet the

16  screening standards of s. 435.04 or that the facility is

17  retaining an employee subject to level 1 background screening

18  standards under s. 400.4174(2) who does not meet the screening

19  standards of s. 435.03 and for whom exemptions from

20  disqualification have not been provided by the agency.

21         (g)  A determination that an employee, volunteer,

22  administrator, or owner, or person who otherwise has access to

23  the residents of a facility does not meet the criteria

24  specified in s. 435.03(2), and the owner or administrator has

25  not taken action to remove the person. Exemptions from

26  disqualification may be granted as set forth in s. 435.07. No

27  administrative action may be taken against the facility if the

28  person is granted an exemption.

29         (h)  Violation of a moratorium.

30         (i)  Failure of the license applicant, the licensee

31  during relicensure, or a licensee that holds a provisional

                                 169

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  license to meet the minimum license requirements of this part,

 2  or related rules, at the time of license application or

 3  renewal.

 4         (j)  A fraudulent statement or omission of any material

 5  fact on an application for a license or any other document

 6  required by the agency, including the submission of a license

 7  application that conceals the fact that any board member,

 8  officer, or person owning 5 percent or more of the facility

 9  may not meet the background screening requirements of s.

10  400.4174, or that the applicant has been excluded, permanently

11  suspended, or terminated from the Medicaid or Medicare

12  programs.

13         (h)(k)  An intentional or negligent life-threatening

14  act in violation of the uniform firesafety standards for

15  assisted living facilities or other firesafety standards that

16  threatens the health, safety, or welfare of a resident of a

17  facility, as communicated to the agency by the local authority

18  having jurisdiction or the State Fire Marshal.

19         (l)  Exclusion, permanent suspension, or termination

20  from the Medicare or Medicaid programs.

21         (i)(m)  Knowingly operating any unlicensed facility or

22  providing without a license any service that must be licensed

23  under this chapter.

24         (j)(n)  Any act constituting a ground upon which

25  application for a license may be denied.

26  

27  Administrative proceedings challenging agency action under

28  this subsection shall be reviewed on the basis of the facts

29  and conditions that resulted in the agency action.

30         (2)  Upon notification by the local authority having

31  jurisdiction or by the State Fire Marshal, the agency may deny

                                 170

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  or revoke the license of an assisted living facility that

 2  fails to correct cited fire code violations that affect or

 3  threaten the health, safety, or welfare of a resident of a

 4  facility.

 5         (3)  The agency may deny a license to any applicant

 6  controlling interest as defined in s. 408.803 that or to any

 7  officer or board member of an applicant who is a firm,

 8  corporation, partnership, or association or who owns 5 percent

 9  or more of the facility, if the applicant, officer, or board

10  member has or had a 25-percent or greater financial or

11  ownership interest in any other facility licensed under this

12  part, or in any entity licensed by this state or another state

13  to provide health or residential care, which facility or

14  entity during the 5 years prior to the application for a

15  license closed due to financial inability to operate; had a

16  receiver appointed or a license denied, suspended, or revoked;

17  was subject to a moratorium pursuant to s. 408.814 on

18  admissions; had an injunctive proceeding initiated against it;

19  or has an outstanding fine assessed under this chapter.

20         (4)  The agency shall deny or revoke the license of an

21  assisted living facility that has two or more class I

22  violations that are similar or identical to violations

23  identified by the agency during a survey, inspection,

24  monitoring visit, or complaint investigation occurring within

25  the previous 2 years.

26         (5)  An action taken by the agency to suspend, deny, or

27  revoke a facility's license under this part, in which the

28  agency claims that the facility owner or an employee of the

29  facility has threatened the health, safety, or welfare of a

30  resident of the facility be heard by the Division of

31  Administrative Hearings of the Department of Management

                                 171

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Services within 120 days after receipt of the facility's

 2  request for a hearing, unless that time limitation is waived

 3  by both parties. The administrative law judge must render a

 4  decision within 30 days after receipt of a proposed

 5  recommended order.

 6         (6)  The agency shall provide to the Division of Hotels

 7  and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional

 8  Regulation, on a monthly basis, a list of those assisted

 9  living facilities that have had their licenses denied,

10  suspended, or revoked or that are involved in an appellate

11  proceeding pursuant to s. 120.60 related to the denial,

12  suspension, or revocation of a license.

13         (7)  Agency notification of a license suspension or

14  revocation, or denial of a license renewal, shall be posted

15  and visible to the public at the facility.

16         (8)  The agency may issue a temporary license pending

17  final disposition of a proceeding involving the suspension or

18  revocation of an assisted living facility license.

19         Section 83.  Section 400.417, Florida Statutes, is

20  amended to read:

21         400.417  Expiration of license; renewal; conditional

22  license.--

23         (1)  Biennial licenses, unless sooner suspended or

24  revoked, shall expire 2 years from the date of issuance.

25  Limited nursing, extended congregate care, and limited mental

26  health licenses shall expire at the same time as the

27  facility's standard license, regardless of when issued. The

28  agency shall notify the facility at least 120 days prior to

29  expiration that a renewal license is necessary to continue

30  operation. The notification must be provided electronically or

31  by mail delivery. Ninety days prior to the expiration date, an

                                 172

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  application for renewal shall be submitted to the agency. Fees

 2  must be prorated. The failure to file a timely renewal

 3  application shall result in a late fee charged to the facility

 4  in an amount equal to 50 percent of the current fee.

 5         (2)  A license shall be renewed in accordance with part

 6  II of chapter 408 within 90 days upon the timely filing of an

 7  application on forms furnished by the agency and the provision

 8  of satisfactory proof of ability to operate and conduct the

 9  facility in accordance with the requirements of this part and

10  adopted rules, including proof that the facility has received

11  a satisfactory firesafety inspection, conducted by the local

12  authority having jurisdiction or the State Fire Marshal,

13  within the preceding 12 months and an affidavit of compliance

14  with the background screening requirements of s. 400.4174.

15         (3)  In addition to the requirements of part II of

16  chapter 408, An applicant for renewal of a license who has

17  complied with the provisions of s. 400.411 with respect to

18  proof of financial ability to operate shall not be required to

19  provide further proof unless the facility or any other

20  facility owned or operated in whole or in part by the same

21  person has demonstrated financial instability as provided

22  under s. 400.447(2) or unless the agency suspects that the

23  facility is not financially stable as a result of the annual

24  survey or complaints from the public or a report from the

25  State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council. each facility must

26  report to the agency any adverse court action concerning the

27  facility's financial viability, within 7 days after its

28  occurrence.  The agency shall have access to books, records,

29  and any other financial documents maintained by the facility

30  to the extent necessary to determine the facility's financial

31  stability. A license for the operation of a facility shall not

                                 173

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  be renewed if the licensee has any outstanding fines assessed

 2  pursuant to this part which are in final order status.

 3         (4)  A licensee against whom a revocation or suspension

 4  proceeding is pending at the time of license renewal may be

 5  issued a conditional license effective until final disposition

 6  by the agency.  If judicial relief is sought from the final

 7  disposition, the court having jurisdiction may issue a

 8  conditional license for the duration of the judicial

 9  proceeding.

10         (4)(5)  A conditional license may be issued to an

11  applicant for license renewal if the applicant fails to meet

12  all standards and requirements for licensure.  A conditional

13  license issued under this subsection shall be limited in

14  duration to a specific period of time not to exceed 6 months,

15  as determined by the agency, and shall be accompanied by an

16  agency-approved plan of correction.

17         (5)(6)  When an extended care or limited nursing

18  license is requested during a facility's biennial license

19  period, the fee shall be prorated in order to permit the

20  additional license to expire at the end of the biennial

21  license period. The fee shall be calculated as of the date the

22  additional license application is received by the agency.

23         (6)(7)  The agency department may by rule establish

24  renewal procedures, identify forms, and specify documentation

25  necessary to administer this section and part II of chapter

26  408.

27         Section 84.  Section 400.415, Florida Statutes, is

28  repealed.

29         Section 85.  Section 400.4174, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31         400.4174  Background screening; exemptions.--

                                 174

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)(a)  Level 2 background screening must be conducted

 2  on each of the following persons, who shall be considered

 3  employees for the purposes of conducting screening under

 4  chapter 435:

 5         1.  The facility owner if an individual, the

 6  administrator, and the financial officer.

 7         2.  An officer or board member if the facility owner is

 8  a firm, corporation, partnership, or association, or any

 9  person owning 5 percent or more of the facility if the agency

10  has probable cause to believe that such person has been

11  convicted of any offense prohibited by s. 435.04. For each

12  officer, board member, or person owning 5 percent or more who

13  has been convicted of any such offense, the facility shall

14  submit to the agency a description and explanation of the

15  conviction at the time of license application. This

16  subparagraph does not apply to a board member of a

17  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the board member

18  serves solely in a voluntary capacity, does not regularly take

19  part in the day-to-day operational decisions of the

20  corporation or organization, receives no remuneration for his

21  or her services, and has no financial interest and has no

22  family members with a financial interest in the corporation or

23  organization, provided that the board member and facility

24  submit a statement affirming that the board member's

25  relationship to the facility satisfies the requirements of

26  this subparagraph.

27         (b)  Proof of compliance with level 2 screening

28  standards which has been submitted within the previous 5 years

29  to meet any facility or professional licensure requirements of

30  the agency or the Department of Health satisfies the

31  requirements of this subsection, provided that such proof is

                                 175

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  accompanied, under penalty of perjury, by an affidavit of

 2  compliance with the provisions of chapter 435. Proof of

 3  compliance with the background screening requirements of the

 4  Financial Services Commission and the Office of Insurance

 5  Regulation for applicants for a certificate of authority to

 6  operate a continuing care retirement community under chapter

 7  651, submitted within the last 5 years, satisfies the

 8  Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of

 9  Investigation portions of a level 2 background check.

10         (c)  The agency may grant a provisional license to a

11  facility applying for an initial license when each individual

12  required by this subsection to undergo screening has completed

13  the Department of Law Enforcement background checks, but has

14  not yet received results from the Federal Bureau of

15  Investigation, or when a request for an exemption from

16  disqualification has been submitted to the agency pursuant to

17  s. 435.07, but a response has not been issued.

18         (2)  The owner or administrator of an assisted living

19  facility must conduct level 1 background screening, as set

20  forth in chapter 435, on all employees hired on or after

21  October 1, 1998, who perform personal services as defined in

22  s. 400.402(17). The agency may exempt an individual from

23  employment disqualification as set forth in chapter 435. Such

24  persons shall be considered as having met this requirement if:

25         (1)(a)  Proof of compliance with level 1 screening

26  requirements obtained to meet any professional license

27  requirements in this state is provided and accompanied, under

28  penalty of perjury, by a copy of the person's current

29  professional license and an affidavit of current compliance

30  with the background screening requirements.

31  

                                 176

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)(b)  The person required to be screened has been

 2  continuously employed in the same type of occupation for which

 3  the person is seeking employment without a breach in service

 4  which exceeds 180 days, and proof of compliance with the level

 5  1 screening requirement which is no more than 2 years old is

 6  provided. Proof of compliance shall be provided directly from

 7  one employer or contractor to another, and not from the person

 8  screened. Upon request, a copy of screening results shall be

 9  provided by the employer retaining documentation of the

10  screening to the person screened.

11         (3)(c)  The person required to be screened is employed

12  by a corporation or business entity or related corporation or

13  business entity that owns, operates, or manages more than one

14  facility or agency licensed under this chapter, and for whom a

15  level 1 screening was conducted by the corporation or business

16  entity as a condition of initial or continued employment.

17         Section 86.  Section 400.4176, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         400.4176  Notice of change of administrator.--If,

20  during the period for which a license is issued, the owner

21  changes administrators, the owner must notify the agency of

22  the change within 10 days and provide documentation within 90

23  days that the new administrator has completed the applicable

24  core educational requirements under s. 400.452.  Background

25  screening shall be completed on any new administrator as

26  specified in s. 400.4174.

27         Section 87.  Subsection (7) of section 400.4178,

28  Florida Statutes, is repealed.

29         Section 88.  Section 400.418, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31  

                                 177

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         400.418  Disposition of fees and administrative

 2  fines.--

 3         (1)  Income from license fees, inspection fees, late

 4  fees, and administrative fines collected under this part

 5  generated pursuant to ss. 400.407, 400.408, 400.417, 400.419,

 6  and 400.431 shall be deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund

 7  administered by the agency.  Such funds shall be directed to

 8  and used by the agency for the following purposes:

 9         (1)(a)  Up to 50 percent of the trust funds accrued

10  each fiscal year under this part may be used to offset the

11  expenses of receivership, pursuant to s. 400.422, if the court

12  determines that the income and assets of the facility are

13  insufficient to provide for adequate management and operation.

14         (2)(b)  An amount of $5,000 of the trust funds accrued

15  each year under this part shall be allocated to pay for

16  inspection-related physical and mental health examinations

17  requested by the agency pursuant to s. 400.426 for residents

18  who are either recipients of supplemental security income or

19  have monthly incomes not in excess of the maximum combined

20  federal and state cash subsidies available to supplemental

21  security income recipients, as provided for in s. 409.212.

22  Such funds shall only be used where the resident is ineligible

23  for Medicaid.

24         (3)(c)  Any trust funds accrued each year under this

25  part and not used for the purposes specified in paragraphs (a)

26  and (b) shall be used to offset the costs of the licensure

27  program, including the costs of conducting background

28  investigations, verifying information submitted, defraying the

29  costs of processing the names of applicants, and conducting

30  inspections and monitoring visits pursuant to this part and

31  part II of chapter 408.

                                 178

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  Income from fees generated pursuant to s.

 2  400.441(5) shall be deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund

 3  and used to offset the costs of printing and postage.

 4         Section 89.  Section 400.419, Florida Statutes, is

 5  amended to read:

 6         400.419  Violations; imposition of administrative

 7  fines; grounds.--

 8         (1)  The agency shall impose an administrative fine in

 9  the manner provided in chapter 120 for a violation of any

10  provision of this part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable

11  rule any of the actions or violations as set forth within this

12  section by an assisted living facility, for the actions of any

13  person subject to level 2 background screening under s.

14  400.4174, for the actions of any facility employee, or for an

15  intentional or negligent act seriously affecting the health,

16  safety, or welfare of a resident of the facility.

17         (2)  Each violation of this part and adopted rules

18  shall be classified according to the nature of the violation

19  and the gravity of its probable effect on facility residents.

20  The agency shall indicate the classification on the written

21  notice of the violation as follows:

22         (a)  Class "I" violations are those conditions or

23  occurrences related to the operation and maintenance of a

24  facility or to the personal care of residents which the agency

25  determines present an imminent danger to the residents or

26  guests of the facility or a substantial probability that death

27  or serious physical or emotional harm would result therefrom.

28  The condition or practice constituting a class I violation

29  shall be abated or eliminated within 24 hours, unless a fixed

30  period, as determined by the agency, is required for

31  correction. The agency shall impose an administrative fine for

                                 179

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  a cited class I violation in an amount not less than $5,000

 2  and not exceeding $10,000 for each violation. A fine may be

 3  levied notwithstanding the correction of the violation.

 4         (b)  Class "II" violations are those conditions or

 5  occurrences related to the operation and maintenance of a

 6  facility or to the personal care of residents which the agency

 7  determines directly threaten the physical or emotional health,

 8  safety, or security of the facility residents, other than

 9  class I violations. The agency shall impose an administrative

10  fine for a cited class II violation in an amount not less than

11  $1,000 and not exceeding $5,000 for each violation. A fine

12  shall be levied notwithstanding the correction of the

13  violation.

14         (c)  Class "III" violations are those conditions or

15  occurrences related to the operation and maintenance of a

16  facility or to the personal care of residents which the agency

17  determines indirectly or potentially threaten the physical or

18  emotional health, safety, or security of facility residents,

19  other than class I or class II violations. The agency shall

20  impose an administrative fine for a cited class III violation

21  in an amount not less than $500 and not exceeding $1,000 for

22  each violation. A citation for a class III violation must

23  specify the time within which the violation is required to be

24  corrected. If a class III violation is corrected within the

25  time specified, no fine may be imposed, unless it is a

26  repeated offense.

27         (d)  Class "IV" violations are those conditions or

28  occurrences related to the operation and maintenance of a

29  building or to required reports, forms, or documents that do

30  not have the potential of negatively affecting residents.

31  These violations are of a type that the agency determines do

                                 180

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  not threaten the health, safety, or security of residents of

 2  the facility. The agency shall impose an administrative fine

 3  for a cited class IV violation in an amount not less than $100

 4  and not exceeding $200 for each violation. A citation for a

 5  class IV violation must specify the time within which the

 6  violation is required to be corrected. If a class IV violation

 7  is corrected within the time specified, no fine shall be

 8  imposed. Any class IV violation that is corrected during the

 9  time an agency survey is being conducted will be identified as

10  an agency finding and not as a violation.

11         (3)  In determining if a penalty is to be imposed and

12  in fixing the amount of the fine, the agency shall consider

13  the following factors:

14         (a)  The gravity of the violation, including the

15  probability that death or serious physical or emotional harm

16  to a resident will result or has resulted, the severity of the

17  action or potential harm, and the extent to which the

18  provisions of the applicable laws or rules were violated.

19         (b)  Actions taken by the owner or administrator to

20  correct violations.

21         (c)  Any previous violations.

22         (d)  The financial benefit to the facility of

23  committing or continuing the violation.

24         (e)  The licensed capacity of the facility.

25         (4)  Each day of continuing violation after the date

26  fixed for termination of the violation, as ordered by the

27  agency, constitutes an additional, separate, and distinct

28  violation.

29         (5)  Any action taken to correct a violation shall be

30  documented in writing by the owner or administrator of the

31  facility and verified through followup visits by agency

                                 181

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  personnel. The agency may impose a fine and, in the case of an

 2  owner-operated facility, revoke or deny a facility's license

 3  when a facility administrator fraudulently misrepresents

 4  action taken to correct a violation.

 5         (6)  For fines that are upheld following administrative

 6  or judicial review, the violator shall pay the fine, plus

 7  interest at the rate as specified in s. 55.03, for each day

 8  beyond the date set by the agency for payment of the fine.

 9         (7)  Any unlicensed facility that continues to operate

10  after agency notification is subject to a $1,000 fine per day.

11         (8)  Any licensed facility whose owner or administrator

12  concurrently operates an unlicensed facility shall be subject

13  to an administrative fine of $5,000 per day.

14         (9)  Any facility whose owner fails to apply for a

15  change-of-ownership license in accordance with s. 400.412 and

16  operates the facility under the new ownership is subject to a

17  fine of $5,000.

18         (6)(10)  In addition to any administrative fines

19  imposed, the agency may assess a survey fee, equal to the

20  lesser of one half of the facility's biennial license and bed

21  fee or $500, to cover the cost of conducting initial complaint

22  investigations that result in the finding of a violation that

23  was the subject of the complaint or monitoring visits

24  conducted under s. 400.428(3)(c) to verify the correction of

25  the violations.

26         (7)(11)  The agency, as an alternative to or in

27  conjunction with an administrative action against a facility

28  for violations of this part and adopted rules, shall make a

29  reasonable attempt to discuss each violation and recommended

30  corrective action with the owner or administrator of the

31  facility, prior to written notification. The agency, instead

                                 182

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  of fixing a period within which the facility shall enter into

 2  compliance with standards, may request a plan of corrective

 3  action from the facility which demonstrates a good faith

 4  effort to remedy each violation by a specific date, subject to

 5  the approval of the agency.

 6         (12)  Administrative fines paid by any facility under

 7  this section shall be deposited into the Health Care Trust

 8  Fund and expended as provided in s. 400.418.

 9         (8)(13)  The agency shall develop and disseminate an

10  annual list of all facilities sanctioned or fined $5,000 or

11  more for violations of state standards, the number and class

12  of violations involved, the penalties imposed, and the current

13  status of cases. The list shall be disseminated, at no charge,

14  to the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of

15  Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, the

16  area agencies on aging, the Florida Statewide Advocacy

17  Council, and the state and local ombudsman councils. The

18  Department of Children and Family Services shall disseminate

19  the list to service providers under contract to the department

20  who are responsible for referring persons to a facility for

21  residency. The agency may charge a fee commensurate with the

22  cost of printing and postage to other interested parties

23  requesting a copy of this list.

24         Section 90.  Subsections (2) and (3) of section 400.42,

25  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

26         400.42  Certain solicitation prohibited; third-party

27  supplementation.--

28         (2)  Solicitation of contributions of any kind in a

29  threatening, coercive, or unduly forceful manner by or on

30  behalf of an assisted living facility or facilities by any

31  agent, employee, owner, or representative of any assisted

                                 183

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  living facility or facilities is grounds for denial,

 2  suspension, or revocation of the license of the assisted

 3  living facility or facilities by or on behalf of which such

 4  contributions were solicited.

 5         (3)  The admission or maintenance of assisted living

 6  facility residents whose care is supported, in whole or in

 7  part, by state funds may not be conditioned upon the receipt

 8  of any manner of contribution or donation from any person. The

 9  solicitation or receipt of contributions in violation of this

10  subsection is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of

11  license, as provided in s. 400.414, for any assisted living

12  facility by or on behalf of which such contributions were

13  solicited.

14         Section 91.  Section 400.421, Florida Statutes, is

15  repealed.

16         Section 92.  Subsection (10) of section 400.423,

17  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

18         400.423  Internal risk management and quality assurance

19  program; adverse incidents and reporting requirements.--

20         (10)  The agency Department of Elderly Affairs may

21  adopt rules necessary to administer this section.

22         Section 93.  Subsection (8) of section 400.424, Florida

23  Statutes, is amended to read:

24         400.424  Contracts.--

25         (8)  The agency department may by rule clarify terms,

26  establish procedures, clarify refund policies and contract

27  provisions, and specify documentation as necessary to

28  administer this section.

29         Section 94.  Subsection (3) of section 400.4255,

30  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

31         400.4255  Use of personnel; emergency care.--

                                 184

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (3)  Facility staff may withhold or withdraw

 2  cardiopulmonary resuscitation if presented with an order not

 3  to resuscitate executed pursuant to s. 401.45. The agency

 4  department shall adopt rules providing for the implementation

 5  of such orders. Facility staff and facilities shall not be

 6  subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability, nor be

 7  considered to have engaged in negligent or unprofessional

 8  conduct, for withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary

 9  resuscitation pursuant to such an order and applicable rules

10  adopted by the department. The absence of an order to

11  resuscitate executed pursuant to s. 401.45 does not preclude a

12  physician from withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary

13  resuscitation as otherwise permitted by law.

14         Section 95.  Subsection (6) of section 400.4256,

15  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

16         400.4256  Assistance with self-administration of

17  medication.--

18         (6)  The agency department may by rule establish

19  facility procedures and interpret terms as necessary to

20  implement this section.

21         Section 96.  Subsection (8) of section 400.427, Florida

22  Statutes, is amended to read:

23         400.427  Property and personal affairs of residents.--

24         (8)  The agency department may by rule clarify terms

25  and specify procedures and documentation necessary to

26  administer the provisions of this section relating to the

27  proper management of residents' funds and personal property

28  and the execution of surety bonds.

29         Section 97.  Subsection (4) of section 400.4275,

30  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

31  

                                 185

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         400.4275  Business practice; personnel records;

 2  liability insurance.--The assisted living facility shall be

 3  administered on a sound financial basis that is consistent

 4  with good business practices.

 5         (4)  The agency department may by rule clarify terms,

 6  establish requirements for financial records, accounting

 7  procedures, personnel procedures, insurance coverage, and

 8  reporting procedures, and specify documentation as necessary

 9  to implement the requirements of this section.

10         Section 98.  Subsections (1) and (5) of section

11  400.431, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

12         400.431  Closing of facility; notice; penalty.--

13         (1)  Whenever a facility voluntarily discontinues

14  operation, it shall inform the agency in writing at least 90

15  days prior to the discontinuance of operation.  The facility

16  shall also inform each resident or the next of kin, legal

17  representative, or agency acting on each resident's behalf, of

18  the fact and the proposed time of such discontinuance,

19  following the notification requirements provided in s.

20  400.428(1)(k).  In the event a resident has no person to

21  represent him or her, the facility shall be responsible for

22  referral to an appropriate social service agency for

23  placement.

24         (5)  The agency may levy a fine in an amount no greater

25  than $5,000 upon each person or business entity that owns any

26  interest in a facility that terminates operation without

27  providing notice to the agency and the residents of the

28  facility at least 30 days before operation ceases.  This fine

29  shall not be levied against any facility involuntarily closed

30  at the initiation of the agency.  The agency shall use the

31  proceeds of the fines to operate the facility until all

                                 186

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  residents of the facility are relocated and shall deposit any

 2  balance of the proceeds into the Health Care Trust Fund

 3  established pursuant to s. 400.418.

 4         Section 99.  Section 400.434, Florida Statutes, is

 5  amended to read:

 6         400.434  Right of entry and inspection.--Any duly

 7  designated officer or employee of the department, the

 8  Department of Children and Family Services, the agency, the

 9  state or local fire marshal, or a member of the state or local

10  long-term care ombudsman council, or the agency in accordance

11  with s. 408.811 shall have the right to enter unannounced upon

12  and into the premises of any facility licensed pursuant to

13  this part in order to determine the state of compliance with

14  the provisions of this part, part II of chapter 408, and

15  applicable of rules or standards in force pursuant thereto.

16  The right of entry and inspection shall also extend to any

17  premises which the agency has reason to believe is being

18  operated or maintained as a facility without a license; but no

19  such entry or inspection of any premises may be made without

20  the permission of the owner or person in charge thereof,

21  unless a warrant is first obtained from the circuit court

22  authorizing such entry.  The warrant requirement shall extend

23  only to a facility which the agency has reason to believe is

24  being operated or maintained as a facility without a license.

25  Any application for a license or renewal thereof made pursuant

26  to this part shall constitute permission for, and complete

27  acquiescence in, any entry or inspection of the premises for

28  which the license is sought, in order to facilitate

29  verification of the information submitted on or in connection

30  with the application; to discover, investigate, and determine

31  the existence of abuse or neglect; or to elicit, receive,

                                 187

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  respond to, and resolve complaints. Any current valid license

 2  shall constitute unconditional permission for, and complete

 3  acquiescence in, any entry or inspection of the premises by

 4  authorized personnel.  The agency shall retain the right of

 5  entry and inspection of facilities that have had a license

 6  revoked or suspended within the previous 24 months, to ensure

 7  that the facility is not operating unlawfully. However, before

 8  entering the facility, a statement of probable cause must be

 9  filed with the director of the agency, who must approve or

10  disapprove the action within 48 hours.  Probable cause shall

11  include, but is not limited to, evidence that the facility

12  holds itself out to the public as a provider of personal care

13  services or the receipt of a complaint by the long-term care

14  ombudsman council about the facility. Data collected by the

15  state or local long-term care ombudsman councils or the state

16  or local advocacy councils may be used by the agency in

17  investigations involving violations of regulatory standards.

18         Section 100.  Subsection (1) of section 400.435,

19  Florida Statutes, is repealed.

20         Section 101.  Section 400.441, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         400.441  Rules establishing standards.--

23         (1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that rules

24  published and enforced pursuant to this section shall include

25  criteria by which a reasonable and consistent quality of

26  resident care and quality of life may be ensured and the

27  results of such resident care may be demonstrated.  Such rules

28  shall also ensure a safe and sanitary environment that is

29  residential and noninstitutional in design or nature.  It is

30  further intended that reasonable efforts be made to

31  accommodate the needs and preferences of residents to enhance

                                 188

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the quality of life in a facility. In order to provide safe

 2  and sanitary facilities and the highest quality of resident

 3  care accommodating the needs and preferences of residents, the

 4  agency department, in consultation with the department agency,

 5  the Department of Children and Family Services, and the

 6  Department of Health, shall adopt rules, policies, and

 7  procedures to administer this part and part II of chapter 408,

 8  which must include reasonable and fair minimum standards in

 9  relation to:

10         (a)  The requirements for and maintenance of

11  facilities, not in conflict with the provisions of chapter

12  553, relating to plumbing, heating, cooling, lighting,

13  ventilation, living space, and other housing conditions, which

14  will ensure the health, safety, and comfort of residents and

15  protection from fire hazard, including adequate provisions for

16  fire alarm and other fire protection suitable to the size of

17  the structure. Uniform firesafety standards shall be

18  established and enforced by the State Fire Marshal in

19  cooperation with the agency, the department, and the

20  Department of Health.

21         1.  Evacuation capability determination.--

22         a.  The provisions of the National Fire Protection

23  Association, NFPA 101A, Chapter 5, 1995 edition, shall be used

24  for determining the ability of the residents, with or without

25  staff assistance, to relocate from or within a licensed

26  facility to a point of safety as provided in the fire codes

27  adopted herein.  An evacuation capability evaluation for

28  initial licensure shall be conducted within 6 months after the

29  date of licensure.  For existing licensed facilities that are

30  not equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system, the

31  administrator shall evaluate the evacuation capability of

                                 189

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  residents at least annually. The evacuation capability

 2  evaluation for each facility not equipped with an automatic

 3  fire sprinkler system shall be validated, without liability,

 4  by the State Fire Marshal, by the local fire marshal, or by

 5  the local authority having jurisdiction over firesafety,

 6  before the license renewal date.  If the State Fire Marshal,

 7  local fire marshal, or local authority having jurisdiction

 8  over firesafety has reason to believe that the evacuation

 9  capability of a facility as reported by the administrator may

10  have changed, it may, with assistance from the facility

11  administrator, reevaluate the evacuation capability through

12  timed exiting drills. Translation of timed fire exiting drills

13  to evacuation capability may be determined:

14         (I)  Three minutes or less: prompt.

15         (II)  More than 3 minutes, but not more than 13

16  minutes: slow.

17         (III)  More than 13 minutes: impractical.

18         b.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall provide

19  or cause the provision of training and education on the proper

20  application of Chapter 5, NFPA 101A, 1995 edition, to its

21  employees, to staff of the Agency for Health Care

22  Administration who are responsible for regulating facilities

23  under this part, and to local governmental inspectors. The

24  Office of the State Fire Marshal shall provide or cause the

25  provision of this training within its existing budget, but may

26  charge a fee for this training to offset its costs. The

27  initial training must be delivered within 6 months after July

28  1, 1995, and as needed thereafter.

29         c.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal, in

30  cooperation with provider associations, shall provide or cause

31  the provision of a training program designed to inform

                                 190

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  facility operators on how to properly review bid documents

 2  relating to the installation of automatic fire sprinklers.

 3  The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall provide or cause

 4  the provision of this training within its existing budget, but

 5  may charge a fee for this training to offset its costs.  The

 6  initial training must be delivered within 6 months after July

 7  1, 1995, and as needed thereafter.

 8         d.  The administrator of a licensed facility shall sign

 9  an affidavit verifying the number of residents occupying the

10  facility at the time of the evacuation capability evaluation.

11         2.  Firesafety requirements.--

12         a.  Except for the special applications provided

13  herein, effective January 1, 1996, the provisions of the

14  National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code, NFPA

15  101, 1994 edition, Chapter 22 for new facilities and Chapter

16  23 for existing facilities shall be the uniform fire code

17  applied by the State Fire Marshal for assisted living

18  facilities, pursuant to s. 633.022.

19         b.  Any new facility, regardless of size, that applies

20  for a license on or after January 1, 1996, must be equipped

21  with an automatic fire sprinkler system.  The exceptions as

22  provided in section 22-2.3.5.1, NFPA 101, 1994 edition, as

23  adopted herein, apply to any new facility housing eight or

24  fewer residents.  On July 1, 1995, local governmental entities

25  responsible for the issuance of permits for construction shall

26  inform, without liability, any facility whose permit for

27  construction is obtained prior to January 1, 1996, of this

28  automatic fire sprinkler requirement.  As used in this part,

29  the term "a new facility" does not mean an existing facility

30  that has undergone change of ownership.

31  

                                 191

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         c.  Notwithstanding any provision of s. 633.022 or of

 2  the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 101A, Chapter

 3  5, 1995 edition, to the contrary, any existing facility

 4  housing eight or fewer residents is not required to install an

 5  automatic fire sprinkler system, nor to comply with any other

 6  requirement in Chapter 23, NFPA 101, 1994 edition, that

 7  exceeds the firesafety requirements of NFPA 101, 1988 edition,

 8  that applies to this size facility, unless the facility has

 9  been classified as impractical to evacuate. Any existing

10  facility housing eight or fewer residents that is classified

11  as impractical to evacuate must install an automatic fire

12  sprinkler system within the timeframes granted in this

13  section.

14         d.  Any existing facility that is required to install

15  an automatic fire sprinkler system under this paragraph need

16  not meet other firesafety requirements of Chapter 23, NFPA

17  101, 1994 edition, which exceed the provisions of NFPA 101,

18  1988 edition.  The mandate contained in this paragraph which

19  requires certain facilities to install an automatic fire

20  sprinkler system supersedes any other requirement.

21         e.  This paragraph does not supersede the exceptions

22  granted in NFPA 101, 1988 edition or 1994 edition.

23         f.  This paragraph does not exempt facilities from

24  other firesafety provisions adopted under s. 633.022 and local

25  building code requirements in effect before July 1, 1995.

26         g.  A local government may charge fees only in an

27  amount not to exceed the actual expenses incurred by local

28  government relating to the installation and maintenance of an

29  automatic fire sprinkler system in an existing and properly

30  licensed assisted living facility structure as of January 1,

31  1996.

