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 of children receiving home health services. Home health agencies are required to report adverse incidents within 48 hours and provide necessary training for aides, including certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and training on HIV infections and AIDS. The bill also revises the Medicaid fee schedule, establishing a minimum rate of $25 per hour for home health aides and a utilization cap of 12 hours per day and 40 hours per week, with provisions for exceeding these limits under certain justifications.

Additionally, the bill requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to seek federal approval for various purposes, including allowing Medicaid providers to participate in the program and excluding income earned by home health aides from 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. The effective date of the act is upon becoming law, and the agency must initiate necessary actions to implement the changes within 60 days of the law's enactment.

Statutes affected:
H 1529 Filed: 400.54, 400.462, 409.903
H 1529 c1: 400.54, 409.903
H 1529 c2: 400.54, 400.462, 409.903