The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the home health aide program for medically fragile children. It mandates an annual assessment of the program, which will include caregiver satisfaction, data on adverse incidents, and hospitalization rates for children receiving home health services. The bill also establishes new training requirements for home health aides, including completion of an agency-approved training program, competency validation by a registered nurse, and specific training on HIV and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Additionally, it revises the Medicaid fee schedule to set a minimum rate of $25 per hour for home health aides, with a utilization cap of 12 hours per day and 40 hours per week, while allowing for exceptions with proper justification.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to seek federal approval for various provisions, including allowing Medicaid reimbursement for services rendered under this program and excluding income earned by home health aides from Medicaid eligibility determinations. The bill also includes conforming amendments to ensure consistency across related statutes. Overall, these changes aim to improve the quality of care for medically fragile children and support the workforce of home health aides.

Statutes affected:
S 1156 Filed: 400.54
S 1156 c1: 400.54, 400.462
S 1156 c2: 400.54, 400.462, 409.903
S 1156 e1: 400.54, 400.462, 409.903
S 1156 er: 400.54, 400.462, 409.903