                                 192

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         h.  If a licensed facility undergoes major

 2  reconstruction or addition to an existing building on or after

 3  January 1, 1996, the entire building must be equipped with an

 4  automatic fire sprinkler system.  Major reconstruction of a

 5  building means repair or restoration that costs in excess of

 6  50 percent of the value of the building as reported on the tax

 7  rolls, excluding land, before reconstruction.  Multiple

 8  reconstruction projects within a 5-year period the total costs

 9  of which exceed 50 percent of the initial value of the

10  building at the time the first reconstruction project was

11  permitted are to be considered as major reconstruction.

12  Application for a permit for an automatic fire sprinkler

13  system is required upon application for a permit for a

14  reconstruction project that creates costs that go over the

15  50-percent threshold.

16         i.  Any facility licensed before January 1, 1996, that

17  is required to install an automatic fire sprinkler system

18  shall ensure that the installation is completed within the

19  following timeframes based upon evacuation capability of the

20  facility as determined under subparagraph 1.:

21         (I)  Impractical evacuation capability, 24 months.

22         (II)  Slow evacuation capability, 48 months.

23         (III)  Prompt evacuation capability, 60 months.

24  

25  The beginning date from which the deadline for the automatic

26  fire sprinkler installation requirement must be calculated is

27  upon receipt of written notice from the local fire official

28  that an automatic fire sprinkler system must be installed. The

29  local fire official shall send a copy of the document

30  indicating the requirement of a fire sprinkler system to the

31  Agency for Health Care Administration.

                                 193

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         j.  It is recognized that the installation of an

 2  automatic fire sprinkler system may create financial hardship

 3  for some facilities.  The appropriate local fire official

 4  shall, without liability, grant two 1-year extensions to the

 5  timeframes for installation established herein, if an

 6  automatic fire sprinkler installation cost estimate and proof

 7  of denial from two financial institutions for a construction

 8  loan to install the automatic fire sprinkler system are

 9  submitted.  However, for any facility with a class I or class

10  II, or a history of uncorrected class III, firesafety

11  deficiencies, an extension must not be granted.  The local

12  fire official shall send a copy of the document granting the

13  time extension to the Agency for Health Care Administration.

14         k.  A facility owner whose facility is required to be

15  equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system under Chapter

16  23, NFPA 101, 1994 edition, as adopted herein, must disclose

17  to any potential buyer of the facility that an installation of

18  an automatic fire sprinkler requirement exists.  The sale of

19  the facility does not alter the timeframe for the installation

20  of the automatic fire sprinkler system.

21         l.  Existing facilities required to install an

22  automatic fire sprinkler system as a result of

23  construction-type restrictions in Chapter 23, NFPA 101, 1994

24  edition, as adopted herein, or evacuation capability

25  requirements shall be notified by the local fire official in

26  writing of the automatic fire sprinkler requirement, as well

27  as the appropriate date for final compliance as provided in

28  this subparagraph.  The local fire official shall send a copy

29  of the document to the Agency for Health Care Administration.

30         m.  Except in cases of life-threatening fire hazards,

31  if an existing facility experiences a change in the evacuation

                                 194

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  capability, or if the local authority having jurisdiction

 2  identifies a construction-type restriction, such that an

 3  automatic fire sprinkler system is required, it shall be

 4  afforded time for installation as provided in this

 5  subparagraph.

 6  

 7  Facilities that are fully sprinkled and in compliance with

 8  other firesafety standards are not required to conduct more

 9  than one of the required fire drills between the hours of 11

10  p.m. and 7 a.m., per year.  In lieu of the remaining drills,

11  staff responsible for residents during such hours may be

12  required to participate in a mock drill that includes a review

13  of evacuation procedures. Such standards must be included or

14  referenced in the rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

15  Pursuant to s. 633.022(1)(b), the State Fire Marshal is the

16  final administrative authority for firesafety standards

17  established and enforced pursuant to this section. All

18  licensed facilities must have an annual fire inspection

19  conducted by the local fire marshal or authority having

20  jurisdiction.

21         3.  Resident elopement requirements.--Each facility

22  shall conduct a minimum of two resident elopement prevention

23  and response drills per year. All administrators and direct

24  care staff shall participate in the drills, which must include

25  a review of procedures to address resident elopement. Each

26  facility shall document the implementation of the drills and

27  ensure that the drills are conducted in a manner consistent

28  with the facility's resident elopement policies and

29  procedures.

30         (b)  The preparation and annual update of a

31  comprehensive emergency management plan.  Such standards must

                                 195

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  be included in the rules adopted by the agency department

 2  after consultation with the Department of Community Affairs.

 3  At a minimum, the rules must provide for plan components that

 4  address emergency evacuation transportation; adequate

 5  sheltering arrangements; postdisaster activities, including

 6  provision of emergency power, food, and water; postdisaster

 7  transportation; supplies; staffing; emergency equipment;

 8  individual identification of residents and transfer of

 9  records; communication with families; and responses to family

10  inquiries.  The comprehensive emergency management plan is

11  subject to review and approval by the local emergency

12  management agency. During its review, the local emergency

13  management agency shall ensure that the following agencies, at

14  a minimum, are given the opportunity to review the plan:  the

15  Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of Health, the

16  Agency for Health Care Administration, and the Department of

17  Community Affairs.  Also, appropriate volunteer organizations

18  must be given the opportunity to review the plan.  The local

19  emergency management agency shall complete its review within

20  60 days and either approve the plan or advise the facility of

21  necessary revisions.

22         (c)  The number, training, and qualifications of all

23  personnel having responsibility for the care of residents.

24  The rules must require adequate staff to provide for the

25  safety of all residents.  Facilities licensed for 17 or more

26  residents are required to maintain an alert staff for 24 hours

27  per day.

28         (d)  All sanitary conditions within the facility and

29  its surroundings which will ensure the health and comfort of

30  residents.  The rules must clearly delineate the

31  responsibilities of the agency's licensure and survey staff,

                                 196

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the county health departments, and the local authority having

 2  jurisdiction over fire safety and ensure that inspections are

 3  not duplicative.  The agency may collect fees for food service

 4  inspections conducted by the county health departments and

 5  transfer such fees to the Department of Health.

 6         (e)  License application and license renewal, transfer

 7  of ownership, Proper management of resident funds and personal

 8  property, surety bonds, resident contracts, refund policies,

 9  financial ability to operate, and facility and staff records.

10         (f)  Inspections, complaint investigations,

11  moratoriums, classification of deficiencies, levying and

12  enforcement of penalties, and use of income from fees and

13  fines.

14         (g)  The enforcement of the resident bill of rights

15  specified in s. 400.428.

16         (h)  The care and maintenance of residents, which must

17  include, but is not limited to:

18         1.  The supervision of residents;

19         2.  The provision of personal services;

20         3.  The provision of, or arrangement for, social and

21  leisure activities;

22         4.  The arrangement for appointments and transportation

23  to appropriate medical, dental, nursing, or mental health

24  services, as needed by residents;

25         5.  The management of medication;

26         6.  The nutritional needs of residents;

27         7.  Resident records; and

28         8.  Internal risk management and quality assurance.

29         (i)  Facilities holding a limited nursing, extended

30  congregate care, or limited mental health license.

31  

                                 197

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (j)  The establishment of specific criteria to define

 2  appropriateness of resident admission and continued residency

 3  in a facility holding a standard, limited nursing, extended

 4  congregate care, and limited mental health license.

 5         (k)  The use of physical or chemical restraints.  The

 6  use of physical restraints is limited to half-bed rails as

 7  prescribed and documented by the resident's physician with the

 8  consent of the resident or, if applicable, the resident's

 9  representative or designee or the resident's surrogate,

10  guardian, or attorney in fact.  The use of chemical restraints

11  is limited to prescribed dosages of medications authorized by

12  the resident's physician and must be consistent with the

13  resident's diagnosis. Residents who are receiving medications

14  that can serve as chemical restraints must be evaluated by

15  their physician at least annually to assess:

16         1.  The continued need for the medication.

17         2.  The level of the medication in the resident's

18  blood.

19         3.  The need for adjustments in the prescription.

20         (2)  In adopting any rules pursuant to this part, the

21  agency department, in conjunction with the department agency,

22  shall make distinct standards for facilities based upon

23  facility size; the types of care provided; the physical and

24  mental capabilities and needs of residents; the type,

25  frequency, and amount of services and care offered; and the

26  staffing characteristics of the facility. Rules developed

27  pursuant to this section shall not restrict the use of shared

28  staffing and shared programming in facilities that are part of

29  retirement communities that provide multiple levels of care

30  and otherwise meet the requirements of law and rule.  Except

31  for uniform firesafety standards, the agency department shall

                                 198

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  adopt by rule separate and distinct standards for facilities

 2  with 16 or fewer beds and for facilities with 17 or more beds.

 3  The standards for facilities with 16 or fewer beds shall be

 4  appropriate for a noninstitutional residential environment,

 5  provided that the structure is no more than two stories in

 6  height and all persons who cannot exit the facility unassisted

 7  in an emergency reside on the first floor.  The agency

 8  department, in conjunction with the department agency, may

 9  make other distinctions among types of facilities as necessary

10  to enforce the provisions of this part. Where appropriate, the

11  agency shall offer alternate solutions for complying with

12  established standards, based on distinctions made by the

13  department and the agency relative to the physical

14  characteristics of facilities and the types of care offered

15  therein.

16         (3)  The department shall submit a copy of proposed

17  rules to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the

18  President of the Senate, and appropriate committees of

19  substance for review and comment prior to the promulgation

20  thereof.

21         (a)  Rules adopted promulgated by the agency department

22  shall encourage the development of homelike facilities which

23  promote the dignity, individuality, personal strengths, and

24  decisionmaking ability of residents.

25         (b)  The agency, in consultation with the department,

26  may waive rules promulgated pursuant to this part in order to

27  demonstrate and evaluate innovative or cost-effective

28  congregate care alternatives which enable individuals to age

29  in place.  Such waivers may be granted only in instances where

30  there is reasonable assurance that the health, safety, or

31  welfare of residents will not be endangered.  To apply for a

                                 199

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  waiver, the licensee shall submit to the agency a written

 2  description of the concept to be demonstrated, including

 3  goals, objectives, and anticipated benefits; the number and

 4  types of residents who will be affected, if applicable; a

 5  brief description of how the demonstration will be evaluated;

 6  and any other information deemed appropriate by the agency.

 7  Any facility granted a waiver shall submit a report of

 8  findings to the agency and the department within 12 months.

 9  At such time, the agency may renew or revoke the waiver or

10  pursue any regulatory or statutory changes necessary to allow

11  other facilities to adopt the same practices. The agency

12  department may by rule clarify terms and establish waiver

13  application procedures, criteria for reviewing waiver

14  proposals, and procedures for reporting findings, as necessary

15  to implement this subsection.

16         (4)  The agency may use an abbreviated biennial

17  standard licensure inspection that consists of a review of key

18  quality-of-care standards in lieu of a full inspection in

19  facilities which have a good record of past performance.

20  However, a full inspection shall be conducted in facilities

21  which have had a history of class I or class II violations,

22  uncorrected class III violations, confirmed ombudsman council

23  complaints, or confirmed licensure complaints, within the

24  previous licensure period immediately preceding the inspection

25  or when a potentially serious problem is identified during the

26  abbreviated inspection.  The agency, in consultation with the

27  department, shall develop the key quality-of-care standards

28  with input from the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council and

29  representatives of provider groups for incorporation into its

30  rules. The agency department, in consultation with the

31  department agency, shall report annually to the Legislature

                                 200

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  concerning its implementation of this subsection. The report

 2  shall include, at a minimum, the key quality-of-care standards

 3  which have been developed; the number of facilities identified

 4  as being eligible for the abbreviated inspection; the number

 5  of facilities which have received the abbreviated inspection

 6  and, of those, the number that were converted to full

 7  inspection; the number and type of subsequent complaints

 8  received by the agency or department on facilities which have

 9  had abbreviated inspections; any recommendations for

10  modification to this subsection; any plans by the agency to

11  modify its implementation of this subsection; and any other

12  information which the agency department believes should be

13  reported.

14         (5)  A fee shall be charged by the department to any

15  person requesting a copy of this part or rules promulgated

16  under this part.  Such fees shall not exceed the actual cost

17  of duplication and postage.

18         Section 102.  Subsection (4) of section 400.442,

19  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

20         400.442  Pharmacy and dietary services.--

21         (4)  The agency department may by rule establish

22  procedures and specify documentation as necessary to implement

23  this section.

24         Section 103.  Subsection (3) of section 400.444,

25  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

26         400.444  Construction and renovation; requirements.--

27         (3)  The agency department may adopt rules to establish

28  procedures and specify the documentation necessary to

29  implement this section.

30         Section 104.  Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section

31  400.447 and section 400.451, Florida Statutes, are repealed.

                                 201

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 105.  Subsections (1), (3), and (6) of section

 2  400.452, Florida Statutes, as amended by section 3 of chapter

 3  2003-405, Laws of Florida, are amended to read:

 4         400.452  Staff training and educational programs; core

 5  educational requirement.--

 6         (1)  Administrators and other assisted living facility

 7  staff must meet minimum training and education requirements

 8  established by the Department of Elderly Affairs or the agency

 9  by rule. This training and education is intended to assist

10  facilities to appropriately respond to the needs of residents,

11  to maintain resident care and facility standards, and to meet

12  licensure requirements.

13         (3)  Effective January 1, 2004, a new facility

14  administrator must complete the required training and

15  education, including the competency test, within a reasonable

16  time after being employed as an administrator, as determined

17  by the department.  Failure to do so is a violation of this

18  part and subjects the violator to an administrative fine as

19  prescribed in s. 400.419. Administrators licensed in

20  accordance with chapter 468, part II, are exempt from this

21  requirement. Other licensed professionals may be exempted, as

22  determined by the department by rule.

23         (6)  Other facility staff shall participate in training

24  relevant to their job duties as specified by rule of the

25  department.

26         Section 106.  Section 400.454, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         400.454  Collection of information; local subsidy.--

29         (1)  To enable the agency department to collect the

30  information requested by the Legislature regarding the actual

31  cost of providing room, board, and personal care in

                                 202

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  facilities, the agency may department is authorized to conduct

 2  field visits and audits of facilities as may be necessary.

 3  The owners of randomly sampled facilities shall submit such

 4  reports, audits, and accountings of cost as required the

 5  department may require by rule; provided that such reports,

 6  audits, and accountings shall be the minimum necessary to

 7  implement the provisions of this section. Any facility

 8  selected to participate in the study shall cooperate with the

 9  agency department by providing cost of operation information

10  to interviewers.

11         (2)  Local governments or organizations may contribute

12  to the cost of care of local facility residents by further

13  subsidizing the rate of state-authorized payment to such

14  facilities.  Implementation of local subsidy shall require

15  agency departmental approval and shall not result in

16  reductions in the state supplement.

17         Section 107.  Subsections (1) and (4) of section

18  400.464, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

19         400.464  Home health agencies to be licensed;

20  expiration of license; exemptions; unlawful acts; penalties.--

21         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

22  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

23  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

24  entities licensed or registered by or applying for such

25  licensure or registration from the Agency for Health Care

26  Administration pursuant to this part. However, an applicant

27  for licensure is exempt from the provisions of s. 408.810(10).

28  Any home health agency must be licensed by the agency to

29  operate in this state.  A license issued to a home health

30  agency, unless sooner suspended or revoked, expires 1 year

31  after its date of issuance.

                                 203

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (4)(a)  An organization may not provide, offer, or

 2  advertise home health services to the public unless the

 3  organization has a valid license or is specifically exempted

 4  under this part. An organization that offers or advertises to

 5  the public any service for which licensure or registration is

 6  required under this part must include in the advertisement the

 7  license number or regulation number issued to the organization

 8  by the agency.  The agency shall assess a fine of not less

 9  than $100 to any licensee or registrant who fails to include

10  the license or registration number when submitting the

11  advertisement for publication, broadcast, or printing.  The

12  holder of a license issued under this part may not advertise

13  or indicate to the public that it holds a home health agency

14  or nurse registry license other than the one it has been

15  issued.

16         (b)  A person who violates paragraph (a) is subject to

17  an injunctive proceeding under s. 408.816 s. 400.515.  A

18  violation of paragraph (a) or s. 408.812 is a deceptive and

19  unfair trade practice and constitutes a violation of the

20  Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

21         (c)  A person who violates the provisions of paragraph

22  (a) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as

23  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.  Any person who commits

24  a second or subsequent violation commits a misdemeanor of the

25  first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

26  775.083.  Each day of continuing violation constitutes a

27  separate offense.

28         Section 108.  Section 400.471, Florida Statutes, is

29  amended to read:

30         400.471  Application for license; fee; provisional

31  license; temporary permit.--

                                 204

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with all

 2  provisions of part II of chapter 408. Application for an

 3  initial license or for renewal of an existing license must be

 4  made under oath to the agency on forms furnished by it and

 5  must be accompanied by the appropriate license fee as provided

 6  in subsection (8).  The agency must take final action on an

 7  initial licensure application within 60 days after receipt of

 8  all required documentation.

 9         (2)  In addition to the requirements of part II of

10  chapter 408, the applicant must file with the application

11  satisfactory proof that the home health agency is in

12  compliance with this part and applicable rules, including:

13         (a)  A listing of services to be provided, either

14  directly by the applicant or through contractual arrangements

15  with existing providers; and

16         (b)  The number and discipline of professional staff to

17  be employed.; an annually thereafter

18         (c)  Proof of financial ability to operate.

19         (3)  An applicant for initial licensure must

20  demonstrate financial ability to operate by submitting a

21  balance sheet and income and expense statement for the first 2

22  years of operation which provide evidence of having sufficient

23  assets, credit, and projected revenues to cover liabilities

24  and expenses. The applicant shall have demonstrated financial

25  ability to operate if the applicant's assets, credit, and

26  projected revenues meet or exceed projected liabilities and

27  expenses.  All documents required under this subsection must

28  be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting

29  principles, and the financial statement must be signed by a

30  certified public accountant.

31  

                                 205

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (4)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

 2  following requirements:

 3         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 4  application, the agency shall require background screening of

 5  the applicant, in accordance with the level 2 standards for

 6  screening set forth in chapter 435. As used in this

 7  subsection, the term "applicant" means the administrator, or a

 8  similarly titled person who is responsible for the day-to-day

 9  operation of the licensed home health agency, and the

10  financial officer, or similarly titled individual who is

11  responsible for the financial operation of the licensed home

12  health agency.

13         (b)  The agency may require background screening for a

14  member of the board of directors of the licensee or an officer

15  or an individual owning 5 percent or more of the licensee if

16  the agency reasonably suspects that such individual has been

17  convicted of an offense prohibited under the level 2 standards

18  for screening set forth in chapter 435.

19         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

20  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

21  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

22  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

23  state is acceptable in fulfillment of paragraph (a). Proof of

24  compliance with background screening which has been submitted

25  within the previous 5 years to fulfill the requirements of the

26  Financial Services Commission and the Office of Insurance

27  Regulation pursuant to chapter 651 as part of an application

28  for a certificate of authority to operate a continuing care

29  retirement community is acceptable in fulfillment of the

30  Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of

31  Investigation background check.

                                 206

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

 2  applicant when each individual required by this section to

 3  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

 4  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

 5  has not yet received background screening results from the

 6  Federal Bureau of Investigation. A standard license may be

 7  granted to the licensee upon the agency's receipt of a report

 8  of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

 9  background screening for each individual required by this

10  section to undergo background screening which confirms that

11  all standards have been met, or upon the granting of a

12  disqualification exemption by the agency as set forth in

13  chapter 435. Any other person who is required to undergo level

14  2 background screening may serve in his or her capacity

15  pending the agency's receipt of the report from the Federal

16  Bureau of Investigation. However, the person may not continue

17  to serve if the report indicates any violation of background

18  screening standards and a disqualification exemption has not

19  been requested of and granted by the agency as set forth in

20  chapter 435.

21         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

22  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

23  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the licensee or

24  potential licensee from the Medicare or Medicaid programs.

25  Proof of compliance with the requirements for disclosure of

26  ownership and control interest under the Medicaid or Medicare

27  programs may be accepted in lieu of this submission.

28         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

29  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

30  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

31  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

                                 207

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

 2  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

 3  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

 4  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

 5  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

 6  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

 7  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 8  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

 9  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

10  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

11  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

12  include in the application a statement affirming that the

13  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

14  requirements of this paragraph.

15         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

16  the applicant, administrator, or financial officer has been

17  found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or has entered a

18  plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited

19  under the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter

20  435, unless an exemption from disqualification has been

21  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

22         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

23  applicant:

24         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

25  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

26  omitted any material fact from the application required by

27  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

28         2.  Has been or is currently excluded, suspended,

29  terminated from, or has involuntarily withdrawn from

30  participation in this state's Medicaid program, or the

31  Medicaid program of any other state, or from participation in

                                 208

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the Medicare program or any other governmental or private

 2  health care or health insurance program.

 3         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

 4  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

 5         (3)(5)  In addition to the requirements of s. 408.810,

 6  the home health agency must also obtain and maintain the

 7  following insurance coverages in an amount of not less than

 8  $250,000 per claim, and the home health agency must submit

 9  proof of coverage with an initial application for licensure

10  and with each annual application for license renewal:

11         (a)  Malpractice insurance as defined in s.

12  624.605(1)(k); and

13         (b)  Liability insurance as defined in s.

14  624.605(1)(b).

15         (6)  Ninety days before the expiration date, an

16  application for renewal must be submitted to the agency under

17  oath on forms furnished by it, and a license must be renewed

18  if the applicant has met the requirements established under

19  this part and applicable rules. The home health agency must

20  file with the application satisfactory proof that it is in

21  compliance with this part and applicable rules.  If there is

22  evidence of financial instability, the home health agency must

23  submit satisfactory proof of its financial ability to comply

24  with the requirements of this part.

25         (7)  When transferring the ownership of a home health

26  agency, the transferee must submit an application for a

27  license at least 60 days before the effective date of the

28  transfer.  If the home health agency is being leased, a copy

29  of the lease agreement must be filed with the application.

30         (4)(8)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

31  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

                                 209

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The fee

 2  shall be established by rule and shall be set at The license

 3  fee and annual renewal fee required of a home health agency

 4  are nonrefundable.  The agency shall set the fees in an amount

 5  that is sufficient to cover the agency's its costs in carrying

 6  out its responsibilities under this part, but may not to

 7  exceed $2,000 per biennium $1,000. However, state, county, or

 8  municipal governments applying for licenses under this part

 9  are exempt from the payment of license fees.  All fees

10  collected under this part must be deposited in the Health Care

11  Trust Fund for the administration of this part.

12         (9)  The license must be displayed in a conspicuous

13  place in the administrative office of the home health agency

14  and is valid only while in the possession of the person to

15  which it is issued.  The license may not be sold, assigned, or

16  otherwise transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily, and is

17  valid only for the home health agency and location for which

18  originally issued.

19         (10)  A home health agency against whom a revocation or

20  suspension proceeding is pending at the time of license

21  renewal may be issued a provisional license effective until

22  final disposition by the agency of such proceedings. If

23  judicial relief is sought from the final disposition, the

24  court that has jurisdiction may issue a temporary permit for

25  the duration of the judicial proceeding.

26         (5)(11)  The agency may not issue a license designated

27  as certified to a home health agency that fails to satisfy the

28  requirements of a Medicare certification survey from the

29  agency.

30  

31  

                                 210

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (12)  The agency may not issue a license to a home

 2  health agency that has any unpaid fines assessed under this

 3  part.

 4         Section 109.  Section 400.474, Florida Statutes, is

 5  amended to read:

 6         400.474  Denial or, suspension, revocation of license;

 7  injunction; grounds; penalties.--

 8         (1)  The agency may deny or, revoke, or suspend a

 9  license, or impose an administrative fine in the manner

10  provided in chapter 120, or initiate injunctive proceedings

11  under s. 408.816 for the violation of any provision of this

12  part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules s. 400.515.

13         (2)  Any of the following actions by a home health

14  agency or its employee is grounds for disciplinary action by

15  the agency:

16         (a)  Violation of this part, part II of chapter 408, or

17  of applicable rules.

18         (b)  An intentional, reckless, or negligent act that

19  materially affects the health or safety of a patient.

20         (c)  Knowingly providing home health services in an

21  unlicensed assisted living facility or unlicensed adult

22  family-care home, unless the home health agency or employee

23  reports the unlicensed facility or home to the agency within

24  72 hours after providing the services.

25         (3)  The agency may impose the following penalties for

26  operating without a license upon an applicant or owner who has

27  in the past operated, or who currently operates, a licensed

28  home health agency.

29         (a)  If a home health agency that is found to be

30  operating without a license wishes to apply for a license, the

31  home health agency may submit an application only after the

                                 211

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  agency has verified that the home health agency no longer

 2  operates an unlicensed home health agency.

 3         (b)  Any person, partnership, or corporation that

 4  violates paragraph (a) and that previously operated a licensed

 5  home health agency or concurrently operates both a licensed

 6  home health agency and an unlicensed home health agency

 7  commits a felony of the third degree punishable as provided in

 8  s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.  If an owner has an

 9  interest in more than one home health agency and fails to

10  license any one of those home health agencies, the agency must

11  issue a cease and desist order for the activities of the

12  unlicensed home health agency and impose a moratorium on any

13  or all of the licensed related home health agencies until the

14  unlicensed home health agency is licensed.

15         (3)(c)  If any home health agency is found to be

16  operating without a license meets the criteria in paragraph

17  (a) or paragraph (b) and that home health agency has received

18  any government reimbursement for services provided by an

19  unlicensed home health agency, the agency shall make a fraud

20  referral to the appropriate government reimbursement program.

21         (4)  The agency may deny, revoke, or suspend the

22  license of a home health agency, or may impose on a home

23  health agency administrative fines not to exceed the aggregate

24  sum of $5,000 if:

25         (a)  The agency is unable to obtain entry to the home

26  health agency to conduct a licensure survey, complaint

27  investigation, surveillance visit, or monitoring visit.

28         (b)  An applicant or a licensed home health agency has

29  falsely represented a material fact in the application, or has

30  omitted from the application any material fact, including, but

31  not limited to, the fact that the controlling or ownership

                                 212

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  interest is held by any officer, director, agent, manager,

 2  employee, affiliated person, partner, or shareholder who is

 3  not eligible to participate.

 4         (c)  An applicant, owner, or person who has a 5 percent

 5  or greater interest in a licensed entity:

 6         1.  Has been previously found by any licensing,

 7  certifying, or professional standards board or agency to have

 8  violated the standards or conditions that relate to home

 9  health-related licensure or certification, or to the quality

10  of home health-related services provided; or

11         2.  Has been or is currently excluded, suspended,

12  terminated from, or has involuntarily withdrawn from,

13  participation in the Medicaid program of this state or any

14  other state, the Medicare program, or any other governmental

15  health care or health insurance program.

16         Section 110.  Subsection (1) and paragraphs (a) and (b)

17  of subsection (2) of section 400.484, Florida Statutes, are

18  amended to read:

19         400.484  Right of inspection; deficiencies; fines.--

20         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.811, Any duly authorized

21  officer or employee of the agency may make such inspections

22  and investigations as are necessary in order to determine the

23  state of compliance with this part and with applicable rules.

24  The right of inspection extends to any business that the

25  agency has reason to believe is being operated as a home

26  health agency without a license, but such inspection of any

27  such business may not be made without the permission of the

28  owner or person in charge unless a warrant is first obtained

29  from a circuit court. Any application for a license issued

30  under this part or for license renewal constitutes permission

31  

                                 213

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  for an appropriate inspection to verify the information

 2  submitted on or in connection with the application.

 3         (2)  The agency shall impose fines for various classes

 4  of deficiencies in accordance with the following schedule:

 5         (a)  A class I deficiency is any act, omission, or

 6  practice that results in a patient's death, disablement, or

 7  permanent injury, or places a patient at imminent risk of

 8  death, disablement, or permanent injury.  Upon finding a class

 9  I deficiency, the agency may impose an administrative fine in

10  the amount of $5,000 for each occurrence and each day that the

11  deficiency exists.  In addition, the agency may immediately

12  revoke the license, or impose a moratorium pursuant to s.

13  408.814 on the admission of new patients, until the factors

14  causing the deficiency have been corrected.

15         (b)  A class II deficiency is any act, omission, or

16  practice that has a direct adverse effect on the health,

17  safety, or security of a patient. Upon finding a class II

18  deficiency, the agency may impose an administrative fine in

19  the amount of $1,000 for each occurrence and each day that the

20  deficiency exists.  In addition, the agency may suspend the

21  license, or impose a moratorium pursuant to s. 408.814 on the

22  admission of new patients, until the deficiency has been

23  corrected.

24         Section 111.  Section 400.494, Florida Statutes, is

25  amended to read:

26         400.494  Information about patients confidential.--

27         (1)  Information about patients received by persons

28  employed by, or providing services to, a home health agency or

29  received by the licensing agency through reports or inspection

30  shall be confidential and exempt from the provisions of s.

31  119.07(1) and may shall not be disclosed to any person other

                                 214

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  than the patient without the written consent of that patient

 2  or the patient's guardian.

 3         (2)  This section does not apply to information

 4  lawfully requested by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the

 5  Office of the Attorney General or requested under s. 408.811

 6  Department of Legal Affairs.

 7         Section 112.  Section 400.495, Florida Statutes, is

 8  amended to read:

 9         400.495  Notice of toll-free telephone number for

10  central abuse hotline.--In addition to the requirements of s.

11  408.810(5), On or before the first day home health services

12  are provided to a patient, any home health agency or nurse

13  registry licensed under this part must inform the patient and

14  his or her immediate family, if appropriate, of the right to

15  report abusive, neglectful, or exploitative practices.  The

16  statewide toll-free telephone number for the central abuse

17  hotline must be provided to patients in a manner that is

18  clearly legible and must include the words: "To report abuse,

19  neglect, or exploitation, please call toll-free ...(phone

20  number)...." the Agency for Health Care Administration shall

21  adopt rules that provide for 90 days' advance notice of a

22  change in the toll-free telephone number and that outline due

23  process procedures, as provided under chapter 120, for home

24  health agency personnel and nurse registry personnel who are

25  reported to the central abuse hotline.  Home health agencies

26  and nurse registries shall establish appropriate policies and

27  procedures for providing such notice to patients.

28         Section 113.  Section 400.497, Florida Statutes, is

29  amended to read:

30         400.497  Rules establishing minimum standards.--The

31  agency shall adopt, publish, and enforce rules to implement

                                 215

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  part II of chapter 408, this part, including, as applicable,

 2  ss. 400.506 and 400.509, which must provide reasonable and

 3  fair minimum standards relating to:

 4         (1)  The home health aide competency test and home

 5  health aide training. The agency shall create the home health

 6  aide competency test and establish the curriculum and

 7  instructor qualifications for home health aide training.

 8  Licensed home health agencies may provide this training and

 9  shall furnish documentation of such training to other licensed

10  home health agencies upon request. Successful passage of the

11  competency test by home health aides may be substituted for

12  the training required under this section and any rule adopted

13  pursuant thereto.

14         (2)  Shared staffing. The agency shall allow shared

15  staffing if the home health agency is part of a retirement

16  community that provides multiple levels of care, is located on

17  one campus, is licensed under this chapter, and otherwise

18  meets the requirements of law and rule.

19         (3)  The criteria for the frequency of onsite licensure

20  surveys.

21         (4)  Licensure application and renewal.

22         (5)  The requirements for onsite and electronic

23  accessibility of supervisory personnel of home health

24  agencies.

25         (6)  Information to be included in patients' records.

26         (7)  Geographic service areas.

27         (8)  Preparation of a comprehensive emergency

28  management plan pursuant to s. 400.492.

29         (a)  The Agency for Health Care Administration shall

30  adopt rules establishing minimum criteria for the plan and

31  

                                 216

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  plan updates, with the concurrence of the Department of Health

 2  and in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs.

 3         (b)  The rules must address the requirements in s.

 4  400.492. In addition, the rules shall provide for the

 5  maintenance of patient-specific medication lists that can

 6  accompany patients who are transported from their homes.

 7         (c)  The plan is subject to review and approval by the

 8  county health department. During its review, the county health

 9  department shall ensure that the following agencies, at a

10  minimum, are given the opportunity to review the plan:

11         1.  The local emergency management agency.

12         2.  The Agency for Health Care Administration.

13         3.  The local chapter of the American Red Cross or

14  other lead sheltering agency.

15         4.  The district office of the Department of Children

16  and Family Services.

17  

18  The county health department shall complete its review within

19  60 days after receipt of the plan and shall either approve the

20  plan or advise the home health agency of necessary revisions.

21         (d)  For any home health agency that operates in more

22  than one county, the Department of Health shall review the

23  plan, after consulting with all of the county health

24  departments, the agency, and all the local chapters of the

25  American Red Cross or other lead sheltering agencies in the

26  areas of operation for that particular home health agency. The

27  Department of Health shall complete its review within 90 days

28  after receipt of the plan and shall either approve the plan or

29  advise the home health agency of necessary revisions. The

30  Department of Health shall make every effort to avoid imposing

31  

                                 217

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  differing requirements based on differences between counties

 2  on the home health agency.

 3         (e)  The requirements in this subsection do not apply

 4  to:

 5         1.  A facility that is certified under chapter 651 and

 6  has a licensed home health agency used exclusively by

 7  residents of the facility; or

 8         2.  A retirement community that consists of residential

 9  units for independent living and either a licensed nursing

10  home or an assisted living facility, and has a licensed home

11  health agency used exclusively by the residents of the

12  retirement community, provided the comprehensive emergency

13  management plan for the facility or retirement community

14  provides for continuous care of all residents with special

15  needs during an emergency.

