The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the home health aide program for medically fragile children. It establishes new requirements for the annual assessment of the program, mandating that the Agency for Health Care Administration report on caregiver satisfaction, adverse incidents, and hospitalization rates. The bill also introduces a requirement for home health aides who work over 40 hours per week to provide justification for their hours. Additionally, it revises training requirements for home health aides, specifying that they must complete an approved training program and maintain documentation of their competency. The Medicaid fee schedule is adjusted to set a minimum rate of $25 per hour for services, with a cap of 12 hours per day and 40 hours per week, although exceptions can be made with proper justification.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to seek federal approval for various provisions, including allowing Medicaid providers to participate in the program and excluding income earned by home health aides from eligibility considerations for public assistance. The bill also includes a directive for the agency to complete necessary submissions for federal approval within a specified timeframe. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the quality of care provided to medically fragile children while ensuring adequate support and training for home health aides.

Statutes affected:
S 1156 Filed: 400.54
S 1156 c1: 400.54, 400.462