Introduction
Health care administration in Florida State is provided for in Chapter 408 of the Florida Statutes called the Health Care Licensing Procedures Act. This is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) otherwise known simply as the ‘agency’. The agency issues, revokes, or denies certificates of need and also issues, revokes, or denies exemptions from certificate of need review to health care organizations in accordance with future federal or state law. It is also responsible for the management of the Medicaid program and the provision of quality information to the people of Florida (Polangin, 1990).
Licensing procedure
The general provisions for health care licensing are provided in Chapter 408 part II of Florida Statutes. Every health care provider must obtain a license before operating the facilities; this should always be displayed in a noticeable place in the organization’s address where it can be seen by clients. A license is also issued for a period of two years after which reapplication is done.
Application process
A health care organization wishing to operate in Florida State makes an application for a license to the Agency using the forms provided either online or from their offices. The forms are then submitted to the agency under oath together with the fitting fee as outlined in section 408.805 so as to be accepted and considered. All the information required must be filled in, which is outlined in sections 498.806, 1 (a) to (g).
After the recipient of an application, the agency assesses it and notifies the applicant in writing of any missing or erroneous information within 30 days. The applicant is then requested to furnish the missing or erroneous information, which must be done within 21 days failure to which the application ceases to be considered and fees paid forfeited.
The approval or denial of the application is completed within 60 days after the receipt of complete information by the agency and license issued (Online sunshine, 2009).
Minimum license requirements for operating in Florida
An organization wishing to operate in Florida must undergo level 2 background screening of its employees as outlined in section 408.809 and show any account of exclusions, suspensions, or terminations of the organization from Medicare, Medicaid, or Federal CLIA programs.
In case of discontinuation of the services by the health care organization, it is our duty to inform the agency 30 days prior to termination and also make a notice to the clients 90 days in advance as provided in section 408.809 5(a). The procedure for notifying the clients will be developed by the organization and the same communicated to them.
The organization will also provide the agency with a legal right to property occupation such as warranty deeds, lease or rental agreements, contracts of deeds among others. In addition to these, proof of the organization’s insurance which meets the requirements of Chapters 624, 626, and 627 together with proof of financial stability will be provided to the agency as a condition for licensing. Since the organization is not funded in part or whole by the government, a certificate of need or competitive sealed proposal procedure is not needed (Online sunshine, 2009).
State survey agency and certification
Certification of all health care facilities and services is done by the agency after the organization or providers submit an application together with a $1000 non-refundable fee. After the application is assessed, the organization is requested to write to the agency for an on-site preliminary survey. The initial survey will be done on conditions that the organization meets the laid down standards as provided by the law; clinical practice guidelines as per the recommendation of the relevant organizations are met and demonstration of the compliance with application guidelines; and meeting of performance measures outlined by the relevant authorities on services provided (AHCA, 2009).
Conclusion
Health care administration in Florida is administered by AHCA and is covered in chapter 408 of Florida Statutes. It provides an outline of the licensing process and requirements. AHCA is also the certification of health care organizations.
Reference List
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). (2009). Web.
Online sunshine: The 2009 Florida Statutes.
Polangin, R. F. (1990). Health Care in Florida: A Handbook and Reference. Pineapple Press. Web.