16         Section 114.  Section 400.506, Florida Statutes, is

17  amended to read:

18         400.506  Licensure of nurse registries; requirements;

19  penalties.--

20         (1)  A nurse registry is exempt from the licensing

21  requirements of a home health agency but must be licensed as a

22  nurse registry. The requirements of part II of chapter 408

23  apply to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

24  pursuant to 400.506-400.518 and part II of chapter 408 and to

25  entities licensed by or applying for such licensed from the

26  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to ss.

27  400.506-400.518. Each operational site of the nurse registry

28  must be licensed, unless there is more than one site within a

29  county.  If there is more than one site within a county, only

30  one license per county is required.  Each operational site

31  must be listed on the license.

                                 218

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with all

 2  provisions of part II of chapter 408, with the exception of s.

 3  408.810(6) and (10). the following requirements:

 4         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 5  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

 6  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

 7  in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly

 8  titled individual who is responsible for the daily operation

 9  of the nurse registry, and of the financial officer, or other

10  similarly titled individual who is responsible for the

11  financial operation of the registry, including billings for

12  patient care and services.  The applicant shall comply with

13  the procedures for level 2 background screening as set forth

14  in chapter 435.

15         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

16  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

17  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

18  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

19  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

20         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

21  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

22  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

23  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

24  state is acceptable in fulfillment of the requirements of

25  paragraph (a).

26         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

27  applicant when each individual required by this section to

28  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

29  Department of Law Enforcement background check but the agency

30  has not yet received background screening results from the

31  Federal Bureau of Investigation. A standard license may be

                                 219

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  granted to the applicant upon the agency's receipt of a report

 2  of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

 3  background screening for each individual required by this

 4  section to undergo background screening which confirms that

 5  all standards have been met, or upon the granting of a

 6  disqualification exemption by the agency as set forth in

 7  chapter 435. Any other person who is required to undergo level

 8  2 background screening may serve in his or her capacity

 9  pending the agency's receipt of the report from the Federal

10  Bureau of Investigation. However, the person may not continue

11  to serve if the report indicates any violation of background

12  screening standards and a disqualification exemption has not

13  been requested of and granted by the agency as set forth in

14  chapter 435.

15         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

16  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

17  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

18  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

19  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

20  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

21  accepted in lieu of this submission.

22         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

23  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

24  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

25  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

26  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

27  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

28  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

29  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

30  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

31  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

                                 220

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 2  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

 3  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

 4  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

 5  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

 6  include in the application a statement affirming that the

 7  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

 8  requirements of this paragraph.

 9         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

10  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

11  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

12  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

13  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

14  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

15  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

16         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke the license if any

17  applicant:

18         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

19  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

20  omitted any material fact from the application required by

21  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

22         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

23  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

24  paragraph (e).

25         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

26  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

27         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

28  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

29  submitted under ss. 400.508-400.518 and part II of chapter

30  408. The amount of the fee shall be established by rule and

31  may not exceed $2,000 per biennium. Application for license

                                 221

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  must be made to the Agency for Health Care Administration on

 2  forms furnished by it and must be accompanied by the

 3  appropriate licensure fee, as established by rule and not to

 4  exceed the cost of regulation under this part.  The licensure

 5  fee for nurse registries may not exceed $1,000 and must be

 6  deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund.

 7         (4)  The Agency for Health Care Administration may

 8  deny, revoke, or suspend a license or impose an administrative

 9  fine in the manner provided in chapter 120 against a nurse

10  registry that:

11         (a)  Fails to comply with this section or applicable

12  rules.

13         (b)  Commits an intentional, reckless, or negligent act

14  that materially affects the health or safety of a person

15  receiving services.

16         (5)  A license issued for the operation of a nurse

17  registry, unless sooner suspended or revoked, expires 1 year

18  after its date of issuance. Sixty days before the expiration

19  date, an application for renewal must be submitted to the

20  Agency for Health Care Administration on forms furnished by

21  it. The Agency for Health Care Administration shall renew the

22  license if the applicant has met the requirements of this

23  section and applicable rules.  A nurse registry against which

24  a revocation or suspension proceeding is pending at the time

25  of license renewal may be issued a conditional license

26  effective until final disposition by the Agency for Health

27  Care Administration of such proceedings. If judicial relief is

28  sought from the final disposition, the court having

29  jurisdiction may issue a conditional license for the duration

30  of the judicial proceeding.

31  

                                 222

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (6)  The Agency for Health Care Administration may

 2  institute injunctive proceedings under s. 400.515.

 3         (4)(7)  A person that offers or advertises to the

 4  public that it provides any service for which licensure is

 5  required under this section must include in such advertisement

 6  the license number issued to it by the Agency for Health Care

 7  Administration.

 8         (8)  It is unlawful for a person to offer or advertise

 9  to the public services as defined by rule without obtaining a

10  valid license from the Agency for Health Care Administration.

11  It is unlawful for any holder of a license to advertise or

12  hold out to the public that he or she holds a license for

13  other than that for which he or she actually holds a license.

14  A person who violates this subsection is subject to injunctive

15  proceedings under s. 400.515.

16         (9)  Any duly authorized officer or employee of the

17  Agency for Health Care Administration may make such

18  inspections and investigations as are necessary to respond to

19  complaints or to determine the state of compliance with this

20  section and applicable rules.

21         (a)  If, in responding to a complaint, an agent or

22  employee of the Agency for Health Care Administration has

23  reason to believe that a crime has been committed, he or she

24  shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.

25         (b)  If, in responding to a complaint, an agent or

26  employee of the Agency for Health Care Administration has

27  reason to believe that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has

28  occurred, according to the definitions in chapter 415, he or

29  she shall file a report under chapter 415.

30         (5)(10)(a)  A nurse registry may refer for contract in

31  private residences registered nurses and licensed practical

                                 223

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  nurses registered and licensed under part I of chapter 464,

 2  certified nursing assistants certified under part II of

 3  chapter 464, home health aides who present documented proof of

 4  successful completion of the training required by rule of the

 5  agency, and companions or homemakers for the purposes of

 6  providing those services authorized under s. 400.509(1). Each

 7  person referred by a nurse registry must provide current

 8  documentation that he or she is free from communicable

 9  diseases.

10         (b)  A certified nursing assistant or home health aide

11  may be referred for a contract to provide care to a patient in

12  his or her home only if that patient is under a physician's

13  care.  A certified nursing assistant or home health aide

14  referred for contract in a private residence shall be limited

15  to assisting a patient with bathing, dressing, toileting,

16  grooming, eating, physical transfer, and those normal daily

17  routines the patient could perform for himself or herself were

18  he or she physically capable.  A certified nursing assistant

19  or home health aide may not provide medical or other health

20  care services that require specialized training and that may

21  be performed only by licensed health care professionals. The

22  nurse registry shall obtain the name and address of the

23  attending physician and send written notification to the

24  physician within 48 hours after a contract is concluded that a

25  certified nursing assistant or home health aide will be

26  providing care for that patient.

27         (c)  A registered nurse shall make monthly visits to

28  the patient's home to assess the patient's condition and

29  quality of care being provided by the certified nursing

30  assistant or home health aide.  Any condition which in the

31  professional judgment of the nurse requires further medical

                                 224

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  attention shall be reported to the attending physician and the

 2  nurse registry. The assessment shall become a part of the

 3  patient's file with the nurse registry and may be reviewed by

 4  the agency during their survey procedure.

 5         (6)(11)  A person who is referred by a nurse registry

 6  for contract in private residences and who is not a nurse

 7  licensed under part I of chapter 464 may perform only those

 8  services or care to clients that the person has been certified

 9  to perform or trained to perform as required by law or rules

10  of the Agency for Health Care Administration or the Department

11  of Business and Professional Regulation. Providing services

12  beyond the scope authorized under this subsection constitutes

13  the unauthorized practice of medicine or a violation of the

14  Nurse Practice Act and is punishable as provided under chapter

15  458, chapter 459, or part I of chapter 464.

16         (7)(12)  Each nurse registry must require every

17  applicant for contract to complete an application form

18  providing the following information:

19         (a)  The name, address, date of birth, and social

20  security number of the applicant.

21         (b)  The educational background and employment history

22  of the applicant.

23         (c)  The number and date of the applicable license or

24  certification.

25         (d)  When appropriate, information concerning the

26  renewal of the applicable license, registration, or

27  certification.

28         (8)(13)  Each nurse registry must comply with the

29  procedures set forth in s. 400.512 for maintaining records of

30  the employment history of all persons referred for contract

31  and is subject to the standards and conditions set forth in

                                 225

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  that section. However, an initial screening may not be

 2  required for persons who have been continuously registered

 3  with the nurse registry since September 30, 1990.

 4         (9)(14)  The nurse registry must maintain the

 5  application on file, and that file must be open to the

 6  inspection of the Agency for Health Care Administration.  The

 7  nurse registry must maintain on file the name and address of

 8  the client to whom the nurse or other nurse registry personnel

 9  is sent for contract and the amount of the fee received by the

10  nurse registry. A nurse registry must maintain the file that

11  includes the application and other applicable documentation

12  for 3 years after the date of the last file entry of

13  client-related information.

14         (10)(15)  Nurse registries shall assist persons who

15  would need assistance and sheltering during evacuations

16  because of physical, mental, or sensory disabilities in

17  registering with the appropriate local emergency management

18  agency pursuant to s. 252.355.

19         (11)(16)  Each nurse registry shall prepare and

20  maintain a comprehensive emergency management plan that is

21  consistent with the criteria in this subsection and with the

22  local special needs plan. The plan shall be updated annually.

23  The plan shall specify how the nurse registry shall facilitate

24  the provision of continuous care by persons referred for

25  contract to persons who are registered pursuant to s. 252.355

26  during an emergency that interrupts the provision of care or

27  services in private residencies.

28         (a)  All persons referred for contract who care for

29  persons registered pursuant to s. 252.355 must include in the

30  patient record a description of how care will be continued

31  during a disaster or emergency that interrupts the provision

                                 226

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  of care in the patient's home. It shall be the responsibility

 2  of the person referred for contract to ensure that continuous

 3  care is provided.

 4         (b)  Each nurse registry shall maintain a current

 5  prioritized list of patients in private residences who are

 6  registered pursuant to s. 252.355 and are under the care of

 7  persons referred for contract and who need continued services

 8  during an emergency. This list shall indicate, for each

 9  patient, if the client is to be transported to a special needs

10  shelter and if the patient is receiving skilled nursing

11  services. Nurse registries shall make this list available to

12  county health departments and to local emergency management

13  agencies upon request.

14         (c)  Each person referred for contract who is caring

15  for a patient who is registered pursuant to s. 252.355 shall

16  provide a list of the patient's medication and equipment needs

17  to the nurse registry. Each person referred for contract shall

18  make this information available to county health departments

19  and to local emergency management agencies upon request.

20         (d)  Each person referred for contract shall not be

21  required to continue to provide care to patients in emergency

22  situations that are beyond the person's control and that make

23  it impossible to provide services, such as when roads are

24  impassable or when patients do not go to the location

25  specified in their patient records.

26         (e)  The comprehensive emergency management plan

27  required by this subsection is subject to review and approval

28  by the county health department. During its review, the county

29  health department shall ensure that, at a minimum, the local

30  emergency management agency, the Agency for Health Care

31  Administration, and the local chapter of the American Red

                                 227

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Cross or other lead sheltering agency are given the

 2  opportunity to review the plan. The county health department

 3  shall complete its review within 60 days after receipt of the

 4  plan and shall either approve the plan or advise the nurse

 5  registry of necessary revisions.

 6         (f)  The Agency for Health Care Administration shall

 7  adopt rules establishing minimum criteria for the

 8  comprehensive emergency management plan and plan updates

 9  required by this subsection, with the concurrence of the

10  Department of Health and in consultation with the Department

11  of Community Affairs.

12         (12)(17)  All persons referred for contract in private

13  residences by a nurse registry must comply with the following

14  requirements for a plan of treatment:

15         (a)  When, in accordance with the privileges and

16  restrictions imposed upon a nurse under part I of chapter 464,

17  the delivery of care to a patient is under the direction or

18  supervision of a physician or when a physician is responsible

19  for the medical care of the patient, a medical plan of

20  treatment must be established for each patient receiving care

21  or treatment provided by a licensed nurse in the home.  The

22  original medical plan of treatment must be timely signed by

23  the physician and reviewed by him or her in consultation with

24  the licensed nurse at least every 2 months.  Any additional

25  order or change in orders must be obtained from the physician

26  and reduced to writing and timely signed by the physician.

27  The delivery of care under a medical plan of treatment must be

28  substantiated by the appropriate nursing notes or

29  documentation made by the nurse in compliance with nursing

30  practices established under part I of chapter 464.

31  

                                 228

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Whenever a medical plan of treatment is

 2  established for a patient, the initial medical plan of

 3  treatment, any amendment to the plan, additional order or

 4  change in orders, and copy of nursing notes must be filed in

 5  the office of the nurse registry.

 6         (13)(18)  The nurse registry must comply with the

 7  notice requirements of s. 400.495, relating to abuse

 8  reporting.

 9         (14)(19)  In addition to any other penalties imposed

10  pursuant to this section or part, the agency may assess costs

11  related to an investigation that results in a successful

12  prosecution, excluding costs associated with an attorney's

13  time. If the agency imposes such an assessment and the

14  assessment is not paid, and if challenged is not the subject

15  of a pending appeal, prior to the renewal of the license, the

16  license shall not be issued until the assessment is paid or

17  arrangements for payment of the assessment are made.

18         (15)(20)  The Agency for Health Care Administration

19  shall adopt rules to implement this section and part II of

20  chapter 408.

21         Section 115.  Section 400.509, Florida Statutes, is

22  amended to read:

23         400.509  Registration of particular service providers

24  exempt from licensure; certificate of registration; regulation

25  of registrants.--

26         (1)  Any organization that provides companion services

27  or homemaker services and does not provide a home health

28  service to a person is exempt from licensure under this part.

29  However, any organization that provides companion services or

30  homemaker services must register with the agency.

31  

                                 229

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

 2  to the provision of services that necessitate registration or

 3  licensure pursuant to ss. 400.509-400.512 and ss.

 4  408.801-408.819 and to entities registered by or applying for

 5  such registration from the Agency for Health Care

 6  Administration pursuant to ss. 400.509-400.512. Each applicant

 7  for registration must comply with all provisions of part II of

 8  chapter 408, with the exception of s. 408.810(6)-(10).

 9  Registration consists of annually filing with the agency,

10  under oath, on forms provided by it, the following

11  information:

12         (a)  If the registrant is a firm or partnership, the

13  name, address, date of birth, and social security number of

14  every member.

15         (b)  If the registrant is a corporation or association,

16  its name and address; the name, address, date of birth, and

17  social security number of each of its directors and officers;

18  and the name and address of each person having at least a 5

19  percent interest in the corporation or association.

20         (c)  The name, address, date of birth, and social

21  security number of each person employed by or under contract

22  with the organization.

23         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

24  registrant shall pay a fee for each registration issued under

25  this part and part II of chapter 408. The amount of the fee

26  shall be $50 per biennium. The agency shall charge a

27  registration fee of $25 to be submitted with the information

28  required under subsection (2).

29         (4)  Each applicant for registration must comply with

30  the following requirements:

31  

                                 230

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 2  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

 3  accordance with the level 1 standards for screening set forth

 4  in chapter 435, of every individual who will have contact with

 5  the client. The agency shall require background screening of

 6  the managing employee or other similarly titled individual who

 7  is responsible for the operation of the entity, and of the

 8  financial officer or other similarly titled individual who is

 9  responsible for the financial operation of the entity,

10  including billings for client services in accordance with the

11  level 2 standards for background screening as set forth in

12  chapter 435.

13         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

14  other individual who is affiliated with the applicant if the

15  agency has a reasonable basis for believing that he or she has

16  been convicted of a crime or has committed any other offense

17  prohibited under the level 2 standards for screening set forth

18  in chapter 435.

19         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

20  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

21  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

22  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

23  state is acceptable in fulfillment of paragraph (a).

24         (d)  A provisional registration may be granted to an

25  applicant when each individual required by this section to

26  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

27  abuse-registry background check through the agency and the

28  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

29  has not yet received background screening results from the

30  Federal Bureau of Investigation.  A standard registration may

31  be granted to the applicant upon the agency's receipt of a

                                 231

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  report of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

 2  background screening for each individual required by this

 3  section to undergo background screening which confirms that

 4  all standards have been met, or upon the granting of a

 5  disqualification exemption by the agency as set forth in

 6  chapter 435.  Any other person who is required to undergo

 7  level 2 background screening may serve in his or her capacity

 8  pending the agency's receipt of the report from the Federal

 9  Bureau of Investigation. However, the person may not continue

10  to serve if the report indicates any violation of background

11  screening standards and if a disqualification exemption has

12  not been requested of and granted by the agency as set forth

13  in chapter 435.

14         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

15  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

16  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

17  the Medicare or Medicaid programs.  Proof of compliance with

18  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

19  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

20  accepted in lieu of this submission.

21         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

22  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

23  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 which

24  was committed by a member of the board of directors of the

25  applicant, its officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or

26  more of the applicant.  This requirement does not apply to a

27  director of a not-for-profit corporation or organization who

28  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

29  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

30  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

31  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

                                 232

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  corporation's or organization's board of directors, and has no

 2  financial interest and no family members having a financial

 3  interest in the corporation or organization, if the director

 4  and the not-for-profit corporation or organization include in

 5  the application a statement affirming that the director's

 6  relationship to the corporation satisfies the requirements of

 7  this paragraph.

 8         (g)  A registration may not be granted to an applicant

 9  if the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty

10  of, regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

11  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

12  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

13  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

14  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

15         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke the registration of

16  any applicant who:

17         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

18  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

19  omitted any material fact from the application required by

20  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

21         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

22  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

23  paragraph (e).

24         (i)  An application for licensure renewal must contain

25  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

26         (4)(5)  Each registrant must obtain the employment or

27  contract history of persons who are employed by or under

28  contract with the organization and who will have contact at

29  any time with patients or clients in their homes by:

30         (a)  Requiring such persons to submit an employment or

31  contractual history to the registrant; and

                                 233

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Verifying the employment or contractual history,

 2  unless through diligent efforts such verification is not

 3  possible.  The agency shall prescribe by rule the minimum

 4  requirements for establishing that diligent efforts have been

 5  made.

 6  

 7  There is no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of

 8  action for damages arises against, a former employer of a

 9  prospective employee of or prospective independent contractor

10  with a registrant who reasonably and in good faith

11  communicates his or her honest opinions about the former

12  employee's or contractor's job performance.  This subsection

13  does not affect the official immunity of an officer or

14  employee of a public corporation.

15         (6)  On or before the first day on which services are

16  provided to a patient or client, any registrant under this

17  part must inform the patient or client and his or her

18  immediate family, if appropriate, of the right to report

19  abusive, neglectful, or exploitative practices.  The statewide

20  toll-free telephone number for the central abuse hotline must

21  be provided to patients or clients in a manner that is clearly

22  legible and must include the words: "To report abuse, neglect,

23  or exploitation, please call toll-free ...(phone number)...."

24  Registrants must establish appropriate policies and procedures

25  for providing such notice to patients or clients.

26         (7)  The provisions of s. 400.512 regarding screening

27  apply to any person or business entity registered under this

28  section on or after October 1, 1994.

29         (8)  Upon verification that all requirements for

30  registration have been met, the Agency for Health Care

31  

                                 234

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Administration shall issue a certificate of registration valid

 2  for no more than 1 year.

 3         (9)  The Agency for Health Care Administration may

 4  deny, suspend, or revoke the registration of a person that:

 5         (a)  Fails to comply with this section or applicable

 6  rules.

 7         (b)  Commits an intentional, reckless, or negligent act

 8  that materially affects the health or safety of a person

 9  receiving services.

10         (10)  The Agency for Health Care Administration may

11  institute injunctive proceedings under s. 400.515.

12         (5)(11)  A person that offers or advertises to the

13  public a service for which registration is required must

14  include in its advertisement the registration number issued by

15  the Agency for Health Care Administration.

16         (12)  It is unlawful for a person to offer or advertise

17  to the public services, as defined by rule, without obtaining

18  a certificate of registration from the Agency for Health Care

19  Administration.  It is unlawful for any holder of a

20  certificate of registration to advertise or hold out to the

21  public that he or she holds a certificate of registration for

22  other than that for which he or she actually holds a

23  certificate of registration.  Any person who violates this

24  subsection is subject to injunctive proceedings under s.

25  400.515.

26         (13)  Any duly authorized officer or employee of the

27  Agency for Health Care Administration has the right to make

28  such inspections and investigations as are necessary in order

29  to respond to complaints or to determine the state of

30  compliance with this section and applicable rules.

31  

                                 235

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  If, in responding to a complaint, an officer or

 2  employee of the Agency for Health Care Administration has

 3  reason to believe that a crime has been committed, he or she

 4  shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.

 5         (b)  If, in responding to a complaint, an officer or

 6  employee of the Agency for Health Care Administration has

 7  reason to believe that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has

 8  occurred, according to the definitions in chapter 415, he or

 9  she shall file a report under chapter 415.

10         (6)(14)  In addition to any other penalties imposed

11  pursuant to this section or part, the agency may assess costs

12  related to an investigation that results in a successful

13  prosecution, excluding costs associated with an attorney's

14  time. If the agency imposes such an assessment and the

15  assessment is not paid, and if challenged is not the subject

16  of a pending appeal, prior to the renewal of the registration,

17  the registration shall not be issued until the assessment is

18  paid or arrangements for payment of the assessment are made.

19         (7)(15)  The Agency for Health Care Administration

20  shall adopt rules to administer this section and part II of

21  chapter 408.

22         (8)  Notwithstanding the penalties provided in s.

23  408.812(3), any registrant that provides personal care to a

24  client in the client's private residence commits a misdemeanor

25  of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or

26  s. 775.083, if the client's residence is not a facility

27  licensed in accordance with part II of chapter 408. Section

28  408.812 applies to all other unlicensed activity by a

29  registrant, including the offering or advertising of any

30  service that necessitates licensure under part II of chapter

31  408.

                                 236

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 116.  Subsections (2) and (7) of section

 2  400.512, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

 3         400.512  Screening of home health agency personnel;

 4  nurse registry personnel; and companions and homemakers.--The

 5  agency shall require employment or contractor screening as

 6  provided in chapter 435, using the level 1 standards for

 7  screening set forth in that chapter, for home health agency

 8  personnel; persons referred for employment by nurse

 9  registries; and persons employed by companion or homemaker

10  services registered under s. 400.509.

11         (2)  The administrator of each home health agency, the

12  managing employee of each nurse registry, and the managing

13  employee of each companion or homemaker service registered

14  under s. 400.509 must sign an affidavit annually, under

15  penalty of perjury, stating that all personnel hired,

16  contracted with, or registered on or after October 1, 1994,

17  who enter the home of a patient or client in their service

18  capacity have been screened and that its remaining personnel

19  have worked for the home health agency or registrant

20  continuously since before October 1, 1994.

21         (7)(a)  It is a misdemeanor of the first degree,

22  punishable under s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person

23  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to:

24         1.  Fail, by false statement, misrepresentation,

25  impersonation, or other fraudulent means, to disclose in any

26  application for voluntary or paid employment a material fact

27  used in making a determination as to such person's

28  qualifications to be an employee under this section;

29         2.  Operate or attempt to operate an entity licensed or

30  registered under this part with persons who do not meet the

31  

                                 237

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  minimum standards for good moral character as contained in

 2  this section; or

 3         2.3.  Use information from the criminal records

 4  obtained under this section for any purpose other than

 5  screening that person for employment as specified in this

 6  section or release such information to any other person for

 7  any purpose other than screening for employment under this

 8  section.

 9         (b)  It is a felony of the third degree, punishable

10  under s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, for any person

11  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to use information from

12  the juvenile records of a person obtained under this section

13  for any purpose other than screening for employment under this

14  section.

15         Section 117.  Section 400.515, Florida Statutes, is

16  repealed.

17         Section 118.  Subsections (6) and (7) of section

18  400.551, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

19         400.551  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

20         (6)  "Operator" means the licensee or person having

21  general administrative charge of an adult day care center.

22         (7)  "Owner" means the licensee owner of an adult day

23  care center.

24         Section 119.  Section 400.554, Florida Statutes, is

25  amended to read:

26         400.554  License requirement; fee; exemption;

27  display.--

28         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

29  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

30  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

31  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

                                 238

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

 2  However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from the

 3  provisions of s. 408.810(10). It is unlawful to operate an

 4  adult day care center without first obtaining from the agency

 5  a license authorizing such operation.  The agency is

 6  responsible for licensing adult day care centers in accordance

 7  with this part.

 8         (2)  Separate licenses are required for centers

 9  operated on separate premises, even though operated under the

10  same management.  Separate licenses are not required for

11  separate buildings on the same premises.

12         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

13  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

14  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

15  amount of the fee shall be established by rule and The

16  biennial license fee required of a center shall be determined

17  by the department, but may not exceed $150 per biennium.

18         (4)  County-operated or municipally operated centers

19  applying for licensure under this part are exempt from the

20  payment of license fees.

21         (5)  The license for a center shall be displayed in a

22  conspicuous place inside the center.

23         (6)  A license is valid only in the possession of the

24  individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation to

25  which it is issued and is not subject to sale, assignment, or

26  other transfer, voluntary or involuntary; nor is a license

27  valid for any premises other than the premises for which

28  originally issued.

29         Section 120.  Section 400.555, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31         400.555  Application for license.--

                                 239

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  An application for a license to operate an adult

 2  day care center must be made to the agency on forms furnished

 3  by the agency and must be accompanied by the appropriate

 4  license fee unless the applicant is exempt from payment of the

 5  fee as provided in s. 400.554(4).

 6         (2)  In addition to all provisions of part II of

 7  chapter 408, the applicant for licensure must furnish:

 8         (a)  a description of the physical and mental

 9  capabilities and needs of the participants to be served and

10  the availability, frequency, and intensity of basic services

11  and of supportive and optional services to be provided.;

12         (b)  Satisfactory proof of financial ability to operate

13  and conduct the center in accordance with the requirements of

14  this part, which must include, in the case of an initial

15  application, a 1-year operating plan and proof of a 3-month

16  operating reserve fund; and

17         (c)  Proof of adequate liability insurance coverage.

18         (d)  Proof of compliance with level 2 background

19  screening as required under s. 400.5572.

20         (e)  A description and explanation of any exclusions,

21  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the application from

22  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

23  disclosure of ownership and control interest requirements of

24  the Medicare or Medicaid programs shall be accepted in lieu of

25  this submission.

26         Section 121.  Section 400.556, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         400.556  Denial or, suspension, revocation of license;

29  emergency action; administrative fines; investigations and

30  inspections.--

31  

                                 240

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  The agency may deny or, revoke, or suspend a

 2  license under this part, impose an action under s. 408.814, or

 3  may impose an administrative fine against the owner of an

 4  adult day care center or its operator or employee in the

 5  manner provided in chapter 120 for a violation of any

 6  provision of this part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable

 7  rules.

 8         (2)  Each of the following actions by the owner of an

 9  adult day care center or by its operator or employee is a

10  ground for action by the agency against the owner of the

11  center or its operator or employee:

12         (a)  An intentional or negligent act materially

13  affecting the health or safety of center participants.

14         (b)  A violation of this part or of any standard or

15  rule under this part.

16         (b)(c)  A failure of persons subject to level 2

17  background screening under s. 400.4174(1) to meet the

18  screening standards of s. 435.04, or the retention by the

19  center of an employee subject to level 1 background screening

20  standards under s. 400.4174(2) who does not meet the screening

21  standards of s. 435.03 and for whom exemptions from

22  disqualification have not been provided by the agency.

23         (c)(d)  Failure to follow the criteria and procedures

24  provided under part I of chapter 394 relating to the

25  transportation, voluntary admission, and involuntary

26  examination of center participants.

27         (d)(e)  Multiple or repeated violations of this part or

28  of any standard or rule adopted under this part or part II of

29  chapter 408.

30         (f)  Exclusion, permanent suspension, or termination of

31  the owner, if an individual, officer, or board member of the

                                 241

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  adult day care center, if the owner is a firm, corporation,

 2  partnership, or association, or any person owning 5 percent or

 3  more of the center, from the Medicare or Medicaid program.

 4         (3)  The agency is responsible for all investigations

 5  and inspections conducted pursuant to this part.

 6         Section 122.  Section 400.5565, Florida Statutes, is

 7  amended to read:

 8         400.5565  Administrative fines; interest.--

 9         (1)(a)  If the agency determines that an adult day care

10  center is not operated in compliance with this part, part II

11  of chapter 408, or applicable with rules adopted under this

12  part, the agency, notwithstanding any other administrative

13  action it takes, shall make a reasonable attempt to discuss

14  with the owner each violation and recommended corrective

15  action prior to providing the owner with written notification.

16  The agency may request the submission of a corrective action

17  plan for the center which demonstrates a good faith effort to

18  remedy each violation by a specific date, subject to the

19  approval of the agency.

20         (b)  The owner of a center or its operator or employee

21  found in violation of this part, part II of chapter 408, or

22  applicable of rules adopted under this part may be fined by

23  the agency.  A fine may not exceed $500 for each violation.

24  In no event, however, may such fines in the aggregate exceed

25  $5,000.

26         (c)  The failure to correct a violation by the date set

27  by the agency, or the failure to comply with an approved

28  corrective action plan, is a separate violation for each day

29  such failure continues, unless the agency approves an

30  extension to a specific date.

31  

                                 242

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (d)  If the owner of a center or its operator or

 2  employee appeals an agency action under this section and the

 3  fine is upheld, the violator shall pay the fine, plus interest

 4  at the legal rate specified in s. 687.01 for each day that the

 5  fine remains unpaid after the date set by the agency for

 6  payment of the fine.

 7         (2)  In determining whether to impose a fine and in

 8  fixing the amount of any fine, the agency shall consider the

 9  following factors:

10         (a)  The gravity of the violation, including the

11  probability that death or serious physical or emotional harm

12  to a participant will result or has resulted, the severity of

13  the actual or potential harm, and the extent to which the

14  provisions of the applicable statutes or rules were violated.

15         (b)  Actions taken by the owner or operator to correct

16  violations.

17         (c)  Any previous violations.

18         (d)  The financial benefit to the center of committing

19  or continuing the violation.

20         Section 123.  Section 400.557, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         400.557  Expiration of license; renewal; Conditional

23  license or permit.--

24         (1)  A license issued for the operation of an adult day

25  care center, unless sooner suspended or revoked, expires 2

26  years after the date of issuance. The agency shall notify a

27  licensee at least 120 days before the expiration date that

28  license renewal is required to continue operation. The

29  notification must be provided electronically or by mail

30  delivery. At least 90 days prior to the expiration date, an

31  application for renewal must be submitted to the agency. A

                                 243

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  license shall be renewed, upon the filing of an application on

 2  forms furnished by the agency, if the applicant has first met

 3  the requirements of this part and of the rules adopted under

 4  this part. The applicant must file with the application

 5  satisfactory proof of financial ability to operate the center

 6  in accordance with the requirements of this part and in

 7  accordance with the needs of the participants to be served and

 8  an affidavit of compliance with the background screening

 9  requirements of s. 400.5572.

10         (2)  A licensee against whom a revocation or suspension

11  proceeding is pending at the time for license renewal may be

12  issued a conditional license effective until final disposition

13  by the agency of the proceeding.  If judicial relief is sought

14  from the final disposition, the court having jurisdiction may

15  issue a conditional permit effective for the duration of the

16  judicial proceeding.

17         (3)  The agency may issue a conditional license to an

18  applicant for license renewal or change of ownership if the

19  applicant fails to meet all standards and requirements for

20  licensure.  A conditional license issued under this subsection

21  must be limited to a specific period not exceeding 6 months,

22  as determined by the agency, and must be accompanied by an

23  approved plan of correction.

24         Section 124.  Section 400.5572, Florida Statutes, is

25  amended to read:

26         400.5572  Background screening.--

27         (1)(a)  Level 2 background screening must be conducted

28  on each of the following persons, who shall be considered

29  employees for the purposes of conducting screening under

30  chapter 435:

31  

                                 244

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         1.  The adult day care center owner if an individual,

 2  the operator, and the financial officer.

 3         2.  An officer or board member if the owner of the

 4  adult day care center is a firm, corporation, partnership, or

 5  association, or any person owning 5 percent or more of the

 6  facility, if the agency has probable cause to believe that

 7  such person has been convicted of any offense prohibited by s.

 8  435.04. For each officer, board member, or person owning 5

 9  percent or more who has been convicted of any such offense,

10  the facility shall submit to the agency a description and

11  explanation of the conviction at the time of license

12  application. This subparagraph does not apply to a board

13  member of a not-for-profit corporation or organization if the

14  board member serves solely in a voluntary capacity, does not

15  regularly take part in the day-to-day operational decisions of

16  the corporation or organization, receives no remuneration for

17  his or her services, and has no financial interest and has no

18  family members with a financial interest in the corporation or

19  organization, provided that the board member and facility

20  submit a statement affirming that the board member's

21  relationship to the facility satisfies the requirements of

22  this subparagraph.

