Assisted living facilities must be licensed.
In Florida, the Department of Elder Affairs establishes assisted living regulations and the Agency for Health Care Administration licenses, inspects and supervises assisted living facilities. Florida's assisted living statutes regulate matters such as promotion and contracts, staffing, training and admissions. Assisted living facilities must comply with state regulations to retain their licenses.
Promotion and Contracts
In Florida, assisted living facilities' brochures, promotional materials and contracts must provide potential residents with clear, specific information on their admissions criteria, fees and what they cover, additional services and costs, food services and whether they can accommodate special dietary needs, as well as what transportation and recreation they provide. Contracts must allow 30 days' notice for rate changes and specify residents' rights and duties. Contracts must also provide refund policies and state the purposes of deposits or advance payments.
Staffing
Florida state law specifies staffing ratios for assisted living facilities. Facilities with five or fewer residents must employ enough staff to work 168 hours per week. Facilities with six to 15 residents must provide 212 hours of coverage per week. Facilities with 16 to 25 residents need 253 hours of coverage per week.
Training
Florida state law regulates the qualification and training of assisted living facility staff. All administrators and direct care staff must pass a 26-hour training program and competency test covering relevant state laws and rules, resident rights, abuse identification, special needs, nutrition, medication management, fire safety and care of persons with Alzheimer's disease. New staff must also receive training in infection control, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Additionally, assisted living facility administrators must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma, GED or at least three years of previous experience as an administrator at a licensed assisted living facility. Administrators must also pass a background check and undergo continuing education throughout their careers.
Admissions
Florida law provides admission requirements for . In most cases, residents must be at least 18 years old, free of communicable disease and able to take medications with assistance. Residents who are bedridden or pose a danger to themselves or others, require round-the-clock mental health care or supervision, or need certain other forms of medical assistance cannot enter assisted living facilities.
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