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. Home health agencies are required to report adverse incidents within 48 hours and provide necessary training for aides, including CPR certification and training tailored to the specific needs of the children they care for. The training requirements have been revised to include a minimum of 76 hours of training, with specific competencies that must be validated by a registered nurse.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Medicaid fee schedule for home health aides at a minimum rate of $25 per hour, with a utilization cap of 12 hours per day and 40 hours per week, although exceptions can be made with proper justification. The Agency for Health Care Administration is tasked with seeking federal approval for various provisions, including allowing home health aides to be disregarded in Medicaid eligibility determinations. The bill aims to improve the quality of care for medically fragile children while ensuring that home health aides are adequately trained and supported.

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