23         (b)  Proof of compliance with level 2 screening

24  standards which has been submitted within the previous 5 years

25  to meet any facility or professional licensure requirements of

26  the agency or the Department of Health satisfies the

27  requirements of this subsection.

28         (c)  The agency may grant a provisional license to an

29  adult day care center applying for an initial license when

30  each individual required by this subsection to undergo

31  screening has completed the Department of Law Enforcement

                                 245

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  background check, but has not yet received results from the

 2  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or when a request for an

 3  exemption from disqualification has been submitted to the

 4  agency pursuant to s. 435.07, but a response has not been

 5  issued.

 6         (2)  The owner or administrator of an adult day care

 7  center must conduct level 1 background screening as set forth

 8  in chapter 435 on all employees hired on or after October 1,

 9  1998, who provide basic services or supportive and optional

10  services to the participants. Such persons satisfy this

11  requirement if:

12         (1)(a)  Proof of compliance with level 1 screening

13  requirements obtained to meet any professional license

14  requirements in this state is provided and accompanied, under

15  penalty of perjury, by a copy of the person's current

16  professional license and an affidavit of current compliance

17  with the background screening requirements.

18         (2)(b)  The person required to be screened has been

19  continuously employed, without a breach in service that

20  exceeds 180 days, in the same type of occupation for which the

21  person is seeking employment and provides proof of compliance

22  with the level 1 screening requirement which is no more than 2

23  years old. Proof of compliance must be provided directly from

24  one employer or contractor to another, and not from the person

25  screened. Upon request, a copy of screening results shall be

26  provided to the person screened by the employer retaining

27  documentation of the screening.

28         (3)(c)  The person required to be screened is employed

29  by a corporation or business entity or related corporation or

30  business entity that owns, operates, or manages more than one

31  facility or agency licensed under this chapter, and for whom a

                                 246

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  level 1 screening was conducted by the corporation or business

 2  entity as a condition of initial or continued employment.

 3         Section 125.  Sections 400.5575 and 400.558, Florida

 4  Statutes, are repealed.

 5         Section 126.  Section 400.559, Florida Statutes, is

 6  amended to read:

 7         400.559  Closing or change of owner or operator of

 8  center.--

 9         (1)  Before operation of an adult day care center may

10  be voluntarily discontinued, the operator must, inform the

11  agency in writing at least 60 days prior to the discontinuance

12  of operation. The operator must also, at such time, inform

13  each participant of the fact and the proposed date of such

14  discontinuance.

15         (2)  Immediately upon discontinuance of the operation

16  of a center, the owner or operator shall surrender the license

17  for the center to the agency, and the license shall be

18  canceled by the agency.

19         (3)  If a center has a change of ownership, the new

20  owner shall apply to the agency for a new license at least 60

21  days before the date of the change of ownership.

22         (4)  If a center has a change of operator, the new

23  operator shall notify the agency in writing within 30 days

24  after the change of operator.

25         Section 127.  Section 400.56, Florida Statutes, is

26  amended to read:

27         400.56  Right of entry and inspection.--In accordance

28  with s. 408.811, Any duly designated officer or employee of

29  the agency or department has the right to enter the premises

30  of any adult day care center licensed pursuant to this part,

31  at any reasonable time, in order to determine the state of

                                 247

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  compliance with this part, part II of chapter 408, and

 2  applicable the rules or standards in force pursuant to this

 3  part.  The right of entry and inspection also extends to any

 4  premises that the agency has reason to believe are being

 5  operated as a center without a license, but no entry or

 6  inspection of any unlicensed premises may be made without the

 7  permission of the owner or operator unless a warrant is first

 8  obtained from the circuit court authorizing entry or

 9  inspection.  Any application for a center license or license

10  renewal made pursuant to this part constitutes permission for,

11  and complete acquiescence in, any entry or inspection of the

12  premises for which the license is sought in order to

13  facilitate verification of the information submitted on or in

14  connection with the application.

15         Section 128.  Section 400.562, Florida Statutes, is

16  amended to read:

17         400.562  Rules establishing standards.--

18         (1)  The agency Department of Elderly Affairs, in

19  conjunction with the Department of Elderly Affairs agency,

20  shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this part and

21  part II of chapter 408.  The rules must include reasonable and

22  fair standards. Any conflict between these standards and those

23  that may be set forth in local, county, or municipal

24  ordinances shall be resolved in favor of those having

25  statewide effect.  Such standards must relate to:

26         (a)  The maintenance of adult day care centers with

27  respect to plumbing, heating, lighting, ventilation, and other

28  building conditions, including adequate meeting space, to

29  ensure the health, safety, and comfort of participants and

30  protection from fire hazard.  Such standards may not conflict

31  

                                 248

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  with chapter 553 and must be based upon the size of the

 2  structure and the number of participants.

 3         (b)  The number and qualifications of all personnel

 4  employed by adult day care centers who have responsibilities

 5  for the care of participants.

 6         (c)  All sanitary conditions within adult day care

 7  centers and their surroundings, including water supply, sewage

 8  disposal, food handling, and general hygiene, and maintenance

 9  of sanitary conditions, to ensure the health and comfort of

10  participants.

11         (d)  Basic services provided by adult day care centers.

12         (e)  Supportive and optional services provided by adult

13  day care centers.

14         (f)  Data and information relative to participants and

15  programs of adult day care centers, including, but not limited

16  to, the physical and mental capabilities and needs of the

17  participants, the availability, frequency, and intensity of

18  basic services and of supportive and optional services

19  provided, the frequency of participation, the distances

20  traveled by participants, the hours of operation, the number

21  of referrals to other centers or elsewhere, and the incidence

22  of illness.

23         (g)  Components of a comprehensive emergency management

24  plan, developed in consultation with the Department of Health,

25  the Department of Elderly Affairs Agency for Health Care

26  Administration, and the Department of Community Affairs.

27         (2)  Pursuant to s. 119.07, the agency may charge a fee

28  for furnishing a copy of this part, or of the rules adopted

29  under this part, to any person upon request for the copy.

30         (2)(3)  Pursuant to this part, s. 408.811, and

31  applicable rules adopted by the department, the agency may

                                 249

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  conduct an abbreviated biennial inspection of key

 2  quality-of-care standards, in lieu of a full inspection, of a

 3  center that has a record of good performance.  However, the

 4  agency must conduct a full inspection of a center that has had

 5  one or more confirmed complaints within the licensure period

 6  immediately preceding the inspection or which has a serious

 7  problem identified during the abbreviated inspection.  The

 8  agency shall by rule develop the key quality-of-care

 9  standards, taking into consideration the comments and

10  recommendations of the Department of Elderly Affairs and of

11  provider groups. These standards shall be included in rules

12  adopted by the Department of Elderly Affairs.

13         Section 129.  Section 400.564, Florida Statutes, is

14  repealed.

15         Section 130.  Section 400.602, Florida Statutes, is

16  amended to read:

17         400.602  Licensure required; prohibited acts;

18  exemptions; display, transferability of license.--

19         (1)(a)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408

20  apply to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

21  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

22  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

23  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

24  It is unlawful to operate or maintain a hospice without first

25  obtaining a license from the agency.

26         (b)  It is unlawful for Any person or legal entity not

27  licensed as a hospice under this part may not to use the word

28  "hospice" in its name, or to offer or advertise hospice

29  services or hospice-like services in such a way as to mislead

30  a person to believe that the offeror is a hospice licensed

31  under this part.

                                 250

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  Services provided by a hospital, nursing home, or

 2  other health care facility, health care provider, or

 3  caregiver, or under the Community Care for the Elderly Act, do

 4  not constitute a hospice unless the facility, provider, or

 5  caregiver establishes a separate and distinct administrative

 6  program to provide home, residential, and homelike inpatient

 7  hospice services.

 8         (3)(a)  A separately licensed hospice may not use a

 9  name which is substantially the same as the name of another

10  hospice licensed under this part.

11         (b)  A licensed hospice which intends to change its

12  name or address must notify the agency at least 60 days before

13  making the change.

14         (4)  The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous

15  place inside the hospice program office; shall be valid only

16  in the possession of the person or public agency to which it

17  is issued; shall not be subject to sale, assignment, or other

18  transfer, voluntary or involuntary; and shall not be valid for

19  any hospice other than the hospice for which originally

20  issued.

21         (4)(5)  Notwithstanding s. 400.601(3), any hospice

22  operating in corporate form exclusively as a hospice,

23  incorporated on or before July 1, 1978, may be transferred to

24  a for-profit or not-for-profit entity, and may transfer the

25  license to that entity.

26         (5)(6)  Notwithstanding s. 400.601(3), at any time

27  after July 1, 1995, any entity entitled to licensure under

28  subsection (4) (5) may obtain a license for up to two

29  additional hospices in accordance with the other requirements

30  of this part and upon receipt of any certificate of need that

31  may be required under the provisions of ss. 408.031-408.045.

                                 251

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 131.  Section 400.605, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.605  Administration; forms; fees; rules;

 4  inspections; fines.--

 5         (1)  The agency department, in consultation with the

 6  department agency, shall by rule establish minimum standards

 7  and procedures for a hospice pursuant to this part and part II

 8  of chapter 408. The rules must include:

 9         (a)  License application procedures and requirements.

10         (a)(b)  The qualifications of professional and

11  ancillary personnel to ensure the provision of appropriate and

12  adequate hospice care.

13         (b)(c)  Standards and procedures for the administrative

14  management of a hospice.

15         (c)(d)  Standards for hospice services that ensure the

16  provision of quality patient care.

17         (d)(e)  Components of a patient plan of care.

18         (e)(f)  Procedures relating to the implementation of

19  advanced directives and do-not-resuscitate orders.

20         (f)(g)  Procedures for maintaining and ensuring

21  confidentiality of patient records.

22         (g)(h)  Standards for hospice care provided in

23  freestanding inpatient facilities that are not otherwise

24  licensed medical facilities and in residential care facilities

25  such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult

26  family care homes, and hospice residential units and

27  facilities.

28         (h)(i)  Physical plant standards for hospice

29  residential and inpatient facilities and units.

30         (i)(j)  Components of a comprehensive emergency

31  management plan, developed in consultation with the Department

                                 252

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  of Health, the Department of Elderly Affairs, and the

 2  Department of Community Affairs.

 3         (j)(k)  Standards and procedures relating to the

 4  establishment and activities of a quality assurance and

 5  utilization review committee.

 6         (k)(l)  Components and procedures relating to the

 7  collection of patient demographic data and other information

 8  on the provision of hospice care in this state.

 9         (2)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

10  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

11  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

12  amount of the fee shall be established by rule and may not

13  exceed $1,200 per biennium. The agency shall:

14         (a)  Prepare and furnish all forms necessary under the

15  provisions of this part in relation to applications for

16  licensure or licensure renewals.

17         (b)  Collect from the applicant at the time of filing

18  an application for a license or at the time of renewal of a

19  license a fee which must be reasonably calculated to cover the

20  cost of regulation under this part, but may not exceed $600

21  per program. All fees collected under this part shall be

22  deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund for the administration

23  of this part.

24         (c)  Issue hospice licenses to all applicants which

25  meet the provisions of this part and applicable rules.

26         (3)(d)  In accordance with s. 408.811, the agency shall

27  conduct annual licensure inspections of all licensees, except

28  that licensure inspections may be conducted biennially for

29  hospices having a 3-year record of substantial compliance. The

30  agency shall

31  

                                 253

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (e)  conduct such inspections and investigations as are

 2  necessary in order to determine the state of compliance with

 3  the provisions of this part, part II of chapter 408, and

 4  applicable adopted rules.  The right of inspection also

 5  extends to any program that the agency has reason to believe

 6  is offering or advertising itself as a hospice without a

 7  license, but no inspection may be made without the permission

 8  of the owner or person in charge thereof unless a warrant is

 9  first obtained from a circuit court authorizing such

10  inspection. An application for a license or license renewal

11  made pursuant to this part constitutes permission for an

12  inspection of the hospice for which the license is sought in

13  order to facilitate verification of the information submitted

14  on or in connection with the application.

15         (4)(f)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

16  agency may impose an administrative fine for any violation of

17  the provisions of this part, part II of chapter 408, or

18  applicable rules.

19         Section 132.  Section 400.606, Florida Statutes, is

20  amended to read:

21         400.606  License; application; renewal; conditional

22  license or permit; certificate of need.--

23         (1)  A license application must be filed on a form

24  provided by the agency and must be accompanied by the

25  appropriate license fee as well as satisfactory proof that the

26  hospice is in compliance with this part and any rules adopted

27  by the department and proof of financial ability to operate

28  and conduct the hospice in accordance with the requirements of

29  this part. The initial application and change-of-ownership

30  application must be accompanied by a plan for the delivery of

31  home, residential, and homelike inpatient hospice services to

                                 254

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  terminally ill persons and their families.  Such plan must

 2  contain, but need not be limited to:

 3         (a)  The estimated average number of terminally ill

 4  persons to be served monthly.

 5         (b)  The geographic area in which hospice services will

 6  be available.

 7         (c)  A listing of services which are or will be

 8  provided, either directly by the applicant or through

 9  contractual arrangements with existing providers.

10         (d)  Provisions for the implementation of hospice home

11  care within 3 months after licensure.

12         (e)  Provisions for the implementation of hospice

13  homelike inpatient care within 12 months after licensure.

14         (f)  The number and disciplines of professional staff

15  to be employed.

16         (g)  The name and qualifications of any existing or

17  potential contractee.

18         (h)  A plan for attracting and training volunteers.

19         (i)  The projected annual operating cost of the

20  hospice.

21         (j)  A statement of financial resources and personnel

22  available to the applicant to deliver hospice care.

23  

24  If the applicant is licensed to operate an existing health

25  care provider, the application must be accompanied by a copy

26  of the most recent profit-loss statement and, if applicable,

27  the most recent licensure inspection report.

28         (2)  Each applicant must submit to the agency with its

29  application a description and explanation of any exclusions,

30  permanent suspensions, or terminations from the Medicaid or

31  Medicare programs of the owner, if an individual; of any

                                 255

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  officer or board member of the hospice, if the owner is a

 2  firm, corporation, partnership, or association; or of any

 3  person owning 5 percent or more of the hospice. Proof of

 4  compliance with disclosure of ownership and control interest

 5  requirements of the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

 6  accepted in lieu of this submission.

 7         (2)(3)  A license issued for the operation of a

 8  hospice, unless sooner suspended or revoked, shall expire

 9  automatically 1 year from the date of issuance.  Sixty days

10  prior to the expiration date, a hospice wishing to renew its

11  license shall submit an application for renewal to the agency

12  on forms furnished by the agency.  The agency shall renew the

13  license if the applicant has first met the requirements

14  established under this part and all applicable rules and has

15  provided the information described under this section in

16  addition to the application.  However, The application for

17  license renewal shall be accompanied by an update of the plan

18  for delivery of hospice care only if information contained in

19  the plan submitted pursuant to subsection (1) is no longer

20  applicable.

21         (4)  A hospice against which a revocation or suspension

22  proceeding is pending at the time of license renewal may be

23  issued a conditional license by the agency effective until

24  final disposition of such proceeding.  If judicial relief is

25  sought from the final agency action, the court having

26  jurisdiction may issue a conditional permit for the duration

27  of the judicial proceeding.

28         (3)(5)  The agency shall not issue a license to a

29  hospice that fails to receive a certificate of need under the

30  provisions of ss. 408.031-408.045. A licensed hospice is a

31  health care facility as that term is used in s. 408.039(5) and

                                 256

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  is entitled to initiate or intervene in an administrative

 2  hearing.

 3         (4)(6)  A freestanding hospice facility that is

 4  primarily engaged in providing inpatient and related services

 5  and that is not otherwise licensed as a health care facility

 6  shall be required to obtain a certificate of need. However, a

 7  freestanding hospice facility with six or fewer beds shall not

 8  be required to comply with institutional standards such as,

 9  but not limited to, standards requiring sprinkler systems,

10  emergency electrical systems, or special lavatory devices.

11         Section 133.  Section 400.6065, Florida Statutes, is

12  amended to read:

13         400.6065  Background screening.--

14         (1)  Upon receipt of a completed application under s.

15  400.606, the agency shall require level 2 background screening

16  on each of the following persons, who shall be considered

17  employees for the purposes of conducting screening under

18  chapter 435:

19         (a)  The hospice administrator and financial officer.

20         (b)  An officer or board member if the hospice is a

21  firm, corporation, partnership, or association, or any person

22  owning 5 percent or more of the hospice if the agency has

23  probable cause to believe that such officer, board member, or

24  owner has been convicted of any offense prohibited by s.

25  435.04. For each officer, board member, or person owning 5

26  percent or more who has been convicted of any such offense,

27  the hospice shall submit to the agency a description and

28  explanation of the conviction at the time of license

29  application. This paragraph does not apply to a board member

30  of a not-for-profit corporation or organization if the board

31  member serves solely in a voluntary capacity, does not

                                 257

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  regularly take part in the day-to-day operational decisions of

 2  the corporation or organization, receives no remuneration for

 3  his or her services, and has no financial interest and has no

 4  family members with a financial interest in the corporation or

 5  organization, provided that the board member and the

 6  corporation or organization submit a statement affirming that

 7  the board member's relationship to the corporation or

 8  organization satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.

 9         (2)  Proof of compliance with level 2 screening

10  standards which has been submitted within the previous 5 years

11  to meet any facility or professional licensure requirements of

12  the agency or the Department of Health satisfies the

13  requirements of this section.

14         (3)  The agency may grant a provisional license to a

15  hospice applying for an initial license when each individual

16  required by this section to undergo screening has completed

17  the Department of Law Enforcement background check, but has

18  not yet received results from the Federal Bureau of

19  Investigation.

20         (1)(4)  The agency shall require employment or

21  contractor screening as provided in chapter 435, using the

22  level 1 standards for screening set forth in that chapter, for

23  hospice personnel.

24         (2)(5)  The agency may grant exemptions from

25  disqualification from employment under this section as

26  provided in s. 435.07.

27         (6)  The administration of each hospice must sign an

28  affidavit annually, under penalty of perjury, stating that all

29  personnel employed or contracted with on or after October 1,

30  1998, who provide hospice services in a facility, or who enter

31  

                                 258

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  the home of a patient in their service capacity, have been

 2  screened.

 3         (3)(7)  Proof of compliance with the screening

 4  requirements of chapter 435 shall be accepted in lieu of the

 5  requirements of this section if the person has been

 6  continuously employed or registered without a breach in

 7  service that exceeds 180 days, the proof of compliance is not

 8  more than 2 years old, and the person has been screened, at

 9  the discretion of the hospice.

10         (4)(8)(a)  It is a misdemeanor of the first degree,

11  punishable under s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person

12  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to:

13         1.  Fail, by false statement, misrepresentation,

14  impersonation, or other fraudulent means, to disclose in any

15  application for voluntary or paid employment a material fact

16  used in making a determination as to such person's

17  qualifications to be employed or contracted with under this

18  section;

19         2.  Operate or attempt to operate an entity licensed

20  under this part with persons who do not meet the minimum

21  standards for good moral character as contained in this

22  section; or

23         2.3.  Use information from the criminal records

24  obtained under this section for any purpose other than

25  screening as specified in this section, or release such

26  information to any other person for any purpose other than

27  screening under this section.

28         (b)  It is a felony of the third degree, punishable

29  under s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, for any person

30  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to use information from

31  the juvenile records of a person obtained under this section

                                 259

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  for any purpose other than screening for employment under this

 2  section.

 3         Section 134.  Section 400.607, Florida Statutes, is

 4  amended to read:

 5         400.607  Denial, suspension, or revocation of license;

 6  imposition of administrative fine; grounds; injunctions.--

 7         (1)  The agency may deny or, revoke, or suspend a

 8  license, impose a moratorium, or impose an administrative

 9  fine, which may not exceed $5,000 per violation, for the

10  violation of any provision of this part, part II of chapter

11  408, or applicable rules in the manner provided in chapter

12  120.

13         (2)  Any of the following actions by a licensed hospice

14  or any of its employees shall be grounds for action by the

15  agency against a hospice:

16         (a)  A violation of the provisions of this part or

17  applicable rules.

18         (b)  An intentional or negligent act materially

19  affecting the health or safety of a patient.

20         (3)  The agency may deny or revoke a license upon a

21  determination that:

22         (a)  Persons subject to level 2 background screening

23  under s. 400.6065 do not meet the screening standards of s.

24  435.04, and exemptions from disqualification have not been

25  provided by the agency.

26         (b)  An officer, board member, or person owning 5

27  percent or more of the hospice has been excluded, permanently

28  suspended, or terminated from the Medicare or Medicaid

29  programs.

30         (3)(4)  If, 3 months after the date of obtaining a

31  license, or at any time thereafter, a hospice does not have in

                                 260

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  operation the home-care component of hospice care, the agency

 2  shall immediately revoke the license of such hospice.

 3         (4)(5)  If, 12 months after the date of obtaining a

 4  license pursuant to s. 400.606, or at any time thereafter, a

 5  hospice does not have in operation the inpatient components of

 6  hospice care, the agency shall immediately revoke the license

 7  of such hospice.

 8         (6)  The agency may institute a civil action in a court

 9  of competent jurisdiction to seek injunctive relief to enforce

10  compliance with this part or any rule adopted pursuant to this

11  part.

12         (5)(7)  The remedies set forth in this section are

13  independent of and cumulative to other remedies provided by

14  law.

15         Section 135.  Subsection (8) of section 400.6095,

16  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

17         400.6095  Patient admission; assessment; plan of care;

18  discharge; death.--

19         (8)  The hospice care team may withhold or withdraw

20  cardiopulmonary resuscitation if presented with an order not

21  to resuscitate executed pursuant to s. 401.45. The agency

22  department shall adopt rules providing for the implementation

23  of such orders. Hospice staff shall not be subject to criminal

24  prosecution or civil liability, nor be considered to have

25  engaged in negligent or unprofessional conduct, for

26  withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

27  pursuant to such an order and applicable rules adopted by the

28  department. The absence of an order to resuscitate executed

29  pursuant to s. 401.45 does not preclude a physician from

30  withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary resuscitation as

31  otherwise permitted by law.

                                 261

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 136.  Subsection (5) of section 400.617,

 2  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 3         400.617  Legislative intent; purpose.--

 4         (5)  Rules of the agency department relating to adult

 5  family-care homes shall be as minimal and flexible as possible

 6  to ensure the protection of residents while minimizing the

 7  obstacles that could inhibit the establishment of adult

 8  family-care homes.

 9         Section 137.  Section 400.619, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         400.619  Licensure application and renewal.--

12         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

13  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

14  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

15  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

16  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

17  However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from the

18  provisions of s. 408.810(7), (8), (9), and (10). Each person

19  who intends to be an adult family-care home provider must

20  apply for a license from the agency at least 90 days before

21  the applicant intends to operate the adult family-care home.

22         (2)  A person who intends to be an adult family-care

23  home provider must own or rent the adult family-care home that

24  is to be licensed and reside therein.

25         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

26  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

27  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

28  amount of the fee shall be $200 per biennium. The agency shall

29  notify a licensee at least 120 days before the expiration date

30  that license renewal is required to continue operation. The

31  notification must be provided electronically or by mail

                                 262

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  delivery. Application for a license or annual license renewal

 2  must be made on a form provided by the agency, signed under

 3  oath, and must be accompanied by a licensing fee of $100 per

 4  year.

 5         (4)  Upon receipt of a completed license application or

 6  license renewal, and the fee, the agency shall initiate a

 7  level 1 background screening as provided under chapter 435 on

 8  the adult family-care home provider, the designated relief

 9  person, all adult household members, and all staff members.

10  The applicant or licensee is responsible for paying the fees

11  associated with obtaining the required screening. The agency

12  shall conduct an onsite visit to the home that is to be

13  licensed.

14         (a)  Proof of compliance with level 1 screening

15  standards which has been submitted within the previous 5 years

16  to meet any facility or professional licensure requirements of

17  the agency or the Department of Health satisfies the

18  requirements of this subsection. Such proof must be

19  accompanied, under penalty of perjury, by a copy of the

20  person's current professional license and an affidavit of

21  current compliance with the background screening requirements.

22         (b)  The person required to be screened must have been

23  continuously employed in the same type of occupation for which

24  the person is seeking employment without a breach in service

25  that exceeds 180 days, and proof of compliance with the level

26  1 screening requirement which is no more than 2 years old must

27  be provided. Proof of compliance shall be provided directly

28  from one employer or contractor to another, and not from the

29  person screened. Upon request, a copy of screening results

30  shall be provided to the person screened by the employer

31  retaining documentation of the screening.

                                 263

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (5)  The application must be accompanied by a

 2  description and explanation of any exclusions, permanent

 3  suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 4  participation in the Medicaid or Medicare programs or any

 5  other governmental health care or health insurance program.

 6         (5)(6)  Unless the adult family-care home is a

 7  community residential home subject to chapter 419, the

 8  applicant must provide documentation, signed by the

 9  appropriate governmental official, that the home has met local

10  zoning requirements for the location for which the license is

11  sought.

12         (6)(7)  Access to a licensed adult family-care home

13  must be provided at reasonable times for the appropriate

14  officials of the department, the Department of Health, the

15  Department of Children and Family Services, the agency, and

16  the State Fire Marshal, who are responsible for the

17  development and maintenance of fire, health, sanitary, and

18  safety standards, to inspect the facility to assure compliance

19  with these standards.  In addition, access to a licensed adult

20  family-care home must be provided at reasonable times for the

21  local long-term care ombudsman council.

22         (8)  A license is effective for 1 year after the date

23  of issuance unless revoked sooner.  Each license must state

24  the name of the provider, the address of the home to which the

25  license applies, and the maximum number of residents of the

26  home.  Failure to timely file a license renewal application

27  shall result in a late fee equal to 50 percent of the license

28  fee.

29         (9)  A license is not transferable or applicable to any

30  location or person other than the location and person

31  indicated on the license.

                                 264

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (7)(10)  The licensed maximum capacity of each adult

 2  family-care home is based on the service needs of the

 3  residents and the capability of the provider to meet the needs

 4  of the residents. Any relative who lives in the adult

 5  family-care home and who is a disabled adult or frail elder

 6  must be included in that limitation.

 7         (8)(11)  Each adult family-care home must designate at

 8  least one licensed space for a resident receiving optional

 9  state supplementation.  The Department of Children and Family

10  Services shall specify by rule the procedures to be followed

11  for referring residents who receive optional state

12  supplementation to adult family-care homes.  Those homes

13  licensed as adult foster homes or assisted living facilities

14  prior to January 1, 1994, that convert to adult family-care

15  homes, are exempt from this requirement.

16         (9)(12)  The agency may issue a conditional license to

17  a provider for the purpose of bringing the adult family-care

18  home into compliance with licensure requirements.  A

19  conditional license must be limited to a specific period, not

20  exceeding 6 months.  The agency department shall, by rule,

21  establish criteria for issuing conditional licenses.

22         (13)  All moneys collected under this section must be

23  deposited into the Department of Elderly Affairs

24  Administrative Trust Fund and used to offset the expenses of

25  departmental training and education for adult family-care home

26  providers.

27         (10)(14)  The agency department may adopt rules to

28  establish procedures, identify forms, specify documentation,

29  and clarify terms, as necessary, to administer this section

30  and part II of chapter 408.

31  

                                 265

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 138.  Section 400.6194, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.6194  Denial or, revocation, or suspension of a

 4  license.--In addition to the requirements of part II of

 5  chapter 408, the agency may deny, suspend, or revoke a license

 6  for any of the following reasons:

 7         (1)  Failure of any of the persons required to undergo

 8  background screening under s. 400.619 to meet the level 1

 9  screening standards of s. 435.03, unless an exemption from

10  disqualification has been provided by the agency.

11         (2)  An intentional or negligent act materially

12  affecting the health, safety, or welfare of the adult

13  family-care home residents.

14         (3)  Submission of fraudulent information or omission

15  of any material fact on a license application or any other

16  document required by the agency.

17         (4)  Failure to pay an administrative fine assessed

18  under this part.

19         (5)  A violation of this part or adopted rules which

20  results in conditions or practices that directly threaten the

21  physical or emotional health, safety, or welfare of residents.

22         (2)(6)  Failure to correct cited fire code violations

23  that threaten the health, safety, or welfare of residents.

24         (7)  Failure to submit a completed initial license

25  application or to complete an application for license renewal

26  within the specified timeframes.

27         (8)  Exclusion, permanent suspension, or termination of

28  the provider from the Medicare or Medicaid program.

29         Section 139.  Section 400.6196, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31  

                                 266

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         400.6196  Classification of deficiencies;

 2  administrative fines Violations; penalties.--

 3         (1)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, and in

 4  addition to any other liability or penalty provided by law,

 5  the agency may impose an administrative fine against a civil

 6  penalty on a provider according to the following

 7  classification for a violation of any provision of this part,

 8  part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules:

 9         (a)  Class I violations are those conditions or

10  practices related to the operation and maintenance of an adult

11  family-care home or to the care of residents which the agency

12  determines present an imminent danger to the residents or

13  guests of the facility or a substantial probability that death

14  or serious physical or emotional harm would result therefrom.

15  The condition or practice that constitutes a class I violation

16  must be abated or eliminated within 24 hours, unless a fixed

17  period, as determined by the agency, is required for

18  correction. A class I deficiency is subject to an

19  administrative fine in an amount not less than $500 and not

20  exceeding $1,000 for each violation. A fine may be levied

21  notwithstanding the correction of the deficiency.

22         (b)  Class II violations are those conditions or

23  practices related to the operation and maintenance of an adult

24  family-care home or to the care of residents which the agency

25  determines directly threaten the physical or emotional health,

26  safety, or security of the residents, other than class I

27  violations. A class II violation is subject to an

28  administrative fine in an amount not less than $250 and not

29  exceeding $500 for each violation. A citation for a class II

30  violation must specify the time within which the violation is

31  required to be corrected. If a class II violation is corrected

                                 267

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  within the time specified, no civil penalty shall be imposed,

 2  unless it is a repeated offense.

 3         (c)  Class III violations are those conditions or

 4  practices related to the operation and maintenance of an adult

 5  family-care home or to the care of residents which the agency

 6  determines indirectly or potentially threaten the physical or

 7  emotional health, safety, or security of residents, other than

 8  class I or class II violations. A class III violation is

 9  subject to an administrative fine in an amount not less than

10  $100 and not exceeding $250 for each violation. A citation for

11  a class III violation shall specify the time within which the

12  violation is required to be corrected. If a class III

13  violation is corrected within the time specified, no civil

14  penalty shall be imposed, unless it is a repeated offense.

15         (d)  Class IV violations are those conditions or

16  occurrences related to the operation and maintenance of an

17  adult family-care home, or related to the required reports,

18  forms, or documents, which do not have the potential of

19  negatively affecting the residents. A provider that does not

20  correct a class IV violation within the time limit specified

21  by the agency is subject to an administrative fine in an

22  amount not less than $50 and not exceeding $100 for each

23  violation. Any class IV violation that is corrected during the

24  time the agency survey is conducted will be identified as an

25  agency finding and not as a violation.

26         (2)  The agency may impose an administrative fine for

27  violations which do not qualify as class I, class II, class

28  III, or class IV violations. The amount of the fine shall not

29  exceed $250 for each violation or $2,000 in the aggregate.

30  Unclassified violations include:

31         (a)  Violating any term or condition of a license.

                                 268

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Violating any provision of rule adopted under this

 2  part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules.

 3         (c)  Failure to follow the criteria and procedures

 4  provided under part I of chapter 394 relating to the

 5  transportation, voluntary admission, and involuntary

 6  examination of adult family-care home residents.

 7         (d)  Exceeding licensed capacity.

 8         (e)  Providing services beyond the scope of the

 9  license.

10         (f)  Violating a moratorium.

11         (3)  Each day during which a violation occurs

12  constitutes a separate offense.

13         (3)(4)  In determining whether a penalty is to be

14  imposed, and in fixing the amount of any penalty to be

15  imposed, the agency must consider:

16         (a)  The gravity of the violation.

17         (b)  Actions taken by the provider to correct a

18  violation.

19         (c)  Any previous violation by the provider.

20         (d)  The financial benefit to the provider of

21  committing or continuing the violation.

22         (4)(5)  As an alternative to or in conjunction with an

23  administrative action against a provider, the agency may

24  request a plan of corrective action that demonstrates a good

25  faith effort to remedy each violation by a specific date,

26  subject to the approval of the agency.

27         (5)(6)  The department shall set forth, by rule, notice

28  requirements and procedures for correction of deficiencies.

29         (7)  Civil penalties paid by a provider must be

30  deposited into the Department of Elderly Affairs

31  Administrative Trust Fund and used to offset the expenses of

                                 269

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  departmental training and education for adult family-care home

 2  providers.

 3         (8)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium on

 4  admissions to any adult family-care home if the agency finds

 5  that a condition in the home presents a threat to the health,

 6  safety, or welfare of its residents. The department may by

 7  rule establish facility conditions that constitute grounds for

 8  imposing a moratorium and establish procedures for imposing

 9  and lifting a moratorium.

10         Section 140.  Section 400.621, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         400.621  Rules and standards relating to adult

13  family-care homes.--

14         (1)  The agency department, in consultation with the

15  Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family

16  Services, and the department agency shall, by rule, establish

17  minimum standards to ensure the health, safety, and well-being

18  of each resident in the adult family-care home pursuant to

19  this part and part II of chapter 408. The rules must address:

20         (a)  Requirements for the physical site of the facility

21  and facility maintenance.

22         (b)  Services that must be provided to all residents of

23  an adult family-care home and standards for such services,

24  which must include, but need not be limited to:

25         1.  Room and board.

26         2.  Assistance necessary to perform the activities of

27  daily living.

28         3.  Assistance necessary to administer medication.

29         4.  Supervision of residents.

30         5.  Health monitoring.

31         6.  Social and leisure activities.

                                 270

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (c)  Standards and procedures for license application

 2  and annual license renewal, advertising, proper management of

 3  each resident's funds and personal property and personal

 4  affairs, financial ability to operate, medication management,

 5  inspections, complaint investigations, and facility, staff,

 6  and resident records.

 7         (d)  Qualifications, training, standards, and

 8  responsibilities for providers and staff.

 9         (e)  Compliance with chapter 419, relating to community

10  residential homes.

11         (f)  Criteria and procedures for determining the

12  appropriateness of a resident's placement and continued

13  residency in an adult family-care home.  A resident who

14  requires 24-hour nursing supervision may not be retained in an

15  adult family-care home unless such resident is an enrolled

16  hospice patient and the resident's continued residency is

17  mutually agreeable to the resident and the provider.

18         (g)  Procedures for providing notice and assuring the

19  least possible disruption of residents' lives when residents

20  are relocated, an adult family-care home is closed, or the

21  ownership of an adult family-care home is transferred.

22         (h)  Procedures to protect the residents' rights as

23  provided in s. 400.628.

24         (i)  Procedures to promote the growth of adult

25  family-care homes as a component of a long-term care system.

26         (j)  Procedures to promote the goal of aging in place

27  for residents of adult family-care homes.

28         (2)  The agency department shall by rule provide

29  minimum standards and procedures for emergencies. Pursuant to

30  s. 633.022, the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the

31  

                                 271

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  department and the agency, shall adopt uniform firesafety

 2  standards for adult family-care homes.

 3         (3)  The agency department shall adopt rules providing

 4  for the implementation of orders not to resuscitate. The

 5  provider may withhold or withdraw cardiopulmonary

 6  resuscitation if presented with an order not to resuscitate

 7  executed pursuant to s. 401.45. The provider shall not be

 8  subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability, nor be

 9  considered to have engaged in negligent or unprofessional

10  conduct, for withholding or withdrawing cardiopulmonary

11  resuscitation pursuant to such an order and applicable rules

12  adopted by the department.

13         (4)  The provider of any adult family-care home that is

14  in operation at the time any rules are adopted or amended

15  under this part may be given a reasonable time, not exceeding

16  6 months, within which to comply with the new or revised rules

17  and standards.

18         Section 141.  Subsection (3) of section 400.6211,

19  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

20         400.6211  Training and education programs.--

21         (3)  Effective January 1, 2004, providers must complete

22  the training and education program within a reasonable time

23  determined by the agency department. Failure to complete the

24  training and education program within the time set by the

25  agency department is a violation of this part and subjects the

26  provider to revocation of the license.

27         Section 142.  Section 400.622, Florida Statutes, is

28  repealed.

29         Section 143.  Subsection (2) of section 400.625,

30  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

31         400.625  Residency agreements.--

                                 272

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  Each residency agreement must specify the personal

 2  care and accommodations to be provided by the adult

 3  family-care home, the rates or charges, a requirement of at

 4  least 30 days' notice before a rate increase, and any other

 5  provisions required by rule of the agency department.

 6         Section 144.  Section 400.801, Florida Statutes, is

 7  amended to read:

 8         400.801  Homes for special services.--

 9         (1)  As used in this section, the term:

10         (a)  "Agency" means the "Agency for Health Care

11  Administration."

12         (b)  "Home for special services" means a site where

13  specialized health care services are provided, including

14  personal and custodial care, but not continuous nursing

15  services.

16         (2)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

17  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

18  pursuant to this section and part II of chapter 408 and to

19  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

20  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this

21  section. However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from

22  the provisions of s. 408.810(7), (8), (9), and (10). A person

23  must obtain a license from the agency to operate a home for

24  special services.  A license is valid for 1 year.

25         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

26  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

27  submitted under this section and part II of chapter 408. The

28  amount of the fee shall be established by rule and may not be

29  more than $2,000 per biennium. The application for a license

30  under this section must be made on a form provided by the

31  

                                 273

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  agency.  A nonrefundable license fee of not more than $1,000

 2  must be submitted with the license application.

 3         (4)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

 4  following requirements:

 5         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 6  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

 7  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

 8  in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly

 9  titled individual who is responsible for the daily operation

10  of the facility, and of the financial officer, or other

11  similarly titled individual who is responsible for the

12  financial operation of the facility, including billings for

13  client care and services, in accordance with the level 2

14  standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.  The

15  applicant must comply with the procedures for level 2

16  background screening as set forth in chapter 435.

17         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

18  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

19  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

20  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

21  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

22         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

23  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

24  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

25  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

26  state is acceptable in fulfillment of the requirements of

27  paragraph (a).

28         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

29  applicant when each individual required by this section to

30  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

31  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

                                 274

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  has not yet received background screening results from the

 2  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

 3  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

 4  set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been

 5  issued. A standard license may be granted to the applicant

 6  upon the agency's receipt of a report of the results of the

 7  Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

 8  individual required by this section to undergo background

 9  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

10  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

11  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

12  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

13  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

14  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

15  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

16  violation of background screening standards and a

17  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

18  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

19         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

20  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

21  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

22  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

23  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

24  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

25  accepted in lieu of this submission.

26         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

27  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

28  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

29  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

30  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

31  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

                                 275

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

 2  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

 3  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

 4  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

 5  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 6  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

 7  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

 8  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

 9  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

10  include in the application a statement affirming that the

11  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

12  requirements of this paragraph.

13         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

14  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

15  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

16  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

17  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

18  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

19  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

20         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

21  applicant:

22         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

23  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

24  omitted any material fact from the application required by

25  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

26         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

27  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

28  paragraph (e).

29         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

30  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

31  

                                 276

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (5)  Application for license renewal must be submitted

 2  90 days before the expiration of the license.

 3         (6)  A change of ownership or control of a home for

 4  special services must be reported to the agency in writing at

 5  least 60 days before the change is scheduled to take effect.

 6         (4)(7)  The agency may shall adopt rules for

 7  implementing and enforcing this section and part II of chapter

 8  408.

 9         (8)(a)  It is unlawful for any person to establish,

10  conduct, manage, or operate a home for special services

11  without obtaining a license from the agency.

12         (b)  It is unlawful for any person to offer or

13  advertise to the public, in any medium whatever, specialized

14  health care services without obtaining a license from the

15  agency.

16         (c)  It is unlawful for a holder of a license issued

17  under this section to advertise or represent to the public

18  that it holds a license for a type of facility other than the

19  facility for which its license is issued.

20         (5)(9)(a)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, a

21  violation of any provision of this section, part II of chapter

22  408, or applicable rules adopted by the agency for

23  implementing this section is punishable by payment of an

24  administrative fine not to exceed $5,000.

25         (b)  A violation of subsection (8) or rules adopted

26  under that subsection is a misdemeanor of the first degree,

27  punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.  Each day

28  of continuing violation is a separate offense.

29         Section 145.  Section 400.805, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31         400.805  Transitional living facilities.--

                                 277

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)  As used in this section, the term:

 2         (a)  "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care

 3  Administration.

 4         (b)  "Department" means the Department of Health.

 5         (c)  "Transitional living facility" means a site where

 6  specialized health care services are provided, including, but

 7  not limited to, rehabilitative services, community reentry

 8  training, aids for independent living, and counseling to

 9  spinal-cord-injured persons and head-injured persons.  This

10  term does not include a hospital licensed under chapter 395 or

11  any federally operated hospital or facility.

12         (2)(a)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408

13  apply to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

14  pursuant to this section and part II of chapter 408 and to

15  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

16  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this

17  section. However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from

18  the provisions of s. 408.810(7), (8), (9), and (10). A person

19  must obtain a license from the agency to operate a

20  transitional living facility.  A license issued under this

21  section is valid for 1 year.

22         (b)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

23  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

24  submitted under this section and part II of chapter 408. The

25  fee shall be comprised of a license fee of $4,000 per biennium

26  and a fee of $78.50 for each bed per biennium, unless modified

27  by rule. The application for a license must be made on a form

28  provided by the agency.  A nonrefundable license fee of $2,000

29  and a fee of up to $39.25 per bed must be submitted with the

30  license application.

31  

                                 278

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (c)  The agency may not issue a license to an applicant

 2  until the agency receives notice from the department as

 3  provided in paragraph (6)(b).

 4         (3)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

 5  following requirements:

 6         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 7  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

 8  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

 9  in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly

10  titled individual who is responsible for the daily operation

11  of the facility, and of the financial officer, or other

12  similarly titled individual who is responsible for the

13  financial operation of the facility, including billings for

14  client care and services. The applicant must comply with the

15  procedures for level 2 background screening as set forth in

16  chapter 435.

17         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

18  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

19  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

20  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

21  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

22         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

23  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

24  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

25  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

26  state is acceptable in fulfillment of the requirements of

27  paragraph (a).

28         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

29  applicant when each individual required by this section to

30  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

31  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

                                 279

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  has not yet received background screening results from the

 2  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

 3  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

 4  set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been

 5  issued. A standard license may be granted to the applicant

 6  upon the agency's receipt of a report of the results of the

 7  Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

 8  individual required by this section to undergo background

 9  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

10  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

11  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

12  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

13  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

14  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

15  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

16  violation of background screening standards and a

17  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

18  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

19         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

20  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

21  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

22  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

23  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

24  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

25  accepted in lieu of this submission.

26         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

27  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

28  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

29  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

30  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

31  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

                                 280

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

 2  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

 3  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

 4  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

 5  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 6  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

 7  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

 8  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

 9  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

10  include in the application a statement affirming that the

11  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

12  requirements of this paragraph.

13         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

14  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

15  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

16  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

17  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

18  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

19  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

20         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

21  applicant:

22         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

23  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

24  omitted any material fact from the application required by

25  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

26         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

27  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

28  paragraph (e).

29         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

30  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

31  

                                 281

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (4)  An application for renewal of license must be

 2  submitted 90 days before the expiration of the license.  Upon

 3  renewal of licensure, each applicant must submit to the

 4  agency, under penalty of perjury, an affidavit as set forth in

 5  paragraph (3)(d).

 6         (5)  A change of ownership or control of a transitional

 7  living facility must be reported to the agency in writing at

 8  least 60 days before the change is scheduled to take effect.

 9         (3)(6)(a)  The agency shall adopt rules in consultation

10  with the department governing the physical plant of

11  transitional living facilities and the fiscal management of

12  transitional living facilities.

13         (b)  The department shall adopt rules in consultation

14  with the agency governing the services provided to clients of

15  transitional living facilities. The department shall enforce

16  all requirements for providing services to the facility's

17  clients.  The department must notify the agency when it

18  determines that an applicant for licensure meets the service

19  requirements adopted by the department.

20         (c)  The agency and the department shall enforce

21  requirements under this section, as such requirements relate

22  to them respectively, and their respective adopted rules.

23         (7)(a)  It is unlawful for any person to establish,

24  conduct, manage, or operate a transitional living facility

25  without obtaining a license from the agency.

26         (b)  It is unlawful for any person to offer or

27  advertise to the public, in any medium whatever, services or

28  care defined in paragraph (1)(c) without obtaining a license

29  from the agency.

30         (c)  It is unlawful for a holder of a license issued

31  under this section to advertise or represent to the public

                                 282

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  that it holds a license for a type of facility other than the

 2  facility for which its license is issued.

 3         (4)(8)  Any designated officer or employee of the

 4  agency, of the state, or of the local fire marshal may enter

 5  unannounced upon and into the premises of any facility

 6  licensed under this section in order to determine the state of

 7  compliance with this section and the rules or standards in

 8  force under this section. The right of entry and inspection

 9  also extends to any premises that the agency has reason to

10  believe are being operated or maintained as a facility without

11  a license; but such an entry or inspection may not be made

12  without the permission of the owner or person in charge of the

13  facility unless a warrant that authorizes the entry is first

14  obtained from the circuit court. The warrant requirement

15  extends only to a facility that the agency has reason to

16  believe is being operated or maintained as a facility without

17  a license. An application for a license or renewal thereof

18  which is made under this section constitutes permission for,

19  and acquiescence in, any entry or inspection of the premises

20  for which the license is sought, in order to facilitate

21  verification of the information submitted on or in connection

22  with the application; to discover, investigate, and determine

23  the existence of abuse or neglect; or to elicit, receive,

24  respond to, and resolve complaints. A current valid license

25  constitutes unconditional permission for, and acquiescence in,

26  any entry or inspection of the premises by authorized

27  personnel. The agency retains the right of entry and

28  inspection of facilities that have had a license revoked or

29  suspended within the previous 24 months, to ensure that the

30  facility is not operating unlawfully. However, before the

31  facility is entered, a statement of probable cause must be

                                 283

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  filed with the director of the agency, who must approve or

 2  disapprove the action within 48 hours. Probable cause

 3  includes, but is not limited to, evidence that the facility

 4  holds itself out to the public as a provider of personal

 5  assistance services, or the receipt by the advisory council on

 6  brain and spinal cord injuries of a complaint about the

 7  facility.

 8         (5)(9)  The agency may institute injunctive proceedings

 9  in a court of competent jurisdiction for temporary or

10  permanent relief to:

11         (a)  Enforce this section or any minimum standard,

12  rule, or order issued pursuant thereto if the agency's effort

13  to correct a violation through administrative fines has failed

14  or when the violation materially affects the health, safety,

15  or welfare of residents; or

16         (b)  Terminate the operation of a facility if a

17  violation of this section or of any standard or rule adopted

18  pursuant thereto exists which materially affects the health,

19  safety, or welfare of residents.

20  

21  The Legislature recognizes that, in some instances, action is

22  necessary to protect residents of facilities from immediately

23  life-threatening situations. If it appears by competent

24  evidence or a sworn, substantiated affidavit that a temporary

25  injunction should issue, the court, pending the determination

26  on final hearing, shall enjoin operation of the facility.

27         (10)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium on

28  admissions to a facility when the agency determines that any

29  condition in the facility presents a threat to the health,

30  safety, or welfare of the residents in the facility. If a

31  facility's license is denied, revoked, or suspended, the

                                 284

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  facility may be subject to the immediate imposition of a

 2  moratorium on admissions to run concurrently with licensure

 3  denial, revocation, or suspension.

 4         (6)(11)(a)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408,

 5  a violation of any provision of this section, part II of

 6  chapter 408, or applicable rules adopted by the agency or

 7  department under this section is punishable by payment of an

 8  administrative or a civil penalty fine not to exceed $5,000.

 9         (b)  A violation of subsection (7) or rules adopted

10  under that subsection is a misdemeanor of the first degree,

11  punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.  Each day

12  of a continuing violation is a separate offense.

13         Section 146.  Subsection (4) of section 400.902,

14  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

15         400.902  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

16         (4)  "Owner or operator" means a licensee any

17  individual who has general administrative charge of a PPEC

18  center.

19         Section 147.  Subsection (3) is added to section

20  400.903, Florida Statutes, to read:

21         400.903  PPEC centers to be licensed; exemptions.--

22         (3)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

23  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

24  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

25  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

26  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

27  However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from the

28  provisions of s. 408.810(10).

29         Section 148.  Section 400.905, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31         400.905  License required; fee; exemption; display.--

                                 285

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (1)(a)  It is unlawful to operate or maintain a PPEC

 2  center without first obtaining from the agency a license

 3  authorizing such operation.  The agency is responsible for

 4  licensing PPEC centers in accordance with the provisions of

 5  this part.

 6         (b)  Any person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of

 7  a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s.

 8  775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

 9         (1)(2)  Separate licenses are required for PPEC centers

10  maintained on separate premises, even though they are operated

11  under the same management. Separate licenses are not required

12  for separate buildings on the same grounds.

13         (2)(3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

14  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

15  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

16  amount of the fee shall be established by rule and may not be

17  less than $1,000 or more than $3,000 per biennium. The annual

18  license fee required of a PPEC center shall be in an amount

19  determined by the agency to be sufficient to cover the

20  agency's costs in carrying out its responsibilities under this

21  part, but shall not be less than $500 or more than $1,500.

22         (3)(4)  County-operated or municipally operated PPEC

23  centers applying for licensure under this part are exempt from

24  the payment of license fees.

25         (5)  The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous

26  place inside the PPEC center.

27         (6)  A license shall be valid only in the possession of

28  the individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation

29  to whom it is issued and shall not be subject to sale,

30  assignment, or other transfer, voluntary or involuntary; nor

31  

                                 286

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  shall a license be valid for any premises other than that for

 2  which originally issued.

 3         (7)  Any license granted by the agency shall state the

 4  maximum capacity of the facility, the date the license was

 5  issued, the expiration date of the license, and any other

 6  information deemed necessary by the agency.

 7         Section 149.  Section 400.906, Florida Statutes, is

 8  repealed.

 9         Section 150.  Section 400.907, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         400.907  Denial or, suspension, revocation of

12  licensure; administrative fines; grounds.--

13         (1)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

14  agency may deny or, revoke, or suspend a license or impose an

15  administrative fine for a violation of any provision of this

16  part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable rules in the

17  manner provided in chapter 120.

18         (2)  Any of the following actions by a PPEC center or

19  its employee is grounds for action by the agency against a

20  PPEC center or its employee:

21         (a)  An intentional or negligent act materially

22  affecting the health or safety of children in the PPEC center.

23         (b)  A violation of the provisions of this part, part

24  II of chapter 408, or applicable rules or of any standards or

25  rules adopted pursuant to this part.

26         (c)  Multiple and repeated violations of this part or

27  of minimum standards or rules adopted pursuant to this part.

28         (3)  The agency shall be responsible for all

29  investigations and inspections conducted pursuant to this

30  part.

31  

                                 287

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 151.  Section 400.908, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.908  Administrative fines; disposition of fees and

 4  fines.--

 5         (1)(a)  If the agency determines that a PPEC center is

 6  being operated without a license or is otherwise not in

 7  compliance with rules adopted under this part, part II of

 8  chapter 408, or applicable rules, the agency, notwithstanding

 9  any other administrative action it takes, shall make a

10  reasonable attempt to discuss each violation and recommended

11  corrective action with the owner of the PPEC center prior to

12  written notification thereof.  The agency may request that the

13  PPEC center submit a corrective action plan which demonstrates

14  a good faith effort to remedy each violation by a specific

15  date, subject to the approval of the agency.

16         (b)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

17  agency may fine a PPEC center or employee found in violation

18  of rules adopted pursuant to this part, part II of chapter

19  408, or applicable rules in an amount not to exceed $500 for

20  each violation.  Such fine may not exceed $5,000 in the

21  aggregate.

22         (c)  The failure to correct a violation by the date set

23  by the agency, or the failure to comply with an approved

24  corrective action plan, is a separate violation for each day

25  such failure continues, unless the agency approves an

26  extension to a specific date.

27         (d)  If a PPEC center desires to appeal any agency

28  action under this section and the fine is upheld, the violator

29  shall pay the fine, plus interest at the legal rate specified

30  in s. 687.01, for each day beyond the date set by the agency

31  for payment of the fine.

                                 288

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  In determining if a fine is to be imposed and in

 2  fixing the amount of any fine, the agency shall consider the

 3  following factors:

 4         (a)  The gravity of the violation, including the

 5  probability that death or serious physical or emotional harm

 6  to a child will result or has resulted, the severity of the

 7  actual or potential harm, and the extent to which the

 8  provisions of the applicable statutes or rules were violated.

 9         (b)  Actions taken by the owner or operator to correct

10  violations.

11         (c)  Any previous violations.

12         (d)  The financial benefit to the PPEC center of

13  committing or continuing the violation.

14         (3)  Fees and fines received by the agency under this

15  part shall be deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund created

16  in s. 408.16.

17         Section 152.  Sections 400.910 and 400.911, Florida

18  Statutes, are repealed.

19         Section 153.  Section 400.912, Florida Statutes, is

20  amended to read:

21         400.912  Closing of a PPEC center.--

22         (1)  Whenever a PPEC center voluntarily discontinues

23  operation, it shall inform the agency in writing at least 30

24  days before the discontinuance of operation.  The PPEC center

25  shall also, at such time, inform each child's legal guardian

26  of the fact and the proposed time of such discontinuance.

27         (2)  Immediately upon discontinuance of the operation

28  of a PPEC center, the owner or operator shall surrender the

29  license therefor to the agency and the license shall be

30  canceled.

31  

                                 289

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 154.  Section 400.913, Florida Statutes, is

 2  repealed.

 3         Section 155.  Subsection (1) of section 400.914,

 4  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 5         400.914  Rules establishing standards.--

 6         (1)  Pursuant to the intention of the Legislature to

 7  provide safe and sanitary facilities and healthful programs,

 8  the agency in conjunction with the Division of Children's

 9  Medical Services Prevention and Intervention of the Department

10  of Health shall adopt and publish rules to implement the

11  provisions of this part and part II of chapter 408, which

12  shall include reasonable and fair standards. Any conflict

13  between these standards and those that may be set forth in

14  local, county, or city ordinances shall be resolved in favor

15  of those having statewide effect. Such standards shall relate

16  to:

17         (a)  The assurance that PPEC services are family

18  centered and provide individualized medical, developmental,

19  and family training services.

20         (b)  The maintenance of PPEC centers, not in conflict

21  with the provisions of chapter 553 and based upon the size of

22  the structure and number of children, relating to plumbing,

23  heating, lighting, ventilation, and other building conditions,

24  including adequate space, which will ensure the health,

25  safety, comfort, and protection from fire of the children

26  served.

27         (c)  The appropriate provisions of the most recent

28  edition of the "Life Safety Code" (NFPA-101) shall be applied.

29         (d)  The number and qualifications of all personnel who

30  have responsibility for the care of the children served.

31  

                                 290

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (e)  All sanitary conditions within the PPEC center and

 2  its surroundings, including water supply, sewage disposal,

 3  food handling, and general hygiene, and maintenance thereof,

 4  which will ensure the health and comfort of children served.

 5         (f)  Programs and basic services promoting and

 6  maintaining the health and development of the children served

 7  and meeting the training needs of the children's legal

 8  guardians.

 9         (g)  Supportive, contracted, other operational, and

10  transportation services.

11         (h)  Maintenance of appropriate medical records, data,

12  and information relative to the children and programs.  Such

13  records shall be maintained in the facility for inspection by

14  the agency.

15         Section 156.  Section 400.915, Florida Statutes, is

16  amended to read:

17         400.915  Construction and renovation;

18  requirements.--The requirements for the construction or

19  renovation of a PPEC center shall comply with:

20         (1)  The provisions of chapter 553, which pertain to

21  building construction standards, including plumbing,

22  electrical code, glass, manufactured buildings, accessibility

23  for the physically disabled;

24         (2)  The minimum standards for physical facilities in

25  rule 10M-12.003, Florida Administrative Code, Child Care

26  Standards; and

27         (3)  The standards or rules adopted pursuant to this

28  part and part II of chapter 408.

29         Section 157.  Sections 400.916 and 400.917, Florida

30  Statutes, are repealed.

31  

                                 291

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 158.  Section 400.925, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.925  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

 4         (1)  "Accrediting organizations" means the Joint

 5  Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or

 6  other national accreditation agencies whose standards for

 7  accreditation are comparable to those required by this part

 8  for licensure.

 9         (2)  "Affiliated person" means any person who directly

10  or indirectly manages, controls, or oversees the operation of

11  a corporation or other business entity that is a licensee,

12  regardless of whether such person is a partner, shareholder,

13  owner, officer, director, agent, or employee of the entity.

14         (2)(3)  "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care

15  Administration.

16         (4)  "Applicant" means an individual applicant in the

17  case of a sole proprietorship, or any officer, director,

18  agent, managing employee, general manager, or affiliated

19  person, or any partner or shareholder having an ownership

20  interest equal to 5 percent or greater in the corporation,

21  partnership, or other business entity.

22         (3)(5)  "Consumer" or "patient" means any person who

23  uses home medical equipment in his or her place of residence.

24         (4)(6)  "Department" means the Department of Children

25  and Family Services.

26         (5)(7)  "General manager" means the individual who has

27  the general administrative charge of the premises of a

28  licensed home medical equipment provider.

29         (6)(8)  "Home medical equipment" includes any product

30  as defined by the Federal Drug Administration's Drugs, Devices

31  and Cosmetics Act, any products reimbursed under the Medicare

                                 292

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Part B Durable Medical Equipment benefits, or any products

 2  reimbursed under the Florida Medicaid durable medical

 3  equipment program. Home medical equipment includes oxygen and

 4  related respiratory equipment; manual, motorized, or

 5  customized wheelchairs and related seating and positioning,

 6  but does not include prosthetics or orthotics or any splints,

 7  braces, or aids custom fabricated by a licensed health care

 8  practitioner; motorized scooters; personal transfer systems;

 9  and specialty beds, for use by a person with a medical need.

10         (7)(9)  "Home medical equipment provider" means any

11  person or entity that sells or rents or offers to sell or rent

12  to or for a consumer:

13         (a)  Any home medical equipment and services; or

14         (b)  Home medical equipment that requires any home

15  medical equipment services.

16         (8)(10)  "Home medical equipment provider personnel"

17  means persons who are employed by or under contract with a

18  home medical equipment provider.

19         (9)(11)  "Home medical equipment services" means

20  equipment management and consumer instruction, including

21  selection, delivery, setup, and maintenance of equipment, and

22  other related services for the use of home medical equipment

23  in the consumer's regular or temporary place of residence.

24         (10)(12)  "Licensee" means the person or entity to whom

25  a license to operate as a home medical equipment provider is

26  issued by the agency.

27         (11)(13)  "Moratorium" has the same meaning as in s.

28  408.803, except that means a mandated temporary cessation or

29  suspension of the sale, rental, or offering of equipment after

30  the imposition of the moratorium. services related to

31  equipment sold or rented prior to the moratorium must be

                                 293

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  continued without interruption, unless deemed otherwise by the

 2  agency.

 3         (12)(14)  "Person" means any individual, firm,

 4  partnership, corporation, or association.

 5         (13)(15)  "Premises" means those buildings and

 6  equipment which are located at the address of the licensed

 7  home medical equipment provider for the provision of home

 8  medical equipment services, which are in such reasonable

 9  proximity as to appear to the public to be a single provider

10  location, and which comply with zoning ordinances.

11         (14)(16)  "Residence" means the consumer's home or

12  place of residence, which may include nursing homes, assisted

13  living facilities, transitional living facilities, adult

14  family-care homes, or other congregate residential facilities.

15         Section 159.  Subsection (3) and paragraphs (d) and (e)

16  of subsection (6) of section 400.93, Florida Statutes, are

17  amended to read:

18         400.93  Licensure required; exemptions; unlawful acts;

19  penalties.--

20         (3)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

21  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

22  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

23  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

24  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

25  However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from the

26  provisions of s. 408.810(8) and (10). A home medical equipment

27  provider must be licensed by the agency to operate in this

28  state or to provide home medical equipment and services to

29  consumers in this state. A standard license issued to a home

30  medical equipment provider, unless sooner suspended or

31  revoked, expires 2 years after its effective date.

                                 294

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (6)

 2         (d)  The following penalties shall be imposed for

 3  operating an unlicensed home medical equipment provider:

 4         1.  Any person or entity who operates an unlicensed

 5  provider commits a felony of the third degree.

 6         2.  For any person or entity who has received

 7  government reimbursement for services provided by an

 8  unlicensed provider, the agency shall make a fraud referral to

 9  the appropriate government reimbursement program.

10         3.  For any licensee found to be concurrently operating

11  licensed and unlicensed provider premises, the agency may

12  impose a fine or moratorium, or revoke existing licenses of

13  any or all of the licensee's licensed provider locations until

14  such time as the unlicensed provider premises is licensed.

15         (e)  A provider found to be operating without a license

16  may apply for licensure, and must cease operations until a

17  license is awarded by the agency.

18         Section 160.  Section 400.931, Florida Statutes, is

19  amended to read:

20         400.931  Application for license; fee; provisional

21  license; temporary permit.--

22         (1)  Application for an initial license or for renewal

23  of an existing license must be made under oath to the agency

24  on forms furnished by it and must be accompanied by the

25  appropriate license fee as provided in subsection (12).

26         (1)(2)  The applicant must file with the application

27  satisfactory proof that the home medical equipment provider is

28  in compliance with this part and applicable rules, including:

29         (a)  A report, by category, of the equipment to be

30  provided, indicating those offered either directly by the

31  

                                 295

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  applicant or through contractual arrangements with existing

 2  providers. Categories of equipment include:

 3         1.  Respiratory modalities.

 4         2.  Ambulation aids.

 5         3.  Mobility aids.

 6         4.  Sickroom setup.

 7         5.  Disposables.

 8         (b)  A report, by category, of the services to be

 9  provided, indicating those offered either directly by the

10  applicant or through contractual arrangements with existing

11  providers. Categories of services include:

12         1.  Intake.

13         2.  Equipment selection.

14         3.  Delivery.

15         4.  Setup and installation.

16         5.  Patient training.

17         6.  Ongoing service and maintenance.

18         7.  Retrieval.

19         (c)  A listing of those with whom the applicant

20  contracts, both the providers the applicant uses to provide

21  equipment or services to its consumers and the providers for

22  whom the applicant provides services or equipment.

23         (2)(3)  The applicant for initial licensure must

24  demonstrate financial ability to operate, which may be

25  accomplished by the submission of a $50,000 surety bond to the

26  agency in lieu of the requirements of s. 408.810(8).

27         (4)  An applicant for renewal who has demonstrated

28  financial inability to operate must demonstrate financial

29  ability to operate.

30         (5)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

31  following requirements:

                                 296

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 2  application, the agency shall require background screening of

 3  the applicant, in accordance with the level 2 standards for

 4  screening set forth in chapter 435. As used in this

 5  subsection, the term "applicant" means the general manager and

 6  the financial officer or similarly titled individual who is

 7  responsible for the financial operation of the licensed

 8  facility.

 9         (b)  The agency may require background screening for a

10  member of the board of directors of the licensee or an officer

11  or an individual owning 5 percent or more of the licensee if

12  the agency has probable cause to believe that such individual

13  has been convicted of an offense prohibited under the level 2

14  standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

15         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

16  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

17  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

18  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

19  in fulfillment of paragraph (a).

20         (d)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

21  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

22  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

23  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

24  disclosure of ownership and control interest requirements of

25  the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be accepted in lieu of

26  this submission.

27         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

28  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

29  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

30  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

31  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

                                 297

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

 2  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

 3  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

 4  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

 5  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

 6  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

 7  corporation's or organization's board of directors, and has no

 8  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

 9  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

10  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

11  include in the application a statement affirming that the

12  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

13  requirements of this provision.

14         (f)  A license may not be granted to any potential

15  licensee if any applicant, administrator, or financial officer

16  has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or has

17  entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, any offense

18  prohibited under the level 2 standards for screening set forth

19  in chapter 435, unless an exemption from disqualification has

20  been granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

21         (g)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure to any

22  potential licensee if any applicant:

23         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

24  application required by paragraphs (d) and (e), or has omitted

25  any material fact from the application required by paragraphs

26  (d) and (e); or

27         2.  Has had prior Medicaid or Medicare action taken

28  against the applicant as set forth in paragraph (d).

29         (h)  Upon licensure renewal, each applicant must submit

30  to the agency, under penalty of perjury, an affidavit of

31  

                                 298

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  compliance with the background screening provisions of this

 2  section.

 3         (3)(6)  As specified in part II of chapter 408, the

 4  home medical equipment provider must also obtain and maintain

 5  professional and commercial liability insurance. Proof of

 6  liability insurance, as defined in s. 624.605, must be

 7  submitted with the application. The agency shall set the

 8  required amounts of liability insurance by rule, but the

 9  required amount must not be less than $250,000 per claim. In

10  the case of contracted services, it is required that the

11  contractor have liability insurance not less than $250,000 per

12  claim.

13         (7)  A provisional license shall be issued to an

14  approved applicant for initial licensure for a period of 90

15  days, during which time a survey must be conducted

16  demonstrating substantial compliance with this section. A

17  provisional license shall also be issued pending the results

18  of an applicant's Federal Bureau of Investigation report of

19  background screening confirming that all standards have been

20  met. If substantial compliance is demonstrated, a standard

21  license shall be issued to expire 2 years after the effective

22  date of the provisional license.

23         (8)  Ninety days before the expiration date, an

24  application for license renewal must be submitted to the

25  agency under oath on forms furnished by the agency, and a

26  license shall be renewed if the applicant has met the

27  requirements established under this part and applicable rules.

28  The home medical equipment provider must file with the

29  application satisfactory proof that it is in compliance with

30  this part and applicable rules. The home medical equipment

31  

                                 299

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  provider must submit satisfactory proof of its financial

 2  ability to comply with the requirements of this part.

 3         (9)  When a change of ownership of a home medical

 4  equipment provider occurs, the prospective owner must submit

 5  an initial application for a license at least 15 days before

 6  the effective date of the change of ownership. An application

 7  for change of ownership of a license is required when

 8  ownership, a majority of the ownership, or controlling

 9  interest of a licensed home medical equipment provider is

10  transferred or assigned and when a licensee agrees to

11  undertake or provide services to the extent that legal

12  liability for operation of the home medical equipment provider

13  rests with the licensee. A provisional license shall be issued

14  to the new owner for a period of 90 days, during which time

15  all required documentation must be submitted and a survey must

16  be conducted demonstrating substantial compliance with this

17  section. If substantial compliance is demonstrated, a standard

18  license shall be issued to expire 2 years after the issuance

19  of the provisional license.

20         (4)(10)  When a change of the general manager of a home

21  medical equipment provider occurs, the licensee must notify

22  the agency of the change within 45 days. thereof and must

23  provide evidence of compliance with the background screening

24  requirements in subsection (5); except that a general manager

25  who has met the standards for the Department of Law

26  Enforcement background check, but for whom background

27  screening results from the Federal Bureau of Investigation

28  have not yet been received, may be employed pending receipt of

29  the Federal Bureau of Investigation background screening

30  report. An individual may not continue to serve as general

31  manager if the Federal Bureau of Investigation background

                                 300

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  screening report indicates any violation of background

 2  screening standards.

 3         (5)(11)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

 4  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

 5  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

 6  amount of the fee shall be established by rule and may not

 7  exceed $300 per biennium. All licensure fees required of a

 8  home medical equipment provider are nonrefundable. The agency

 9  shall set the fees in an amount that is sufficient to cover

10  its costs in carrying out its responsibilities under this

11  part. However, state, county, or municipal governments

12  applying for licenses under this part are exempt from the

13  payment of license fees. All fees collected under this part

14  must be deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund for the

15  administration of this part.

16         (6)(12)  An applicant for initial licensure, renewal,

17  or change of ownership shall also pay a license processing fee

18  not to exceed $300, to be paid by all applicants, and an

19  inspection fee, not to exceed $400, which shall to be paid by

20  all applicants except those not subject to licensure

21  inspection by the agency as described in s. 400.933(2).

22         (13)  When a change is reported which requires issuance

23  of a license, a fee must be assessed. The fee must be based on

24  the actual cost of processing and issuing the license.

25         (14)  When a duplicate license is issued, a fee must be

26  assessed, not to exceed the actual cost of duplicating and

27  mailing.

28         (15)  When applications are mailed out upon request, a

29  fee must be assessed, not to exceed the cost of the printing,

30  preparation, and mailing.

31  

                                 301

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (16)  The license must be displayed in a conspicuous

 2  place in the administrative office of the home medical

 3  equipment provider and is valid only while in the possession

 4  of the person or entity to which it is issued. The license may

 5  not be sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred, voluntarily

 6  or involuntarily, and is valid only for the home medical

 7  equipment provider and location for which originally issued.

 8         (17)  A home medical equipment provider against whom a

 9  proceeding for revocation or suspension, or for denial of a

10  renewal application, is pending at the time of license renewal

11  may be issued a provisional license effective until final

12  disposition by the agency of such proceedings. If judicial

13  relief is sought from the final disposition, the court that

14  has jurisdiction may issue a temporary permit for the duration

15  of the judicial proceeding.

16         Section 161.  Section 400.932, Florida Statutes, is

17  amended to read:

18         400.932  Administrative penalties; injunctions;

19  emergency orders; moratoriums.--

20         (1)  The agency may deny or, revoke, or suspend a

21  license, or impose an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000

22  per violation, per day, or initiate injunctive proceedings

23  under s. 400.956.

24         (2)  Any of the following actions by an employee of a

25  home medical equipment provider or any of its employees is

26  grounds for administrative action or penalties by the agency:

27         (a)  Violation of this part or of applicable rules.

28         (b)  An intentional, reckless, or negligent act that

29  materially affects the health or safety of a patient.

30         (3)  The agency may deny or revoke the license of any

31  applicant that:

                                 302

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  Made a false representation or omission of any

 2  material fact in making the application, including the

 3  submission of an application that conceals the controlling or

 4  ownership interest or any officer, director, agent, managing

 5  employee, affiliated person, partner, or shareholder who may

 6  not be eligible to participate;

 7         (a)(b)  Has been previously found by any professional

 8  licensing, certifying, or standards board or agency to have

 9  violated the standards or conditions relating to licensure or

10  certification or the quality of services provided.

11  "Professional licensing, certifying, or standards board or

12  agency" shall include, but is not limited to, practitioners,

13  health care facilities, programs, or services, or residential

14  care, treatment programs, or other human services; or

15         (b)(c)  Has been or is currently excluded, suspended,

16  or terminated from, or has involuntarily withdrawn from,

17  participation in Florida's Medicaid program or any other

18  state's Medicaid program, or participation in the Medicare

19  program or any other governmental or private health care or

20  health insurance program.

21         (4)  The agency may issue an emergency order

22  immediately suspending or revoking a license when it

23  determines that any condition within the responsibility of the

24  home medical equipment provider presents a clear and present

25  danger to public health and safety.

26         (5)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium on

27  any licensed home medical equipment provider when the agency

28  determines that any condition within the responsibility of the

29  home medical equipment provider presents a threat to public

30  health or safety.

31  

                                 303

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 162.  Section 400.933, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.933  Licensure inspections and investigations.--

 4         (1)  The agency shall make or cause to be made such

 5  inspections and investigations as it considers necessary,

 6  including:

 7         (a)  Licensure inspections.

 8         (b)  Inspections directed by the federal Health Care

 9  Financing Administration.

10         (c)  Licensure complaint investigations, including full

11  licensure investigations with a review of all licensure

12  standards as outlined in the administrative rules. Complaints

13  received by the agency from individuals, organizations, or

14  other sources are subject to review and investigation by the

15  agency.

16         (2)  The agency shall accept, in lieu of its own

17  periodic inspections for licensure, submission of the

18  following:

19         (1)(a)  The survey or inspection of an accrediting

20  organization, provided the accreditation of the licensed home

21  medical equipment provider is not provisional and provided the

22  licensed home medical equipment provider authorizes release

23  of, and the agency receives the report of, the accrediting

24  organization; or

25         (2)(b)  A copy of a valid medical oxygen retail

26  establishment permit issued by the Department of Health,

27  pursuant to chapter 499.

28         Section 163.  Section 400.935, Florida Statutes, is

29  amended to read:

30         400.935  Rules establishing minimum standards.--The

31  agency shall adopt, publish, and enforce rules to implement

                                 304

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  this part and part II of chapter 408, which must provide

 2  reasonable and fair minimum standards relating to:

 3         (1)  The qualifications and minimum training

 4  requirements of all home medical equipment provider personnel.

 5         (2)  License application and renewal.

 6         (3)  License and inspection fees.

 7         (2)(4)  Financial ability to operate.

 8         (3)(5)  The administration of the home medical

 9  equipment provider.

10         (4)(6)  Procedures for maintaining patient records.

11         (5)(7)  Ensuring that the home medical equipment and

12  services provided by a home medical equipment provider are in

13  accordance with the plan of treatment established for each

14  patient, when provided as a part of a plan of treatment.

15         (6)(8)  Contractual arrangements for the provision of

16  home medical equipment and services by providers not employed

17  by the home medical equipment provider providing for the

18  consumer's needs.

19         (7)(9)  Physical location and zoning requirements.

20         (8)(10)  Home medical equipment requiring home medical

21  equipment services.

22         Section 164.  Section 400.95, subsection (2) of section

23  400.953, subsection (4) of section 400.955, and section

24  400.956, Florida Statutes, are repealed.

25         Section 165.  Subsection (5) of section 400.960,

26  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

27         400.960  Definitions.--As used in this part, the term:

28         (5)  "Client" means any person receiving services in an

29  intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled

30  determined by the department to be eligible for developmental

31  services.

                                 305

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 166.  Section 400.962, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.962  License required; license application.--

 4         (1)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

 5  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

 6  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

 7  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

 8  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part.

 9  However, an applicant for licensure is exempt from s.

10  408.810(7). The licensure fee shall be $234 per bed unless

11  modified by rule. It is unlawful to operate an intermediate

12  care facility for the developmentally disabled without a

13  license.

14         (2)  Separate licenses are required for facilities

15  maintained on separate premises even if operated under the

16  same management. However, a separate license is not required

17  for separate buildings on the same grounds.

18         (3)  The basic license fee collected shall be deposited

19  in the Health Care Trust Fund, established for carrying out

20  the purposes of this chapter.

21         (4)  The license must be conspicuously displayed inside

22  the facility.

23         (5)  A license is valid only in the hands of the

24  individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation to

25  whom it is issued. A license is not valid for any premises

26  other than those for which it was originally issued and may

27  not be sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred, voluntarily

28  or involuntarily.

29         (6)  An application for a license shall be made to the

30  agency on forms furnished by it and must be accompanied by the

31  appropriate license fee.

                                 306

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (7)  The application must be under oath and must

 2  contain the following:

 3         (a)  The name, address, and social security number of

 4  the applicant if an individual; if the applicant is a firm,

 5  partnership, or association, its name, address, and employer

 6  identification number (EIN), and the name and address of every

 7  member; if the applicant is a corporation, its name, address,

 8  and employer identification number (EIN), and the name and

 9  address of its director and officers and of each person having

10  at least a 5 percent interest in the corporation; and the name

11  by which the facility is to be known.

12         (b)  The name of any person whose name is required on

13  the application under paragraph (a) and who owns at least a 10

14  percent interest in any professional service, firm,

15  association, partnership, or corporation providing goods,

16  leases, or services to the facility for which the application

17  is made, and the name and address of the professional service,

18  firm, association, partnership, or corporation in which such

19  interest is held.

20         (c)  The location of the facility for which a license

21  is sought and an indication that such location conforms to the

22  local zoning ordinances.

23         (d)  The name of the persons under whose management or

24  supervision the facility will be operated.

25         (e)  The total number of beds.

26         (3)(8)  The applicant must demonstrate that sufficient

27  numbers of staff, qualified by training or experience, will be

28  employed to properly care for the type and number of residents

29  who will reside in the facility.

30         (9)  The applicant must submit evidence that

31  establishes the good moral character of the applicant,

                                 307

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  manager, supervisor, and administrator. An applicant who is an

 2  individual or a member of a board of directors or officer of

 3  an applicant that is a firm, partnership, association, or

 4  corporation must not have been convicted, or found guilty,

 5  regardless of adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction

 6  which affects or may potentially affect residents in the

 7  facility.

 8         (10)(a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

 9  application, the agency shall require background screening of

10  the applicant, in accordance with the level 2 standards for

11  screening set forth in chapter 435. As used in this

12  subsection, the term "applicant" means the facility

13  administrator, or similarly titled individual who is

14  responsible for the day-to-day operation of the licensed

15  facility, and the facility financial officer, or similarly

16  titled individual who is responsible for the financial

17  operation of the licensed facility.

18         (b)  The agency may require background screening for a

19  member of the board of directors of the licensee or an officer

20  or an individual owning 5 percent or more of the licensee if

21  the agency has probable cause to believe that such individual

22  has been convicted of an offense prohibited under the level 2

23  standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

24         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

25  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

26  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

27  licensure requirements under this chapter satisfies the

28  requirements of paragraph (a). Proof of compliance with

29  background screening which has been submitted within the

30  previous 5 years to fulfill the requirements of the Financial

31  Services Commission and the Office of Insurance Regulation

                                 308

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  under chapter 651 as part of an application for a certificate

 2  of authority to operate a continuing care retirement community

 3  satisfies the requirements for the Department of Law

 4  Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation background

 5  checks.

 6         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

 7  applicant when each individual required by this section to

 8  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

 9  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

10  has not yet received background screening results from the

11  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

12  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

13  set forth in chapter 435, but a response has not yet been

14  issued. A license may be granted to the applicant upon the

15  agency's receipt of a report of the results of the Federal

16  Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

17  individual required by this section to undergo background

18  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

19  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

20  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

21  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

22  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

23  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; however, the person

24  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

25  violation of background screening standards and a

26  disqualification exemption has not been granted by the agency

27  as set forth in chapter 435.

28         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

29  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

30  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

31  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

                                 309

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  disclosure of ownership and control interest requirements of

 2  the Medicaid or Medicare programs shall be accepted in lieu of

 3  this submission.

 4         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

 5  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

 6  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

 7  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

 8  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

 9  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

10  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

11  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

12  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

13  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

14  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

15  corporation's or organization's board of directors, and has no

16  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

17  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

18  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

19  include in the application a statement affirming that the

20  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

21  requirements of this paragraph.

22         (g)  An application for license renewal must contain

23  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

24         (11)  The applicant must furnish satisfactory proof of

25  financial ability to operate and conduct the facility in

26  accordance with the requirements of this part and all rules

27  adopted under this part, and the agency shall establish

28  standards for this purpose.

29         Section 167.  Sections 400.963 and 400.965, Florida

30  Statutes, are repealed.

31  

                                 310

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 168.  Section 400.967, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         400.967  Rules and classification of deficiencies.--

 4         (1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that rules

 5  adopted and enforced under this part and part II of chapter

 6  408 include criteria by which a reasonable and consistent

 7  quality of resident care may be ensured, the results of such

 8  resident care can be demonstrated, and safe and sanitary

 9  facilities can be provided.

10         (2)  Pursuant to the intention of the Legislature, the

11  agency, in consultation with the Department of Children and

12  Family Services and the Department of Elderly Affairs, shall

13  adopt and enforce rules to administer this part, which shall

14  include reasonable and fair criteria governing:

15         (a)  The location and construction of the facility;

16  including fire and life safety, plumbing, heating, cooling,

17  lighting, ventilation, and other housing conditions that will

18  ensure the health, safety, and comfort of residents. The

19  agency shall establish standards for facilities and equipment

20  to increase the extent to which new facilities and a new wing

21  or floor added to an existing facility after July 1, 2000, are

22  structurally capable of serving as shelters only for

23  residents, staff, and families of residents and staff, and

24  equipped to be self-supporting during and immediately

25  following disasters. The Agency for Health Care Administration

26  shall work with facilities licensed under this part and report

27  to the Governor and the Legislature by April 1, 2000, its

28  recommendations for cost-effective renovation standards to be

29  applied to existing facilities. In making such rules, the

30  agency shall be guided by criteria recommended by nationally

31  recognized, reputable professional groups and associations

                                 311

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  having knowledge concerning such subject matters. The agency

 2  shall update or revise such criteria as the need arises. All

 3  facilities must comply with those lifesafety code requirements

 4  and building code standards applicable at the time of approval

 5  of their construction plans. The agency may require

 6  alterations to a building if it determines that an existing

 7  condition constitutes a distinct hazard to life, health, or

 8  safety. The agency shall adopt fair and reasonable rules

 9  setting forth conditions under which existing facilities

10  undergoing additions, alterations, conversions, renovations,

11  or repairs are required to comply with the most recent updated

12  or revised standards.

13         (b)  The number and qualifications of all personnel,

14  including management, medical nursing, and other personnel,

15  having responsibility for any part of the care given to

16  residents.

17         (c)  All sanitary conditions within the facility and

18  its surroundings, including water supply, sewage disposal,

19  food handling, and general hygiene, which will ensure the

20  health and comfort of residents.

21         (d)  The equipment essential to the health and welfare

22  of the residents.

23         (e)  A uniform accounting system.

24         (f)  The care, treatment, and maintenance of residents

25  and measurement of the quality and adequacy thereof.

26         (g)  The preparation and annual update of a

27  comprehensive emergency management plan. The agency shall

28  adopt rules establishing minimum criteria for the plan after

29  consultation with the Department of Community Affairs. At a

30  minimum, the rules must provide for plan components that

31  address emergency evacuation transportation; adequate

                                 312

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  sheltering arrangements; postdisaster activities, including

 2  emergency power, food, and water; postdisaster transportation;

 3  supplies; staffing; emergency equipment; individual

 4  identification of residents and transfer of records; and

 5  responding to family inquiries. The comprehensive emergency

 6  management plan is subject to review and approval by the local

 7  emergency management agency. During its review, the local

 8  emergency management agency shall ensure that the following

 9  agencies, at a minimum, are given the opportunity to review

10  the plan: the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of

11  Children and Family Services, the Agency for Health Care

12  Administration, and the Department of Community Affairs. Also,

13  appropriate volunteer organizations must be given the

14  opportunity to review the plan. The local emergency management

15  agency shall complete its review within 60 days and either

16  approve the plan or advise the facility of necessary

17  revisions.

18         (h)  Each licensee shall post its license in a

19  prominent place that is in clear and unobstructed public view

20  at or near the place where residents are being admitted to the

21  facility.

22         (3)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

23  agency shall adopt rules to provide that, when the criteria

24  established under this part and part II of chapter 408

25  subsection (2) are not met, such deficiencies shall be

26  classified according to the nature of the deficiency. The

27  agency shall indicate the classification on the face of the

28  notice of deficiencies as follows:

29         (a)  Class I deficiencies are those which the agency

30  determines present an and imminent danger to the residents or

31  guests of the facility or a substantial probability that death

                                 313

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  or serious physical harm would result therefrom. The condition

 2  or practice constituting a class I violation must be abated or

 3  eliminated immediately, unless a fixed period of time, as

 4  determined by the agency, is required for correction.

 5  Notwithstanding s. 400.121(2), a class I deficiency is subject

 6  to a civil penalty in an amount not less than $5,000 and not

 7  exceeding $10,000 for each deficiency. A fine may be levied

 8  notwithstanding the correction of the deficiency.

 9         (b)  Class II deficiencies are those which the agency

10  determines have a direct or immediate relationship to the

11  health, safety, or security of the facility residents, other

12  than class I deficiencies. A class II deficiency is subject to

13  a civil penalty in an amount not less than $1,000 and not

14  exceeding $5,000 for each deficiency. A citation for a class

15  II deficiency shall specify the time within which the

16  deficiency must be corrected. If a class II deficiency is

17  corrected within the time specified, no civil penalty shall be

18  imposed, unless it is a repeated offense.

19         (c)  Class III deficiencies are those which the agency

20  determines to have an indirect or potential relationship to

21  the health, safety, or security of the facility residents,

22  other than class I or class II deficiencies. A class III

23  deficiency is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $500

24  and not exceeding $1,000 for each deficiency. A citation for a

25  class III deficiency shall specify the time within which the

26  deficiency must be corrected. If a class III deficiency is

27  corrected within the time specified, no civil penalty shall be

28  imposed, unless it is a repeated offense.

29         (4)  Civil penalties paid by any licensee under

30  subsection (3) shall be deposited in the Health Care Trust

31  Fund and expended as provided in s. 400.063.

                                 314

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (4)(5)  The agency shall approve or disapprove the

 2  plans and specifications within 60 days after receipt of the

 3  final plans and specifications. The agency may be granted one

 4  15-day extension for the review period, if the secretary of

 5  the agency so approves. If the agency fails to act within the

 6  specified time, it is deemed to have approved the plans and

 7  specifications. When the agency disapproves plans and

 8  specifications, it must set forth in writing the reasons for

 9  disapproval. Conferences and consultations may be provided as

10  necessary.

11         (5)(6)  The agency may charge an initial fee of $2,000

12  for review of plans and construction on all projects, no part

13  of which is refundable. The agency may also collect a fee, not

14  to exceed 1 percent of the estimated construction cost or the

15  actual cost of review, whichever is less, for the portion of

16  the review which encompasses initial review through the

17  initial revised construction document review. The agency may

18  collect its actual costs on all subsequent portions of the

19  review and construction inspections. Initial fee payment must

20  accompany the initial submission of plans and specifications.

21  Any subsequent payment that is due is payable upon receipt of

22  the invoice from the agency. Notwithstanding any other

23  provision of law, all money received by the agency under this

24  section shall be deemed to be trust funds, to be held and

25  applied solely for the operations required under this section.

26         Section 169.  Section 400.968, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         400.968  Right of entry; protection of health, safety,

29  and welfare.--

30         (1)  Any designated officer or employee of the agency,

31  of the state, or of the local fire marshal may enter

                                 315

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  unannounced the premises of any facility licensed under this

 2  part in order to determine the state of compliance with this

 3  part and the rules or standards in force under this part. The

 4  right of entry and inspection also extends to any premises

 5  that the agency has reason to believe are being operated or

 6  maintained as a facility without a license; but such an entry

 7  or inspection may not be made without the permission of the

 8  owner or person in charge of the facility unless a warrant

 9  that authorizes the entry is first obtained from the circuit

10  court. The warrant requirement extends only to a facility that

11  the agency has reason to believe is being operated or

12  maintained as a facility without a license. An application for

13  a license or renewal thereof which is made under this section

14  constitutes permission for, and acquiescence in, any entry or

15  inspection of the premises for which the license is sought, in

16  order to facilitate verification of the information submitted

17  in connection with the application; to discover, investigate,

18  and determine the existence of abuse or neglect; or to elicit,

19  receive, respond to, and resolve complaints. A current valid

20  license constitutes unconditional permission for, and

21  acquiescence in, any entry or inspection of the premises by

22  authorized personnel. The agency retains the right of entry

23  and inspection of facilities that have had a license revoked

24  or suspended within the previous 24 months, to ensure that the

25  facility is not operating unlawfully. However, before the

26  facility is entered, a statement of probable cause must be

27  filed with the director of the agency, who must approve or

28  disapprove the action within 48 hours.

29         (2)  The agency may institute injunctive proceedings in

30  a court of competent jurisdiction for temporary or permanent

31  relief to:

                                 316

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  Enforce this section or any minimum standard,

 2  rule, or order issued pursuant thereto if the agency's effort

 3  to correct a violation through administrative fines has failed

 4  or when the violation materially affects the health, safety,

 5  or welfare of residents; or

 6         (b)  Terminate the operation of a facility if a

 7  violation of this section or of any standard or rule adopted

 8  pursuant thereto exists which materially affects the health,

 9  safety, or welfare of residents.

10  

11  The Legislature recognizes that, in some instances, action is

12  necessary to protect residents of facilities from immediately

13  life-threatening situations. If it appears by competent

14  evidence or a sworn, substantiated affidavit that a temporary

15  injunction should issue, the court, pending the determination

16  on final hearing, shall enjoin operation of the facility.

17         (3)  The agency may impose an immediate moratorium on

18  admissions to a facility when the agency determines that any

19  condition in the facility presents a threat to the health,

20  safety, or welfare of the residents in the facility. If a

21  facility's license is denied, revoked, or suspended, the

22  facility may be subject to the immediate imposition of a

23  moratorium on admissions to run concurrently with licensure

24  denial, revocation, or suspension.

25         Section 170.  Subsection (1) of section 400.969,

26  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

27         400.969  Violation of part; penalties.--

28         (1)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, and

29  except as provided in s. 400.967(3), a violation of any

30  provision of this part, part II of chapter 408, or applicable

31  rules adopted by the agency under this part is punishable by

                                 317

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  payment of an administrative or civil penalty not to exceed

 2  $5,000.

 3         Section 171.  Section 400.980, Florida Statutes, is

 4  amended to read:

 5         400.980  Health care services pools.--

 6         (1)  As used in this section, the term:

 7         (a)  "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care

 8  Administration.

 9         (b)  "Health care services pool" means any person,

10  firm, corporation, partnership, or association engaged for

11  hire in the business of providing temporary employment in

12  health care facilities, residential facilities, and agencies

13  for licensed, certified, or trained health care personnel

14  including, without limitation, nursing assistants, nurses'

15  aides, and orderlies. However, the term does not include

16  nursing registries, a facility licensed under chapter 400, a

17  health care services pool established within a health care

18  facility to provide services only within the confines of such

19  facility, or any individual contractor directly providing

20  temporary services to a health care facility without use or

21  benefit of a contracting agent.

22         (2)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

23  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure or

24  registration pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408

25  and to entities registered by or applying for such

26  registration from the Agency for Health Care Administration

27  pursuant to this part; however, an applicant for licensure is

28  exempt from s. 408.810(6)-(10). Each person who operates a

29  health care services pool must register each separate business

30  location with the agency. The agency shall adopt rules and

31  provide forms required for such registration and shall impose

                                 318

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  a registration fee in an amount sufficient to cover the cost

 2  of administering this section.  In addition, the registrant

 3  must provide the agency with any change of information

 4  contained on the original registration application within 14

 5  days prior to the change. The agency may inspect the offices

 6  of any health care services pool at any reasonable time for

 7  the purpose of determining compliance with this section or the

 8  rules adopted under this section.

 9         (3)  Each application for registration must include:

10         (a)  The name and address of any person who has an

11  ownership interest in the business, and, in the case of a

12  corporate owner, copies of the articles of incorporation,

13  bylaws, and names and addresses of all officers and directors

14  of the corporation.

15         (b)  Any other information required by the agency.

16         (3)(4)  Each applicant for registration must comply

17  with the following requirements:

18         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

19  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

20  accordance with the level 1 standards for screening set forth

21  in chapter 435, of every individual who will have contact with

22  patients. The agency shall require background screening of the

23  managing employee or other similarly titled individual who is

24  responsible for the operation of the entity, and of the

25  financial officer or other similarly titled individual who is

26  responsible for the financial operation of the entity,

27  including billings for services in accordance with the level 2

28  standards for background screening as set forth in chapter

29  435.

30         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

31  other individual who is affiliated with the applicant if the

                                 319

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  agency has a reasonable basis for believing that he or she has

 2  been convicted of a crime or has committed any other offense

 3  prohibited under the level 2 standards for screening set forth

 4  in chapter 435.

 5         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

 6  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

 7  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

 8  health care or assisted living licensure requirements of this

 9  state is acceptable in fulfillment of paragraph (a).

10         (d)  A provisional registration may be granted to an

11  applicant when each individual required by this section to

12  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

13  Department of Law Enforcement background check but the agency

14  has not yet received background screening results from the

15  Federal Bureau of Investigation. A standard registration may

16  be granted to the applicant upon the agency's receipt of a

17  report of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

18  background screening for each individual required by this

19  section to undergo background screening which confirms that

20  all standards have been met, or upon the granting of a

21  disqualification exemption by the agency as set forth in

22  chapter 435. Any other person who is required to undergo level

23  2 background screening may serve in his or her capacity

24  pending the agency's receipt of the report from the Federal

25  Bureau of Investigation. However, the person may not continue

26  to serve if the report indicates any violation of background

27  screening standards and if a disqualification exemption has

28  not been requested of and granted by the agency as set forth

29  in chapter 435.

30         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

31  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

                                 320

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 2  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

 3  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and controlling

 4  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

 5  accepted in lieu of this submission.

 6         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

 7  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

 8  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 which

 9  was committed by a member of the board of directors of the

10  applicant, its officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or

11  more of the applicant. This requirement does not apply to a

12  director of a not-for-profit corporation or organization who

13  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

14  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

15  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

16  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

17  corporation's or organization's board of directors, and has no

18  financial interest and no family members having a financial

19  interest in the corporation or organization, if the director

20  and the not-for-profit corporation or organization include in

21  the application a statement affirming that the director's

22  relationship to the corporation satisfies the requirements of

23  this paragraph.

24         (g)  A registration may not be granted to an applicant

25  if the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty

26  of, regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

27  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

28  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

29  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

30  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

31  

                                 321

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (h)  Failure to provide all required documentation

 2  within 30 days after a written request from the agency will

 3  result in denial of the application for registration.

 4         (i)  The agency must take final action on an

 5  application for registration within 60 days after receipt of

 6  all required documentation.

 7         (j)  The agency may deny, revoke, or suspend the

 8  registration of any applicant or registrant who:

 9         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

10  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

11  omitted any material fact from the application required by

12  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

13         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

14  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

15  paragraph (e).

16         3.  Fails to comply with this section or applicable

17  rules.

18         4.  Commits an intentional, reckless, or negligent act

19  that materially affects the health or safety of a person

20  receiving services.

21         (4)(5)  It is a misdemeanor of the first degree,

22  punishable under s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any person

23  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to:

24         (a)  Fail, by false statement, misrepresentation,

25  impersonation, or other fraudulent means, to disclose in any

26  application for voluntary or paid employment a material fact

27  used in making a determination as to an applicant's

28  qualifications to be a contractor under this section;

29         (b)  Operate or attempt to operate an entity registered

30  under this part with persons who do not meet the minimum

31  standards of chapter 435 as contained in this section; or

                                 322

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (c)  Use information from the criminal records obtained

 2  under this section for any purpose other than screening an

 3  applicant for temporary employment as specified in this

 4  section, or release such information to any other person for

 5  any purpose other than screening for employment under this

 6  section.

 7         (5)(6)  It is a felony of the third degree, punishable

 8  under s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, for any person

 9  willfully, knowingly, or intentionally to use information from

10  the juvenile records of a person obtained under this section

11  for any purpose other than screening for employment under this

12  section.

13         (7)  It is unlawful for a person to offer or advertise

14  services, as defined by rule, to the public without obtaining

15  a certificate of registration from the Agency for Health Care

16  Administration. It is unlawful for any holder of a certificate

17  of registration to advertise or hold out to the public that he

18  or she holds a certificate of registration for other than that

19  for which he or she actually holds a certificate of

20  registration. Any person who violates this subsection is

21  subject to injunctive proceedings under s. 400.515.

22         (8)  Each registration shall be for a period of 2

23  years. The application for renewal must be received by the

24  agency at least 30 days before the expiration date of the

25  registration.  An application for a new registration is

26  required within 30 days prior to the sale of a controlling

27  interest in a health care services pool.

28         (6)(9)  A health care services pool may not require an

29  employee to recruit new employees from persons employed at a

30  health care facility to which the health care services pool

31  employee is assigned. Nor shall a health care facility to

                                 323

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  which employees of a health care services pool are assigned

 2  recruit new employees from the health care services pool.

 3         (7)(10)  A health care services pool shall document

 4  that each temporary employee provided to a health care

 5  facility has met the licensing, certification, training, or

 6  continuing education requirements, as established by the

 7  appropriate regulatory agency, for the position in which he or

 8  she will be working.

 9         (8)(11)  When referring persons for temporary

10  employment in health care facilities, a health care services

11  pool shall comply with all pertinent state and federal laws,

12  rules, and regulations relating to health, background

13  screening, and other qualifications required of persons

14  working in a facility of that type.

15         (9)(12)(a)  As a condition of registration and prior to

16  the issuance or renewal of a certificate of registration, a

17  health care services pool applicant must prove financial

18  responsibility to pay claims, and costs ancillary thereto,

19  arising out of the rendering of services or failure to render

20  services by the pool or by its employees in the course of

21  their employment with the pool. The agency shall promulgate

22  rules establishing minimum financial responsibility coverage

23  amounts which shall be adequate to pay potential claims and

24  costs ancillary thereto.

25         (b)  Each health care services pool shall give written

26  notification to the agency within 20 days after any change in

27  the method of assuring financial responsibility or upon

28  cancellation or nonrenewal of professional liability

29  insurance. Unless the pool demonstrates that it is otherwise

30  in compliance with the requirements of this section, the

31  agency shall suspend the registration of the pool pursuant to

                                 324

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  ss. 120.569 and 120.57.  Any suspension under this section

 2  shall remain in effect until the pool demonstrates compliance

 3  with the requirements of this section.

 4         (c)  Proof of financial responsibility must be

 5  demonstrated to the satisfaction of the agency, through one of

 6  the following methods:

 7         1.  Establishing and maintaining an escrow account

 8  consisting of cash or assets eligible for deposit in

 9  accordance with s. 625.52;

10         2.  Obtaining and maintaining an unexpired irrevocable

11  letter of credit established pursuant to chapter 675.  Such

12  letters of credit shall be nontransferable and nonassignable

13  and shall be issued by any bank or savings association

14  organized and existing under the laws of this state or any

15  bank or savings association organized under the laws of the

16  United States that has its principal place of business in this

17  state or has a branch office which is authorized under the

18  laws of this state or of the United States to receive deposits

19  in this state; or

20         3.  Obtaining and maintaining professional liability

21  coverage from one of the following:

22         a.  An authorized insurer as defined under s. 624.09;

23         b.  An eligible surplus lines insurer as defined under

24  s. 626.918(2);

25         c.  A risk retention group or purchasing group as

26  defined under s. 627.942; or

27         d.  A plan of self-insurance as provided in s. 627.357.

28         (d)  If financial responsibility requirements are met

29  by maintaining an escrow account or letter of credit, as

30  provided in this section, upon the entry of an adverse final

31  judgment arising from a medical malpractice arbitration award

                                 325

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  from a claim of medical malpractice either in contract or

 2  tort, or from noncompliance with the terms of a settlement

 3  agreement arising from a claim of medical malpractice either

 4  in contract or tort, the financial institution holding the

 5  escrow account or the letter of credit shall pay directly to

 6  the claimant the entire amount of the judgment together with

 7  all accrued interest or the amount maintained in the escrow

 8  account or letter of credit as required by this section,

 9  whichever is less, within 60 days after the date such judgment

10  became final and subject to execution, unless otherwise

11  mutually agreed to in writing by the parties.  If timely

12  payment is not made, the agency shall suspend the registration

13  of the pool pursuant to procedures set forth by the agency

14  through rule. Nothing in this paragraph shall abrogate a

15  judgment debtor's obligation to satisfy the entire amount of

16  any judgment.

17         (e)  Each health care services pool carrying

18  claims-made coverage must demonstrate proof of extended

19  reporting coverage through either tail or nose coverage, in

20  the event the policy is canceled, replaced, or not renewed.

21  Such extended coverage shall provide coverage for incidents

22  that occurred during the claims-made policy period but were

23  reported after the policy period.

24         (f)  The financial responsibility requirements of this

25  section shall apply to claims for incidents that occur on or

26  after January 1, 1991, or the initial date of registration in

27  this state, whichever is later.

28         (g)  Meeting the financial responsibility requirements

29  of this section must be established at the time of issuance or

30  renewal of a certificate of registration.

31  

                                 326

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (10)(13)  The agency shall adopt rules to implement

 2  this section and part II of chapter 408, including rules

 3  providing for the establishment of:

 4         (a)  Minimum standards for the operation and

 5  administration of health care personnel pools, including

 6  procedures for recordkeeping and personnel.

 7         (b)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, fines

 8  for the violation of this part, part II of chapter 408, or

 9  applicable rules section in an amount not to exceed $2,500 and

10  suspension or revocation of registration.

11         (c)  Disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with

12  this section or the rules adopted under this section.

13         Section 172.  Section 400.9905, Florida Statutes, is

14  amended to read:

15         400.9905  Definitions.--

16         (1)  "Agency" means the Agency for Health Care

17  Administration.

18         (2)  "Applicant" means an individual owner,

19  corporation, partnership, firm, business, association, or

20  other entity that owns or controls, directly or indirectly, 5

21  percent or more of an interest in the clinic and that applies

22  for a clinic license.

23         (3)  "Clinic" means an entity at which health care

24  services are provided to individuals and which tenders charges

25  for reimbursement for such services, including a mobile clinic

26  and a portable equipment provider. For purposes of this part,

27  the term does not include and the licensure requirements of

28  this part do not apply to:

29         (a)  Entities licensed or registered by the state and

30  providing only health care services within the scope of

31  services authorized under their respective licenses granted

                                 327

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  under s. 383.30, chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter 395,

 2  chapter 397, this chapter except part XIII, chapter 463,

 3  chapter 465, chapter 466, chapter 478, part I of chapter 483

 4  chapter 480, chapter 484, or chapter 651, end-stage renal

 5  disease providers authorized under 42 C.F.R. part 405, subpart

 6  U, or providers certified under 42 C.F.R. part 485, subpart B

 7  or H.

 8         (b)  Entities that own, directly or indirectly,

 9  entities licensed or registered by the state and providing

10  only health care services within the scope of services

11  authorized pursuant to their respective licenses granted under

12  s. 383.30, chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter 395, chapter 397,

13  this chapter except part XIII, chapter 463, chapter 465,

14  chapter 466, chapter 478, part I of chapter 483 chapter 480,

15  chapter 484, or chapter 651, end-stage renal disease providers

16  authorized under 42 C.F.R. part 405, subpart U, or providers

17  certified under 42 C.F.R. part 485, subpart B or H.

18         (c)  Entities that are owned, directly or indirectly,

19  by an entity licensed or registered by the state and providing

20  only health care services within the scope of services

21  authorized pursuant to their respective licenses granted under

22  s. 383.30, chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter 395, chapter 397,

23  this chapter except part XIII, chapter 463, chapter 465,

24  chapter 466, chapter 478, part I of chapter 483 chapter 480,

25  chapter 484, or chapter 651, end-stage renal disease providers

26  authorized under 42 C.F.R. part 405, subpart U, or providers

27  certified under 42 C.F.R. part 485, subpart B or H.

28         (d)  Entities that are under common ownership, directly

29  or indirectly, with an entity licensed or registered by the

30  state and providing only health care services within the scope

31  of services authorized pursuant to their respective licenses

                                 328

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  granted under s. 383.30, chapter 390, chapter 394, chapter

 2  395, chapter 397, this chapter except part XIII, chapter 463,

 3  chapter 465, chapter 466, chapter 478, part I of chapter 483

 4  chapter 480, chapter 484, or chapter 651, end-stage renal

 5  disease providers authorized under 42 C.F.R. part 405, subpart

 6  U, or providers certified under 42 C.F.R. part 485, subpart B

 7  or H.

 8         (e)  An entity that is exempt from federal taxation

 9  under 26 U.S.C. s. 501(c)(3) or s. 501 (c)(4), and any

10  community college or university clinic, or any entity owned or

11  operated by federal or state government, including agencies,

12  subdivisions, or municipalities thereof.

13         (f)  A sole proprietorship, group practice,

14  partnership, or corporation that provides health care services

15  by licensed health care practitioners under chapter 457,

16  chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, chapter 461, chapter

17  462, chapter 463, chapter 466, chapter 467, chapter 480

18  chapter 484, chapter 486, chapter 490, chapter 491, or part I,

19  part III, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of chapter 468, or s.

20  464.012, which are wholly owned by one or more a licensed

21  health care practitioners set forth in this paragraph

22  practitioner, or the licensed health care practitioner and the

23  spouse, parent, or child of a licensed health care

24  practitioner, so long as one of the owners who is a licensed

25  health care practitioner is supervising the business

26  activities services performed therein and is legally

27  responsible for the entity's compliance with all federal and

28  state laws. However, a health care practitioner may not

29  supervise services beyond the scope of the practitioner's

30  license. The violation of a state or federal law by an

31  employee, owner, partner, or shareholder who provides health

                                 329

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  care services at the entity constitutes a violation of s.

 2  456.072(1)(k) by the licensee who commits the violation and by

 3  the supervising owner.

 4         (g)  Clinical facilities affiliated with an accredited

 5  medical school at which training is provided for medical

 6  students, residents, or fellows.

 7         (4)  "Medical director" means a physician who is

 8  employed or under contract with a clinic and who maintains a

 9  full and unencumbered physician license in accordance with

10  chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, or chapter 461.

11  However, if the clinic does not provide services pursuant to

12  the respective physician practices acts listed in this

13  subsection, it is limited to providing health care services

14  pursuant to chapter 457, chapter 484, chapter 486, chapter

15  490, or chapter 491 or part I, part III, part X, part XIII, or

16  part XIV of chapter 468, the clinic may appoint a Florida

17  licensed health care practitioner who does not provide

18  services pursuant to the respective physician practices acts

19  listed in this subsection licensed under that chapter to serve

20  as a clinic director who is responsible for the clinic's

21  activities. A health care practitioner may not serve as the

22  clinic director if the services provided at the clinic are

23  beyond the scope of that practitioner's license, except that a

24  license specified in s. 456.053(3)(b) which provides only

25  services authorized pursuant to s. 456.053(3)(b) may serve as

26  clinic director of an entity providing services as specified

27  in s. 456.053(3)(b).

28         (5)  "Mobile clinic" means a movable or detached

29  self-contained health care unit within or from which direct

30  health care services are provided to individuals and which

31  otherwise meets the definition of a clinic in subsection (3).

                                 330

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (6)  "Portable equipment provider" means an entity that

 2  contracts with or employs persons to provide portable

 3  equipment to multiple locations performing treatment or

 4  diagnostic testing of individuals, that bills third-party

 5  payers for those services, and that otherwise meets the

 6  definition of a clinic in subsection (3).

 7         Section 173.  Effective upon becoming a law and

 8  applying retroactively to March 1, 2004, section 400.991,

 9  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

10         400.991  License requirements; background screenings;

11  prohibitions.--

12         (1)(a)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408

13  apply to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

14  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

15  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

16  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part;

17  however, an applicant for licensure is exempt from s.

18  408.810(6), (7), and (10).

19         (b)  Each clinic, as defined in s. 400.9905, must be

20  licensed and shall at all times maintain a valid license with

21  the agency. Each clinic location shall be licensed separately

22  regardless of whether the clinic is operated under the same

23  business name or management as another clinic.

24         (c)  Each mobile clinic clinics must obtain a separate

25  health care clinic license and must provide to the agency, at

26  least quarterly, their projected street locations to enable

27  the agency to locate and inspect such clinics. Portable

28  equipment providers must obtain a health care clinic license

29  for a single administrative office and are not required to

30  submit quarterly projected street locations.

31  

                                 331

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The initial clinic license application shall be

 2  filed with the agency by all clinics, as defined in s.

 3  400.9905, on or before July 1, 2004 March 1, 2004. A clinic

 4  license must be renewed biennially.

 5         (3)  Applicants that submit an application on or before

 6  July 1, 2004 March 1, 2004, which meets all requirements for

 7  initial licensure as specified in this section shall receive a

 8  temporary license until the completion of an initial

 9  inspection verifying that the applicant meets all requirements

10  in rules authorized by s. 400.9925. However, a clinic engaged

11  in magnetic resonance imaging services may not receive a

12  temporary license unless it presents evidence satisfactory to

13  the agency that such clinic is making a good faith effort and

14  substantial progress in seeking accreditation required under

15  s. 400.9935.

16         (4)  Application for an initial clinic license or for

17  renewal of an existing license shall be notarized on forms

18  furnished by the agency and must be accompanied by the

19  appropriate license fee as provided in s. 400.9925. The agency

20  shall take final action on an initial license application

21  within 60 days after receipt of all required documentation.

22         (4)(5)  The application shall contain information that

23  includes, but need not be limited to, information pertaining

24  to the name, residence and business address, phone number,

25  social security number, and license number of the medical or

26  clinic director, of the licensed medical providers employed or

27  under contract with the clinic, and of each person who,

28  directly or indirectly, owns or controls 5 percent or more of

29  an interest in the clinic, or general partners in limited

30  liability partnerships.

31  

                                 332

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (5)(6)  The applicant must file with the application

 2  satisfactory proof that the clinic is in compliance with this

 3  part and applicable rules, including:

 4         (a)  A listing of services to be provided either

 5  directly by the applicant or through contractual arrangements

 6  with existing providers;

 7         (b)  The number and discipline of each professional

 8  staff member to be employed; and

 9         (c)  Proof of financial ability to operate. An

10  applicant must demonstrate financial ability to operate a

11  clinic by submitting a balance sheet and an income and expense

12  statement for the first year of operation which provide

13  evidence of the applicant's having sufficient assets, credit,

14  and projected revenues to cover liabilities and expenses. The

15  applicant shall have demonstrated financial ability to operate

16  if the applicant's assets, credit, and projected revenues meet

17  or exceed projected liabilities and expenses. All documents

18  required under this subsection must be prepared in accordance

19  with generally accepted accounting principles, may be in a

20  compilation form, and the financial statement must be signed

21  by a certified public accountant. As an alternative to

22  submitting a balance sheet and an income and expense statement

23  for the first year of operation, the applicant may file a

24  surety bond of at least $500,000 which guarantees that the

25  clinic will act in full conformity with all legal requirements

26  for operating a clinic, payable to the agency. The agency may

27  adopt rules to specify related requirements for such surety

28  bond.

29         (6)(7)  Each health care practitioner at the clinic is

30  subject to the background screening requirements of s.

31  

                                 333

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  408.809. Each applicant for licensure shall comply with the

 2  following requirements:

 3         (a)  As used in this subsection, the term "applicant"

 4  means individuals owning or controlling, directly or

 5  indirectly, 5 percent or more of an interest in a clinic; the

 6  medical or clinic director, or a similarly titled person who

 7  is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the licensed

 8  clinic; the financial officer or similarly titled individual

 9  who is responsible for the financial operation of the clinic;

10  and licensed medical providers at the clinic.

11         (b)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

12  application, the agency shall require background screening of

13  the applicant, in accordance with the level 2 standards for

14  screening set forth in chapter 435. Proof of compliance with

15  the level 2 background screening requirements of chapter 435

16  which has been submitted within the previous 5 years in

17  compliance with any other health care licensure requirements

18  of this state is acceptable in fulfillment of this paragraph.

19         (c)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with the

20  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

21  permanent suspensions, or terminations of an applicant from

22  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

23  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

24  interest under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

25  accepted in lieu of this submission. The description and

26  explanation may indicate whether such exclusions, suspensions,

27  or terminations were voluntary or not voluntary on the part of

28  the applicant.

29         (a)(d)  A license may not be granted to a clinic if the

30  applicant has been found guilty of, regardless of

31  adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo contendere or

                                 334

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  guilty to, any offense prohibited under the level 2 standards

 2  for screening set forth in chapter 435, or a violation of

 3  insurance fraud under s. 817.234, within the past 5 years. If

 4  the applicant has been convicted of an offense prohibited

 5  under the level 2 standards or insurance fraud in any

 6  jurisdiction, the applicant must show that his or her civil

 7  rights have been restored prior to submitting an application.

 8         (e)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

 9  applicant has falsely represented any material fact or omitted

10  any material fact from the application required by this part.

11         (8)  Requested information omitted from an application

12  for licensure, license renewal, or transfer of ownership must

13  be filed with the agency within 21 days after receipt of the

14  agency's request for omitted information, or the application

15  shall be deemed incomplete and shall be withdrawn from further

16  consideration.

17         (9)  The failure to file a timely renewal application

18  shall result in a late fee charged to the facility in an

19  amount equal to 50 percent of the current license fee.

20         Section 174.  Section 400.9915, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         400.9915  Clinic inspections; emergency suspension;

23  costs.--

24         (1)  Any authorized officer or employee of the agency

25  shall make inspections of the clinic as part of the initial

26  license application or renewal application. The application

27  for a clinic license issued under this part or for a renewal

28  license constitutes permission for an appropriate agency

29  inspection to verify the information submitted on or in

30  connection with the application or renewal.

31  

                                 335

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  An authorized officer or employee of the agency

 2  may make unannounced inspections of clinics licensed pursuant

 3  to this part as are necessary to determine that the clinic is

 4  in compliance with this part and with applicable rules. A

 5  licensed clinic shall allow full and complete access to the

 6  premises and to billing records or information to any

 7  representative of the agency who makes an inspection to

 8  determine compliance with this part and with applicable rules.

 9         (1)(3)  Failure by a clinic licensed under this part to

10  allow full and complete access to the premises and to billing

11  records or information to any representative of the agency who

12  makes a request to inspect the clinic to determine compliance

13  with this part or failure by a clinic to employ a qualified

14  medical director or clinic director constitutes a ground for

15  an action under s. 408.814 emergency suspension of the license

16  by the agency pursuant to s. 120.60(6).

17         (2)(4)  In addition to any administrative fines

18  imposed, the agency may assess a fee equal to the cost of

19  conducting a complaint investigation.

20         Section 175.  Section 400.992, Florida Statutes, is

21  repealed.

22         Section 176.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section

23  400.9925, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

24         400.9925  Rulemaking authority; license fees.--

25         (1)  The agency shall adopt rules necessary to

26  administer the clinic administration, regulation, and

27  licensure program, including rules pursuant to part II of

28  chapter 408 establishing the specific licensure requirements,

29  procedures, forms, and fees. It shall adopt rules establishing

30  a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses. The agency

31  may issue initial licenses for less than the full 2-year

                                 336

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  period by charging a prorated licensure fee and specifying a

 2  different renewal date than would otherwise be required for

 3  biennial licensure. The rules shall specify the expiration

 4  dates of licenses, the process of tracking compliance with

 5  financial responsibility requirements, and any other

 6  conditions of renewal required by law or rule.

 7         (3)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

 8  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

 9  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

10  amount of the fee shall be established by rule and may not

11  exceed $2,000 per biennium. License application and renewal

12  fees must be reasonably calculated by the agency to cover its

13  costs in carrying out its responsibilities under this part,

14  including the cost of licensure, inspection, and regulation of

15  clinics, and must be of such amount that the total fees

16  collected do not exceed the cost of administering and

17  enforcing compliance with this part. Clinic licensure fees are

18  nonrefundable and may not exceed $2,000. The agency shall

19  adjust the license fee annually by not more than the change in

20  the Consumer Price Index based on the 12 months immediately

21  preceding the increase. All fees collected under this part

22  must be deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund for the

23  administration of this part.

24         Section 177.  Section 400.993, Florida Statutes, is

25  amended to read:

26         400.993  Reporting of unlicensed clinics; penalties;

27  fines; verification of licensure status.--

28         (1)  It is unlawful to own, operate, or maintain a

29  clinic without obtaining a license under this part.

30         (2)  Any person who owns, operates, or maintains an

31  unlicensed clinic commits a felony of the third degree,

                                 337

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.

 2  775.084. Each day of continued operation is a separate

 3  offense.

 4         (3)  Any person found guilty of violating subsection

 5  (2) a second or subsequent time commits a felony of the second

 6  degree, punishable as provided under s. 775.082, s. 775.083,

 7  or s. 775.084. Each day of continued operation is a separate

 8  offense.

 9         (4)  Any person who owns, operates, or maintains an

10  unlicensed clinic due to a change in this part or a

11  modification in agency rules within 6 months after the

12  effective date of such change or modification and who, within

13  10 working days after receiving notification from the agency,

14  fails to cease operation or apply for a license under this

15  part commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as

16  provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Each day of

17  continued operation is a separate offense.

18         (5)  Any clinic that fails to cease operation after

19  agency notification may be fined for each day of noncompliance

20  pursuant to this part.

21         (6)  When a person has an interest in more than one

22  clinic, and fails to obtain a license for any one of these

23  clinics, the agency may revoke the license, impose a

24  moratorium, or impose a fine pursuant to this part on any or

25  all of the licensed clinics until such time as the unlicensed

26  clinic is licensed or ceases operation.

27         (7)  Any person aware of the operation of an unlicensed

28  clinic must report that facility to the agency.

29         (8)  In addition to the requirements of part II of

30  chapter 408, any health care provider who is aware of the

31  operation of an unlicensed clinic shall report that facility

                                 338

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  to the agency. Failure to report a clinic that the provider

 2  knows or has reasonable cause to suspect is unlicensed shall

 3  be reported to the provider's licensing board.

 4         (9)  The agency may not issue a license to a clinic

 5  that has any unpaid fines assessed under this part.

 6         Section 178.  Section 400.9935, Florida Statutes, is

 7  amended to read:

 8         400.9935  Clinic responsibilities.--

 9         (1)  Each clinic shall appoint a medical director or

10  clinic director who shall agree in writing to accept legal

11  responsibility for the following activities on behalf of the

12  clinic. The medical director or the clinic director shall:

13         (a)  Have signs identifying the medical director or

14  clinic director posted in a conspicuous location within the

15  clinic readily visible to all patients.

16         (b)  Ensure that all practitioners providing health

17  care services or supplies to patients maintain a current

18  active and unencumbered Florida license.

19         (c)  Review any patient referral contracts or

20  agreements executed by the clinic.

21         (d)  Ensure that all health care practitioners at the

22  clinic have active appropriate certification or licensure for

23  the level of care being provided.

24         (e)  Serve as the clinic records owner as defined in s.

25  456.057.

26         (f)  Ensure compliance with the recordkeeping, office

27  surgery, and adverse incident reporting requirements of

28  chapter 456, the respective practice acts, and rules adopted

29  under this part and part II of chapter 408.

30         (g)  Conduct systematic reviews of clinic billings to

31  ensure that the billings are not fraudulent or unlawful. Upon

                                 339

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  discovery of an unlawful charge, the medical director or

 2  clinic director shall take immediate corrective action.

 3         (2)  Any business that becomes a clinic after

 4  commencing operations must, within 5 days after becoming a

 5  clinic, file a license application under this part and shall

 6  be subject to all provisions of this part applicable to a

 7  clinic.

 8         (2)(3)  Any contract to serve as a medical director or

 9  a clinic director entered into or renewed by a physician or a

10  licensed health care practitioner in violation of this part is

11  void as contrary to public policy. This subsection shall apply

12  to contracts entered into or renewed on or after March 1,

13  2004.

14         (3)(4)  All charges or reimbursement claims made by or

15  on behalf of a clinic that is required to be licensed under

16  this part, but that is not so licensed, or that is otherwise

17  operating in violation of this part, are unlawful charges, and

18  therefore are noncompensable and unenforceable.

19         (4)(5)  Any person establishing, operating, or managing

20  an unlicensed clinic otherwise required to be licensed under

21  this part, or any person who knowingly files a false or

22  misleading license application or license renewal application,

23  or false or misleading information related to such application

24  or department rule, commits a felony of the third degree,

25  punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.

26  775.084.

27         (5)(6)  Any licensed health care provider who violates

28  this part is subject to discipline in accordance with this

29  chapter and his or her respective practice act.

30         (7)  The agency may fine, or suspend or revoke the

31  license of, any clinic licensed under this part for operating

                                 340

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  in violation of the requirements of this part or the rules

 2  adopted by the agency.

 3         (8)  The agency shall investigate allegations of

 4  noncompliance with this part and the rules adopted under this

 5  part.

 6         (6)(9)  Any person or entity providing health care

 7  services which is not a clinic, as defined under s. 400.9905,

 8  may voluntarily apply for a certificate of exemption from

 9  licensure under its exempt status with the agency on a form

10  that sets forth its name or names and addresses, a statement

11  of the reasons why it cannot be defined as a clinic, and other

12  information deemed necessary by the agency. An exemption is

13  not transferable. The agency may charge each applicant for a

14  certificate of exemption $100, or actual cost, whichever is

15  less, for processing the certificate.

16         (10)  The clinic shall display its license in a

17  conspicuous location within the clinic readily visible to all

18  patients.

19         (7)(11)(a)  Each clinic engaged in magnetic resonance

20  imaging services must be accredited by the Joint Commission on

21  Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the American

22  College of Radiology, or the Accreditation Association for

23  Ambulatory Health Care, within 1 year after licensure.

24  However, a clinic may request a single, 6-month extension if

25  it provides evidence to the agency establishing that, for good

26  cause shown, such clinic can not be accredited within 1 year

27  after licensure, and that such accreditation will be completed

28  within the 6-month extension. After obtaining accreditation as

29  required by this subsection, each such clinic must maintain

30  accreditation as a condition of renewal of its license.

31  

                                 341

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  The agency may deny disallow the application or

 2  revoke the license of any entity formed for the purpose of

 3  avoiding compliance with the accreditation provisions of this

 4  subsection and whose principals were previously principals of

 5  an entity that was unable to meet the accreditation

 6  requirements within the specified timeframes. The agency may

 7  adopt rules as to the accreditation of magnetic resonance

 8  imaging clinics.

 9         (8)(12)  The agency shall give full faith and credit

10  pertaining to any past variance and waiver granted to a

11  magnetic resonance imaging clinic from rule 64-2002, Florida

12  Administrative Code, by the Department of Health, until

13  September 2004. After that date, such clinic must request a

14  variance and waiver from the agency under s. 120.542.

15         Section 179.  Sections 400.994 and 400.9945, Florida

16  Statutes, are repealed.

17         Section 180.  Section 400.995, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         400.995  Agency Administrative fines penalties.--

20         (1)  The agency may deny the application for a license

21  renewal or revoke or suspend the license and impose

22  administrative fines penalties against clinics of up to $5,000

23  per violation for violations of the requirements of this part

24  or agency rules. In determining if a penalty is to be imposed

25  and in fixing the amount of the fine, the agency shall

26  consider the following factors:

27         (a)  The gravity of the violation, including the

28  probability that death or serious physical or emotional harm

29  to a patient will result or has resulted, the severity of the

30  action or potential harm, and the extent to which the

31  provisions of the applicable laws or rules were violated.

                                 342

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (b)  Actions taken by the owner, medical director, or

 2  clinic director to correct violations.

 3         (c)  Any previous violations.

 4         (d)  The financial benefit to the clinic of committing

 5  or continuing the violation.

 6         (2)  Each day of continuing violation after the date

 7  fixed for termination of the violation, as ordered by the

 8  agency, constitutes an additional, separate, and distinct

 9  violation.

10         (2)(3)  Any action taken to correct a violation shall

11  be documented in writing by the owner, medical director, or

12  clinic director of the clinic and verified through followup

13  visits by agency personnel. The agency may impose a fine and,

14  in the case of an owner-operated clinic, revoke or deny a

15  clinic's license when a clinic medical director or clinic

16  director knowingly fraudulently misrepresents actions taken to

17  correct a violation.

18         (4)  For fines that are upheld following administrative

19  or judicial review, the violator shall pay the fine, plus

20  interest at the rate as specified in s. 55.03, for each day

21  beyond the date set by the agency for payment of the fine.

22         (5)  Any unlicensed clinic that continues to operate

23  after agency notification is subject to a $1,000 fine per day.

24         (3)(6)  Any licensed clinic whose owner, medical

25  director, or clinic director concurrently operates an

26  unlicensed clinic shall be subject to an administrative fine

27  of $5,000 per day.

28         (7)  Any clinic whose owner fails to apply for a

29  change-of-ownership license in accordance with s. 400.992 and

30  operates the clinic under the new ownership is subject to a

31  fine of $5,000.

                                 343

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (4)(8)  The agency, as an alternative to or in

 2  conjunction with an administrative action against a clinic for

 3  violations of this part, part II of chapter 408, and adopted

 4  rules, shall make a reasonable attempt to discuss each

 5  violation and recommended corrective action with the owner,

 6  medical director, or clinic director of the clinic, prior to

 7  written notification. The agency, instead of fixing a period

 8  within which the clinic shall enter into compliance with

 9  standards, may request a plan of corrective action from the

10  clinic which demonstrates a good faith effort to remedy each

11  violation by a specific date, subject to the approval of the

12  agency.

13         (9)  Administrative fines paid by any clinic under this

14  section shall be deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund.

15         (5)  If the agency issues a notice of intent to deny a

16  license application after a temporary license has been issued

17  pursuant to s. 400.991(3), the temporary license shall expire

18  on the date of the notice and may not be extended during any

19  proceeding for administrative or judicial review pursuant to

20  chapter 120.

21         Section 181.  The agency shall make refunds to

22  applicants that submitted their health care clinic licensure

23  fees and applications but were subsequently exempted from

24  licensure by this act as follows:

25         (1)  Seventy-five percent of the application fee if the

26  temporary license has not been issued;

27         (2)  Fifty percent of the application fee if the

28  temporary license has been issued but the inspection has not

29  been completed; and

30         (3)  No refund if the inspection has been completed.

31  

                                 344

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 182.  Any person or entity defined as a

 2  "clinic" under section 400.9905, Florida Statutes, shall not

 3  be in violation of part XIII of chapter 400, Florida Statutes,

 4  due to failure to apply for a clinic license by March 1, 2004,

 5  as previously required by section 400.991, Florida Statutes.

 6  Payment to any such person or entity by an insurer or other

 7  person liable for payment to such person or entity may not be

 8  denied on the grounds that the person or entity failed to

 9  apply for or obtain a clinic license before July 1, 2004. This

10  section is contingent upon Senate Bill 2380 or similar

11  legislation becoming law.

12         Section 183.  Paragraph (u) is added to subsection (3)

13  of section 408.036, Florida Statutes, to read:

14         408.036  Projects subject to review; exemptions.--

15         (3)  EXEMPTIONS.--Upon request, the following projects

16  are subject to exemption from the provisions of subsection

17  (1):

18         (u)  For the addition of skilled nursing facility beds

19  as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the moratorium

20  on community nursing home beds authorized in chapter 2001-45,

21  Laws of Florida, the agency may grant an exemption for:

22         1.  The addition of skilled nursing facility beds

23  licensed under part II of chapter 400 to a licensed skilled

24  nursing facility located in a county having up to 50,000

25  residents, in a number that may not exceed 10 total beds or 10

26  percent of the licensed capacity of the facility, whichever is

27  greater, if:

28         a.  Occupancy for the prior 12-month period at the

29  facility or in the applicable subdistrict met or exceeded 94

30  percent, and the facility has had no confirmed complaints or a

31  conditional license for the prior 30-month period; or

                                 345

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         b.  For a facility that has been licensed for less than

 2  24 months, facility occupancy exceeded 94 percent for the most

 3  recent 6-month period and the facility has not had a confirmed

 4  complaint or a conditional license since its initial

 5  licensure.

 6         2.  The new construction of a skilled nursing facility

 7  with up to 10 beds in a county having up to 50,000 residents

 8  if there are no licensed skilled nursing facility beds in that

 9  county.

10         Section 184.  Section 408.831, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         408.831  Denial, suspension, or revocation of a

13  license, registration, certificate, or application.--

14         (1)  In addition to any other remedies provided by law,

15  the agency may deny each application or suspend or revoke each

16  license, registration, or certificate of entities regulated or

17  licensed by it:

18         (a)  If the applicant, licensee, registrant, or

19  certificateholder, or, in the case of a corporation,

20  partnership, or other business entity, if any affiliated

21  business entity, officer, director, agent, or managing

22  employee of that business entity or any affiliated person,

23  partner, or shareholder having an ownership interest equal to

24  5 percent or greater in that business entity, has failed to

25  pay all outstanding fines, liens, or overpayments assessed by

26  final order of the agency or final order of the Centers for

27  Medicare and Medicaid Services, not subject to further appeal,

28  unless a repayment plan is approved by the agency; or

29         (b)  For failure to comply with any repayment plan.

30         (2)  In reviewing any application requesting a change

31  of ownership or change of the licensee, registrant, or

                                 346

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  certificateholder, the transferor shall, prior to agency

 2  approval of the change, repay or make arrangements to repay

 3  any amounts owed to the agency. Should the transferor fail to

 4  repay or make arrangements to repay the amounts owed to the

 5  agency, the issuance of a license, registration, or

 6  certificate to the transferee shall be delayed until repayment

 7  or until arrangements for repayment are made.

 8         (3)  This section provides standards of enforcement

 9  applicable to all entities licensed or regulated by the Agency

10  for Health Care Administration. This section controls over any

11  conflicting provisions of chapters 39, 381, 383, 390, 391,

12  393, 394, 395, 400, 408, 468, 483, and 641, and 765 or rules

13  adopted pursuant to those chapters.

14         Section 185.  Subsections (9) and (10) of section

15  440.102, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

16         440.102  Drug-free workplace program requirements.--The

17  following provisions apply to a drug-free workplace program

18  implemented pursuant to law or to rules adopted by the Agency

19  for Health Care Administration:

20         (9)  DRUG-TESTING STANDARDS FOR LABORATORIES.--

21         (a)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

22  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

23  pursuant to this section and part II of chapter 408 and to

24  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

25  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this

26  section.

27         (b)(a)  A laboratory may analyze initial or

28  confirmation test specimens only if:

29         1.  The laboratory obtains a license under the

30  requirements of part II of chapter 408 and s. 112.0455(17).

31  Each applicant for licensure must comply with all requirements

                                 347

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  of part II of chapter 408, with the exception of s.

 2  408.810(5)-(10). is licensed and approved by the Agency for

 3  Health Care Administration using criteria established by the

 4  United States Department of Health and Human Services as

 5  general guidelines for modeling the state drug-testing program

 6  pursuant to this section or the laboratory is certified by the

 7  United States Department of Health and Human Services.

 8         2.  The laboratory has written procedures to ensure the

 9  chain of custody.

10         3.  The laboratory follows proper quality control

11  procedures, including, but not limited to:

12         a.  The use of internal quality controls, including the

13  use of samples of known concentrations which are used to check

14  the performance and calibration of testing equipment, and

15  periodic use of blind samples for overall accuracy.

16         b.  An internal review and certification process for

17  drug test results, conducted by a person qualified to perform

18  that function in the testing laboratory.

19         c.  Security measures implemented by the testing

20  laboratory to preclude adulteration of specimens and drug test

21  results.

22         d.  Other necessary and proper actions taken to ensure

23  reliable and accurate drug test results.

24         (c)(b)  A laboratory shall disclose to the medical

25  review officer a written positive confirmed test result report

26  within 7 working days after receipt of the sample. All

27  laboratory reports of a drug test result must, at a minimum,

28  state:

29         1.  The name and address of the laboratory that

30  performed the test and the positive identification of the

31  person tested.

                                 348

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         2.  Positive results on confirmation tests only, or

 2  negative results, as applicable.

 3         3.  A list of the drugs for which the drug analyses

 4  were conducted.

 5         4.  The type of tests conducted for both initial tests

 6  and confirmation tests and the minimum cutoff levels of the

 7  tests.

 8         5.  Any correlation between medication reported by the

 9  employee or job applicant pursuant to subparagraph (5)(b)2.

10  and a positive confirmed drug test result.

11  

12  A report must not disclose the presence or absence of any drug

13  other than a specific drug and its metabolites listed pursuant

14  to this section.

15         (d)(c)  The laboratory shall submit to the Agency for

16  Health Care Administration a monthly report with statistical

17  information regarding the testing of employees and job

18  applicants. The report must include information on the methods

19  of analysis conducted, the drugs tested for, the number of

20  positive and negative results for both initial tests and

21  confirmation tests, and any other information deemed

22  appropriate by the Agency for Health Care Administration. A

23  monthly report must not identify specific employees or job

24  applicants.

25         (10)  RULES.--The Agency for Health Care Administration

26  shall adopt rules pursuant to s. 112.0455, part II of chapter

27  408, and criteria established by the United States Department

28  of Health and Human Services as general guidelines for

29  modeling drug-free workplace laboratories the state

30  drug-testing program, concerning, but not limited to:

31  

                                 349

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  Standards for licensing drug-testing laboratories

 2  and denial suspension and revocation of such licenses.

 3         (b)  Urine, hair, blood, and other body specimens and

 4  minimum specimen amounts that are appropriate for drug

 5  testing.

 6         (c)  Methods of analysis and procedures to ensure

 7  reliable drug-testing results, including standards for initial

 8  tests and confirmation tests.

 9         (d)  Minimum cutoff detection levels for each drug or

10  metabolites of such drug for the purposes of determining a

11  positive test result.

12         (e)  Chain-of-custody procedures to ensure proper

13  identification, labeling, and handling of specimens tested.

14         (f)  Retention, storage, and transportation procedures

15  to ensure reliable results on confirmation tests and retests.

16         Section 186.  Subsection (2) of section 468.711,

17  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

18         468.711  Renewal of license; continuing education.--

19         (2)  The board may, by rule, prescribe continuing

20  education requirements, not to exceed 24 hours biennially.

21  The criteria for continuing education shall be approved by the

22  board and shall include 4 hours in standard first aid and

23  cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation from the American Red

24  Cross or equivalent training as determined by the board.

25         Section 187.  Section 468.723, Florida Statutes, is

26  amended to read:

27         468.723  Exemptions.--Nothing in this part shall be

28  construed as preventing or restricting:

29         (1)  The professional practice of a licensee of the

30  department who is acting within the scope of such practice.

31  

                                 350

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  A student athletic trainer acting under the direct

 2  supervision of a licensed athletic trainer.

 3         (3)  A person employed as a teacher apprentice trainer

 4  I, a teacher apprentice trainer II, or a teacher athletic

 5  trainer under s. 1012.46.

 6         (3)(4)  A person from administering standard first aid

 7  treatment to an athlete.

 8         (4)(5)  A person licensed under chapter 548, provided

 9  such person is acting within the scope of such license.

10         (5)(6)  A person providing personal training

11  instruction for exercise, aerobics, or weightlifting, if the

12  person does not represent himself or herself as able to

13  provide "athletic trainer" services and if any recognition or

14  treatment of injuries is limited to the provision of first

15  aid.

16         Section 188.  Section 1012.46, Florida Statutes, is

17  amended to read:

18         1012.46  Athletic trainers.--

19         (1)  School districts may establish and implement an

20  athletic injuries prevention and treatment program. Central to

21  this program should be the employment and availability of

22  persons trained in the prevention and treatment of physical

23  injuries which may occur during athletic activities. The

24  program should reflect opportunities for progressive

25  advancement and compensation in employment as provided in

26  subsection (2) and meet certain other minimum standards

27  developed by the Department of Education. The goal of the

28  Legislature is to have school districts employ and have

29  available a full-time teacher athletic trainer in each high

30  school in the state.

31  

                                 351

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  To the extent practicable, a school district

 2  program should include the following employment classification

 3  and advancement scheme:

 4         (a)  First responder.--To qualify as a first responder,

 5  a person must possess a professional, temporary, part-time,

 6  adjunct, or substitute certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, be

 7  certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and

 8  have 15 semester hours in courses such as care and prevention

 9  of athletic injuries, anatomy, physiology, nutrition,

10  counseling, and other similar courses approved by the

11  Commissioner of Education. This person may only administer

12  first aid and similar care and may not hold himself or herself

13  out to the school district or public as an athletic trainer

14  pursuant to part XIII of chapter 468.

15         (b)  Teacher Athletic trainer.--To qualify as an a

16  teacher athletic trainer, a person must be licensed as

17  required by part XIII of chapter 468 and may be used by the

18  school district as possess a professional, temporary,

19  part-time, adjunct, or substitute teacher provided such person

20  holds a certificate pursuant to s. 1012.35, s. 1012.56 or s.

21  1012.57, and be licensed as required by part XIII of chapter

22  468.

23         Section 189.  Subsection (3) is added to section

24  483.035, Florida Statutes, to read:

25         483.035  Clinical laboratories operated by

26  practitioners for exclusive use; licensure and regulation.--

27         (3)  The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply

28  to the provision of services that necessitate licensure

29  pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to

30  entities licensed by or applying for such licensure from the

31  Agency for Health Care Administration pursuant to this part;

                                 352

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  however, an applicant for licensure is exempt from s.

 2  408.810(5)-(10).

 3         Section 190.  Subsection (1) of section 483.051,

 4  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 5         483.051  Powers and duties of the agency.--The agency

 6  shall adopt rules to implement this part, which rules must

 7  include, but are not limited to, the following:

 8         (1)  LICENSING; QUALIFICATIONS.--The agency shall

 9  provide for biennial licensure of all clinical laboratories

10  meeting the requirements of this part and shall prescribe the

11  qualifications necessary for such licensure. A license issued

12  for operating a clinical laboratory, unless sooner suspended

13  or revoked, expires on the date set forth by the agency on the

14  face of the license.

15         Section 191.  Section 483.061, Florida Statutes, is

16  amended to read:

17         483.061  Inspection of clinical laboratories.--

18         (1)  The agency shall ensure that each clinical

19  laboratory subject to this part is inspected either onsite or

20  offsite when deemed necessary by the agency, but at least

21  every 2 years, for the purpose of evaluating the operation,

22  supervision, and procedures of the facility to ensure

23  compliance with this part.  Collection stations and branch

24  offices may be inspected either onsite or offsite, when deemed

25  necessary by the agency. The agency may conduct or cause to be

26  conducted the following announced or unannounced inspections

27  at any reasonable time:

28         (a)  An inspection conducted at the direction of the

29  federal Health Care Financing Administration.

30         (b)  A licensure inspection.

31         (c)  A validation inspection.

                                 353

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (d)  A complaint investigation, including a full

 2  licensure investigation with a review of all licensure

 3  standards as outlined in rule. Complaints received by the

 4  agency from individuals, organizations, or other sources are

 5  subject to review and investigation by the agency.  If a

 6  complaint has been filed against a laboratory or if a

 7  laboratory has a substantial licensure deficiency, the agency

 8  may inspect the laboratory annually or as the agency considers

 9  necessary.

10  

11  However, for laboratories operated under s. 483.035, biennial

12  licensure inspections shall be scheduled so as to cause the

13  least disruption to the practitioner's scheduled patients.

14         (2)  The right of entry and inspection is extended to

15  any premises that is maintained as a laboratory without a

16  license, but such entry or inspection may not be made without

17  the permission of the owner or person in charge of the

18  laboratory, unless an inspection warrant as defined in s.

19  933.20 is first obtained.

20         (2)(3)  The agency may shall inspect an out-of-state

21  clinical laboratory under this section at the expense of the

22  out-of-state clinical laboratory to determine whether the

23  laboratory meets the requirements of this part and part II of

24  chapter 408.

25         (3)(4)  The agency shall accept, in lieu of its own

26  periodic inspections for licensure, the survey of or

27  inspection by private accrediting organizations that perform

28  inspections of clinical laboratories accredited by such

29  organizations, including postinspection activities required by

30  the agency.

31  

                                 354

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (a)  The agency shall accept inspections performed by

 2  such organizations if the accreditation is not provisional, if

 3  such organizations perform postinspection activities required

 4  by the agency and provide the agency with all necessary

 5  inspection and postinspection reports and information

 6  necessary for enforcement, if such organizations apply

 7  standards equal to or exceeding standards established and

 8  approved by the agency, and if such accrediting organizations

 9  are approved by the federal Health Care Financing

10  Administration to perform such inspections.

11         (b)  The agency may conduct complaint investigations

12  made against laboratories inspected by accrediting

13  organizations.

14         (c)  The agency may conduct sample validation

15  inspections of laboratories inspected by accrediting

16  organizations to evaluate the accreditation process used by an

17  accrediting organization.

18         (d)  The agency may conduct a full inspection if an

19  accrediting survey has not been conducted within the previous

20  24 months, and the laboratory must pay the appropriate

21  inspection fee under s. 483.172.

22         (e)  The agency shall develop, and adopt, by rule,

23  criteria for accepting inspection and postinspection reports

24  of accrediting organizations in lieu of conducting a state

25  licensure inspection.

26         Section 192.  Section 483.091, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         483.091  Clinical laboratory license.--A person may not

29  conduct, maintain, or operate a clinical laboratory in this

30  state, except a laboratory that is exempt under s. 483.031,

31  unless the clinical laboratory has obtained a license from the

                                 355

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  agency. A clinical laboratory may not send a specimen drawn

 2  within this state to any clinical laboratory outside the state

 3  for examination unless the out-of-state laboratory has

 4  obtained a license from the agency.  A license is valid only

 5  for the person or persons to whom it is issued and may not be

 6  sold, assigned, or transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily,

 7  and is not valid for any premises other than those for which

 8  the license is issued. However, A new license may be secured

 9  for a the new location before the actual change, if the

10  contemplated change complies with this part and the rules

11  adopted under this part.  Application for a new clinical

12  laboratory license must be made 60 days before a change in the

13  ownership of the clinical laboratory.

14         Section 193.  Section 483.101, Florida Statutes, is

15  amended to read:

16         483.101  Application for clinical laboratory license.--

17         (1)  An application for a clinical laboratory license

18  must be made under oath by the owner or director of the

19  clinical laboratory or by the public official responsible for

20  operating a state, municipal, or county clinical laboratory or

21  institution that contains a clinical laboratory, upon forms

22  provided by the agency.

23         (2)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

24  following requirements:

25         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

26  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

27  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

28  in chapter 435, of the managing director or other similarly

29  titled individual who is responsible for the daily operation

30  of the laboratory and of the financial officer, or other

31  similarly titled individual who is responsible for the

                                 356

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  financial operation of the laboratory, including billings for

 2  patient services. The applicant must comply with the

 3  procedures for level 2 background screening as set forth in

 4  chapter 435, as well as the requirements of s. 435.03(3).

 5         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

 6  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

 7  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

 8  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

 9  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

10         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

11  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

12  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

13  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

14  in fulfillment of the requirements of paragraph (a).

15         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

16  applicant when each individual required by this section to

17  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

18  Department of Law Enforcement background check but the agency

19  has not yet received background screening results from the

20  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

21  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

22  set forth in chapter 435 but a response has not yet been

23  issued. A license may be granted to the applicant upon the

24  agency's receipt of a report of the results of the Federal

25  Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

26  individual required by this section to undergo background

27  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

28  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

29  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

30  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

31  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

                                 357

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

 2  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

 3  violation of background screening standards and a

 4  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

 5  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 6         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

 7  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

 8  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 9  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

10  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

11  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

12  accepted in lieu of this submission.

13         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

14  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

15  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

16  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

17  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

18  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

19  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

20  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

21  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

22  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

23  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

24  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

25  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

26  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

27  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

28  include in the application a statement affirming that the

29  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

30  requirements of this paragraph.

31  

                                 358

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

 2  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

 3  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

 4  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

 5  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

 6  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

 7  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

 8         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

 9  applicant:

10         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

11  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

12  omitted any material fact from the application required by

13  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

14         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

15  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

16  paragraph (e).

17         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

18  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

19         (3)  A license must be issued authorizing the

20  performance of one or more clinical laboratory procedures or

21  one or more tests on each specialty or subspecialty.  A

22  separate license is required of all laboratories maintained on

23  separate premises even if the laboratories are operated under

24  the same management. Upon receipt of a request for an

25  application for a clinical laboratory license, the agency

26  shall provide to the applicant a copy of the rules relating to

27  licensure and operations applicable to the laboratory for

28  which licensure is sought.

29         Section 194.  Section 483.111, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31  

                                 359

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         483.111  Limitations on licensure.--A license may be

 2  issued to a clinical laboratory to perform only those clinical

 3  laboratory procedures and tests that are within the

 4  specialties or subspecialties in which the clinical laboratory

 5  personnel are qualified.  A license may not be issued unless

 6  the agency determines that the clinical laboratory is

 7  adequately staffed and equipped to operate in conformity with

 8  the requirements of this part, part II of chapter 408, and

 9  applicable the rules adopted under this part.

10         Section 195.  Section 483.131, Florida Statutes, is

11  repealed.

12         Section 196.  Section 483.172, Florida Statutes, is

13  amended to read:

14         483.172  License fees.--

15         (1)  In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant or

16  licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

17  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

18  agency shall collect fees for all licenses issued under this

19  part.  Each fee is due at the time of application and must be

20  payable to the agency to be deposited in the Health Care Trust

21  Fund administered by the agency.

22         (2)  The biennial license fee schedule is as follows,

23  unless modified by rule:

24         (a)  If a laboratory performs not more than 2,000 tests

25  annually, the fee is $400.

26         (b)  If a laboratory performs not more than 3

27  categories of procedures with a total annual volume of more

28  than 2,000 but no more than 10,000 tests, the license fee is

29  $965.

30  

31  

                                 360

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (c)  If a laboratory performs at least 4 categories of

 2  procedures with a total annual volume of not more than 10,000

 3  tests, the license fee is $1,294.

 4         (d)  If a laboratory performs not more than 3

 5  categories of procedures with a total annual volume of more

 6  than 10,000 but not more than 25,000 tests, the license fee is

 7  $1,592.

 8         (e)  If a laboratory performs at least 4 categories of

 9  procedures with a total annual volume of more than 10,000 but

10  not more than 25,000 tests, the license fee is $2,103.

11         (f)  If a laboratory performs a total of more than

12  25,000 but not more than 50,000 tests annually, the license

13  fee is $2,364.

14         (g)  If a laboratory performs a total of more than

15  50,000 but not more than 75,000 tests annually, the license

16  fee is $2,625.

17         (h)  If a laboratory performs a total of more than

18  75,000 but not more than 100,000 tests annually, the license

19  fee is $2,886.

20         (i)  If a laboratory performs a total of more than

21  100,000 but not more than 500,000 tests annually, the license

22  fee is $3,397.

23         (j)  If a laboratory performs a total of more than

24  500,000 but not more than 1 million tests annually, the

25  license fee is $3,658.

26         (k)  If a laboratory performs a total of more than 1

27  million tests annually, the license fee is $3,919.

28         (3)  The agency shall assess a biennial fee of $100 for

29  a certificate of exemption and a $100 license fee for

30  facilities surveyed by an approved accrediting organization.

31  

                                 361

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 197.  Section 483.201, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         483.201  Grounds for disciplinary action against

 4  clinical laboratories.--In addition to the requirements of

 5  part II of chapter 408, the following acts constitute grounds

 6  for which a disciplinary action specified in s. 483.221 may be

 7  taken against a clinical laboratory:

 8         (1)  Making a fraudulent statement on an application

 9  for a clinical laboratory license or any other document

10  required by the agency.

11         (1)(2)  Permitting unauthorized persons to perform

12  technical procedures or to issue reports.

13         (2)(3)  Demonstrating incompetence or making consistent

14  errors in the performance of clinical laboratory examinations

15  and procedures or erroneous reporting.

16         (3)(4)  Performing a test and rendering a report

17  thereon to a person not authorized by law to receive such

18  services.

19         (4)(5)  Knowingly having professional connection with

20  or knowingly lending the use of the name of the licensed

21  clinical laboratory or its director to an unlicensed clinical

22  laboratory.

23         (5)(6)  Violating or aiding and abetting in the

24  violation of any provision of this part or the rules adopted

25  under this part.

26         (6)(7)  Failing to file any report required by the

27  provisions of this part or the rules adopted under this part.

28         (7)(8)  Reporting a test result for a clinical specimen

29  if the test was not performed on the clinical specimen.

30         (8)(9)  Performing and reporting tests in a specialty

31  or subspecialty in which the laboratory is not licensed.

                                 362

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (9)(10)  Knowingly advertising false services or

 2  credentials.

 3         (10)(11)  Failing to correct deficiencies within the

 4  time required by the agency.

 5         Section 198.  Section 483.221, Florida Statutes, is

 6  amended to read:

 7         483.221  Administrative fines penalties.--

 8         (1)(a)  In accordance with part II of chapter 408, the

 9  agency may deny, suspend, revoke, annul, limit, or deny

10  renewal of a license or impose an administrative fine, not to

11  exceed $1,000 per violation, for the violation of any

12  provision of this part or rules adopted under this part. Each

13  day of violation constitutes a separate violation and is

14  subject to a separate fine.

15         (2)(b)  In determining the penalty to be imposed for a

16  violation, as provided in subsection (1) paragraph (a), the

17  following factors must be considered:

18         (a)1.  The severity of the violation, including the

19  probability that death or serious harm to the health or safety

20  of any person will result or has resulted; the severity of the

21  actual or potential harm; and the extent to which the

22  provisions of this part were violated.

23         (b)2.  Actions taken by the licensee to correct the

24  violation or to remedy complaints.

25         (c)3.  Any previous violation by the licensee.

26         (d)4.  The financial benefit to the licensee of

27  committing or continuing the violation.

28         (c)  All amounts collected under this section must be

29  deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund administered by the

30  agency.

31  

                                 363

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (2)  The agency may issue an emergency order

 2  immediately suspending, revoking, annulling, or limiting a

 3  license if it determines that any condition in the licensed

 4  facility presents a clear and present danger to public health

 5  or safety.

 6         Section 199.  Section 483.23, Florida Statutes, is

 7  amended to read:

 8         483.23  Offenses; criminal penalties.--

 9         (1)(a)  It is unlawful for any person to:

10         1.  Operate, maintain, direct, or engage in the

11  business of operating a clinical laboratory unless she or he

12  has obtained a clinical laboratory license from the agency or

13  is exempt under s. 483.031.

14         1.2.  Conduct, maintain, or operate a clinical

15  laboratory, other than an exempt laboratory or a laboratory

16  operated under s. 483.035, unless the clinical laboratory is

17  under the direct and responsible supervision and direction of

18  a person licensed under part III of this chapter.

19         2.3.  Allow any person other than an individual

20  licensed under part III of this chapter to perform clinical

21  laboratory procedures, except in the operation of a laboratory

22  exempt under s. 483.031 or a laboratory operated under s.

23  483.035.

24         3.4.  Violate or aid and abet in the violation of any

25  provision of this part or the rules adopted under this part.

26         (b)  The performance of any act specified in paragraph

27  (a) constitutes a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable

28  as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

29         (2)  Any use or attempted use of a forged license under

30  this part or part IV III of this chapter constitutes the crime

31  of forgery.

                                 364

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         Section 200.  Section 483.25, Florida Statutes, is

 2  repealed.

 3         Section 201.  Section 483.291, Florida Statutes, is

 4  amended to read:

 5         483.291  Powers and duties of the agency; rules.--The

 6  agency shall adopt rules to implement this part and part II of

 7  chapter 408, which rules must include the following:

 8         (1)  LICENSING STANDARDS.--The agency shall license all

 9  multiphasic health testing centers meeting the requirements of

10  this part and shall prescribe standards necessary for

11  licensure.

12         (2)  FEES.--In accordance with s. 408.805, an applicant

13  or licensee shall pay a fee for each license application

14  submitted under this part and part II of chapter 408. The

15  agency shall establish annual fees, which shall be reasonable

16  in amount, for licensing of centers.  The fees must be

17  sufficient in amount to cover the cost of licensing and

18  inspecting centers.

19         (a)  The annual licensure fee is due at the time of

20  application and is payable to the agency to be deposited in

21  the Health Care Trust Fund administered by the agency.  The

22  license fee must be not less than $600 $300 or more than

23  $2,000 per biennium $1,000.

24         (b)  The fee for late filing of an application for

25  license renewal is $200 and is in addition to the licensure

26  fee due for renewing the license.

27         (3)  ANNUAL LICENSING.--The agency shall provide for

28  annual licensing of centers.  Any center that fails to pay the

29  proper fee or otherwise fails to qualify by the date of

30  expiration of its license is delinquent, and its license is

31  automatically canceled without notice or further proceeding.

                                 365

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  Upon cancellation of its license under this subsection, a

 2  center may have its license reinstated only upon application

 3  and qualification as provided for initial applicants and upon

 4  payment of all delinquent fees.

 5         (3)(4)  STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE.--The agency shall

 6  prescribe standards for the performance of health testing

 7  procedures.

 8         (4)(5)  CONSTRUCTION OF CENTERS.--The agency may adopt

 9  rules to ensure that centers comply with all local, county,

10  state, and federal standards for the construction, renovation,

11  maintenance, or repair of centers, which standards must ensure

12  the conduct and operation of the centers in a manner that will

13  protect the public health.

14         (5)(6)  SAFETY AND SANITARY CONDITIONS WITHIN THE

15  CENTER AND ITS SURROUNDINGS.--The agency shall establish

16  standards relating to safety and sanitary conditions within

17  the center and its surroundings, including water supply;

18  sewage; the handling of specimens; identification,

19  segregation, and separation of biohazardous waste as required

20  by s. 381.0098; storage of chemicals; workspace; firesafety;

21  and general measures, which standards must ensure the

22  protection of the public health.  The agency shall determine

23  compliance by a multiphasic health testing center with the

24  requirements of s. 381.0098 by verifying that the center has

25  obtained all required permits.

26         (6)(7)  EQUIPMENT.--The agency shall establish minimum

27  standards for center equipment essential to the proper conduct

28  and operation of the center.

29         (7)(8)  PERSONNEL.--The agency shall prescribe minimum

30  qualifications for center personnel.  A center may employ as a

31  

                                 366

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  medical assistant a person who has at least one of the

 2  following qualifications:

 3         (a)  Prior experience of not less than 6 months as a

 4  medical assistant in the office of a licensed medical doctor

 5  or osteopathic physician or in a hospital, an ambulatory

 6  surgical center, a home health agency, or a health maintenance

 7  organization.

 8         (b)  Certification and registration by the American

 9  Medical Technologists Association or other similar

10  professional association approved by the agency.

11         (c)  Prior employment as a medical assistant in a

12  licensed center for at least 6 consecutive months at some time

13  during the preceding 2 years.

14         Section 202.  Section 483.294, Florida Statutes, is

15  amended to read:

16         483.294  Inspection of centers.--The agency shall, at

17  least once annually, inspect the premises and operations of

18  all centers subject to licensure under this part, without

19  prior notice to the centers, for the purpose of studying and

20  evaluating the operation, supervision, and procedures of such

21  facilities, to determine their compliance with agency

22  standards and to determine their effect upon the health and

23  safety of the people of this state.

24         Section 203.  Section 483.30, Florida Statutes, is

25  amended to read:

26         483.30  Licensing of centers.--The requirements of part

27  II of chapter 408 apply to the provision of services that

28  necessitate licensure pursuant to this part and part II of

29  chapter 408 and to entities licensed by or applying for such

30  licensure from the Agency for Health Care Administration

31  

                                 367

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  pursuant to this part; however, an applicant for licensure is

 2  exempt from s. 408.810(5)-(10).

 3         (1)  A person may not conduct, maintain, or operate a

 4  multiphasic health testing center in this state without

 5  obtaining a multiphasic health testing center license from the

 6  agency.  The license is valid only for the person or persons

 7  to whom it is issued and may not be sold, assigned, or

 8  transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily. A license is not

 9  valid for any premises other than the center for which it is

10  issued.  However, a new license may be secured for the new

11  location for a fixed center before the actual change, if the

12  contemplated change is in compliance with this part and the

13  rules adopted under this part. A center must be relicensed if

14  a change of ownership occurs.  Application for relicensure

15  must be made 60 days before the change of ownership.

16         (2)  Each applicant for licensure must comply with the

17  following requirements:

18         (a)  Upon receipt of a completed, signed, and dated

19  application, the agency shall require background screening, in

20  accordance with the level 2 standards for screening set forth

21  in chapter 435, of the managing employee, or other similarly

22  titled individual who is responsible for the daily operation

23  of the center, and of the financial officer, or other

24  similarly titled individual who is responsible for the

25  financial operation of the center, including billings for

26  patient services.  The applicant must comply with the

27  procedures for level 2 background screening as set forth in

28  chapter 435, as well as the requirements of s. 435.03(3).

29         (b)  The agency may require background screening of any

30  other individual who is an applicant if the agency has

31  probable cause to believe that he or she has been convicted of

                                 368

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  a crime or has committed any other offense prohibited under

 2  the level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435.

 3         (c)  Proof of compliance with the level 2 background

 4  screening requirements of chapter 435 which has been submitted

 5  within the previous 5 years in compliance with any other

 6  health care licensure requirements of this state is acceptable

 7  in fulfillment of the requirements of paragraph (a).

 8         (d)  A provisional license may be granted to an

 9  applicant when each individual required by this section to

10  undergo background screening has met the standards for the

11  Department of Law Enforcement background check, but the agency

12  has not yet received background screening results from the

13  Federal Bureau of Investigation, or a request for a

14  disqualification exemption has been submitted to the agency as

15  set forth in chapter 435 but a response has not yet been

16  issued. A license may be granted to the applicant upon the

17  agency's receipt of a report of the results of the Federal

18  Bureau of Investigation background screening for each

19  individual required by this section to undergo background

20  screening which confirms that all standards have been met, or

21  upon the granting of a disqualification exemption by the

22  agency as set forth in chapter 435. Any other person who is

23  required to undergo level 2 background screening may serve in

24  his or her capacity pending the agency's receipt of the report

25  from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the person

26  may not continue to serve if the report indicates any

27  violation of background screening standards and a

28  disqualification exemption has not been requested of and

29  granted by the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

30         (e)  Each applicant must submit to the agency, with its

31  application, a description and explanation of any exclusions,

                                 369

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  permanent suspensions, or terminations of the applicant from

 2  the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Proof of compliance with

 3  the requirements for disclosure of ownership and control

 4  interests under the Medicaid or Medicare programs may be

 5  accepted in lieu of this submission.

 6         (f)  Each applicant must submit to the agency a

 7  description and explanation of any conviction of an offense

 8  prohibited under the level 2 standards of chapter 435 by a

 9  member of the board of directors of the applicant, its

10  officers, or any individual owning 5 percent or more of the

11  applicant. This requirement does not apply to a director of a

12  not-for-profit corporation or organization if the director

13  serves solely in a voluntary capacity for the corporation or

14  organization, does not regularly take part in the day-to-day

15  operational decisions of the corporation or organization,

16  receives no remuneration for his or her services on the

17  corporation or organization's board of directors, and has no

18  financial interest and has no family members with a financial

19  interest in the corporation or organization, provided that the

20  director and the not-for-profit corporation or organization

21  include in the application a statement affirming that the

22  director's relationship to the corporation satisfies the

23  requirements of this paragraph.

24         (g)  A license may not be granted to an applicant if

25  the applicant or managing employee has been found guilty of,

26  regardless of adjudication, or has entered a plea of nolo

27  contendere or guilty to, any offense prohibited under the

28  level 2 standards for screening set forth in chapter 435,

29  unless an exemption from disqualification has been granted by

30  the agency as set forth in chapter 435.

31  

                                 370

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (h)  The agency may deny or revoke licensure if the

 2  applicant:

 3         1.  Has falsely represented a material fact in the

 4  application required by paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), or has

 5  omitted any material fact from the application required by

 6  paragraph (e) or paragraph (f); or

 7         2.  Has had prior action taken against the applicant

 8  under the Medicaid or Medicare program as set forth in

 9  paragraph (e).

10         (i)  An application for license renewal must contain

11  the information required under paragraphs (e) and (f).

12         Section 204.  Section 483.302, Florida Statutes, is

13  amended to read:

14         483.302  Application for license.--

15         (1)  Application for a license as required by s. 483.30

16  must be made to the agency on forms furnished by it and must

17  be accompanied by the appropriate license fee.

18         (2)  The application for a license must shall contain:

19         (1)(a)  A determination as to whether the facility will

20  be fixed or mobile and the location for a fixed facility.

21         (b)  The name and address of the owner if an

22  individual; if the owner is a firm, partnership, or

23  association, the name and address of every member thereof; if

24  the owner is a corporation, its name and address and the name

25  and address of its medical director and officers and of each

26  person having at least a 10 percent interest in the

27  corporation.

28         (2)(c)  The name of any person whose name is required

29  on the application under the provisions of paragraph (b) and

30  who owns at least a 10 percent interest in any professional

31  service, firm, association, partnership, or corporation

                                 371

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  providing goods, leases, or services to the center for which

 2  the application is made, and the name and address of the

 3  professional service, firm, association, partnership, or

 4  corporation in which such interest is held.

 5         (d)  The name by which the facility is to be known.

 6         (3)(e)  The name, address, and Florida physician's

 7  license number of the medical director.

 8         Section 205.  Section 483.311 and subsection (1) of

 9  section 483.317, Florida Statutes, are repealed.

10         Section 206.  Section 483.32, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         483.32  Administrative fines penalties.--

13         (1)(a)  The agency may deny, suspend, revoke, annul,

14  limit, or deny renewal of a license or impose an

15  administrative fine, not to exceed $500 per violation, for the

16  violation of any provision of this part, part II of chapter

17  408, or applicable rules adopted under this part.  Each day of

18  violation constitutes a separate violation and is subject to a

19  separate fine.

20         (2)(b)  In determining the amount of the fine to be

21  levied for a violation, as provided in paragraph (a), the

22  following factors shall be considered:

23         (a)1.  The severity of the violation, including the

24  probability that death or serious harm to the health or safety

25  of any person will result or has resulted; the severity of the

26  actual or potential harm; and the extent to which the

27  provisions of this part were violated.

28         (b)2.  Actions taken by the licensee to correct the

29  violation or to remedy complaints.

30         (c)3.  Any previous violation by the licensee.

31  

                                 372

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (d)4.  The financial benefit to the licensee of

 2  committing or continuing the violation.

 3         (c)  All amounts collected under this section must be

 4  deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund administered by the

 5  agency.

 6         (2)  The agency may issue an emergency order

 7  immediately suspending, revoking, annulling, or limiting a

 8  license when it determines that any condition in the licensed

 9  facility presents a clear and present danger to public health

10  and safety.

11         Section 207.  Subsection (1) of section 483.322 and

12  section 483.328, Florida Statutes, are repealed.

13         Section 208.  In the case of a conflict between the

14  provisions of part II of chapter 408, Florida Statutes, and

15  the authorizing statutes governing the licensure of health

16  care providers by the Agency for Health Care Administration,

17  found in chapter 112, chapter 383, chapter 390, chapter 394,

18  chapter 395, chapter 400, chapter 440, or chapter 483, Florida

19  Statutes, the provisions of part II of chapter 408, Florida

20  Statutes, shall prevail.

21         Section 209.  Between October 1, 2004, and September

22  30, 2005, the Agency for Health Care Administration may issue

23  any license for less than a 2-year period by charging a

24  prorated licensure fee and specifying a different renewal date

25  than the date that would otherwise be required for biennial

26  licensure.

27         Section 210.  Subsection (7) of section 651.118,

28  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

29         651.118  Agency for Health Care Administration;

30  certificates of need; sheltered beds; community beds.--

31  

                                 373

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1         (7)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2),

 2  at the discretion of the continuing care provider, sheltered

 3  nursing home beds may be used for persons who are not

 4  residents of the continuing care facility and who are not

 5  parties to a continuing care contract for a period of up to 5

 6  years after the date of issuance of the initial nursing home

 7  license.  A provider whose 5-year period has expired or is

 8  expiring may request the Agency for Health Care Administration

 9  for an extension, not to exceed 30 percent of the total

10  sheltered nursing home beds, if the utilization by residents

11  of the nursing home facility in the sheltered beds will not

12  generate sufficient income to cover nursing home facility

13  expenses, as evidenced by one of the following:

14         (a)  The nursing home facility has a net loss for the

15  most recent fiscal year as determined under generally accepted

16  accounting principles, excluding the effects of extraordinary

17  or unusual items, as demonstrated in the most recently audited

18  financial statement; or

19         (b)  The nursing home facility would have had a pro

20  forma loss for the most recent fiscal year, excluding the

21  effects of extraordinary or unusual items, if revenues were

22  reduced by the amount of revenues from persons in sheltered

23  beds who were not residents, as reported on by a certified

24  public accountant.

25  

26  The agency shall be authorized to grant an extension to the

27  provider based on the evidence required in this subsection.

28  The agency may request a continuing care facility to use up to

29  25 percent of the patient days generated by new admissions of

30  nonresidents during the extension period to serve Medicaid

31  recipients for those beds authorized for extended use if there

                                 374

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1  is a demonstrated need in the respective service area and if

 2  funds are available. A provider who obtains an extension is

 3  prohibited from applying for additional sheltered beds under

 4  the provision of subsection (2), unless additional residential

 5  units are built or the provider can demonstrate need by

 6  continuing care facility residents to the Agency for Health

 7  Care Administration. The 5-year limit does not apply to up to

 8  five sheltered beds designated for inpatient hospice care as

 9  part of a contractual arrangement with a hospice licensed

10  under part VI of chapter 400. A continuing care facility that

11  uses such beds after the 5-year period shall report such use

12  to the Agency for Health Care Administration. For purposes of

13  this subsection, "resident" means a person who, upon admission

14  to the continuing care facility, initially resides in a part

15  of the continuing care facility not licensed under part II of

16  chapter 400.

17         Section 211.  This act shall take effect October 1,

18  2004.

19  

20  

21  

22  

23  

24  

25  

26  

27  

28  

29  

30  

31  

                                 375

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2004             CS for CS for CS for SB 1680
    309-2389-04




 1          STATEMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES CONTAINED IN
                       COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
 2                      CS for CS for SB 1680

 3                                 

 4  Provides an alternative for reporting a change in the
    administrator of a provider to the Department of Health (DOH)
 5  or professional board, instead of the Agency for Health Care
    Administration (AHCA).
 6  
    Requires AHCA to update nursing home data promptly.
 7  
    Requires Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) to conduct
 8  elopement prevention drills twice per year.

 9  Provides for a certificate of need (CON) exemption for adding
    beds or building a small facility in a county of 50,000 or
10  fewer residents.

11  Prevents a teacher from being an athletic trainer without
    being licensed as an athletic trainer.
12  
    Requires health care providers to comply with a patient's
13  advance directive or order not to resuscitate, or to transfer
    the patient to a facility that will comply with the advance
14  directive or order not to resuscitate.  Provides for a delay
    in carrying out an advance directive for organ donors.
15  Encourages physicians to discuss end-of-life care with their
    patients on a nonemergency basis and requires a physician to
16  make a patient's advance directive part of the patient's
    medical record.
17  
    Allows a nursing home to "bank" beds under an inactive license
18  for 12 months with a 12-month renewal.

19  Provides that certain nurses may sign a resident care plan.

20  Revises standards for use of sheltered nursing home beds by
    certain persons.
21  
    Revises the provisions of the Health Care Clinic Act, part
22  XIII of chapter 400, F.S.

23  

24  

25  

26  

27  

28  

29  

30  

31  

                                 376

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.