HOME HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN FLORIDA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 9
4 min read

DELIVERING SKILLED MEDICAL CARE, PERSONAL SUPPORT, AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES

Home Health Services in Florida provide medically necessary skilled nursing, personal care, and therapy services to individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or recovering from illness or injury. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs, supporting individuals to remain in their homes while receiving high-quality, person-centered care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Role: Licenses and regulates Home Health Agencies and oversees Medicaid enrollment and compliance

Agency: Florida Department of Health (DOH)

Role: Regulates the practice of nursing, therapy, and home health aides

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring compliance with Medicaid and Medicare Home Health standards

2. HOME HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Health Services include a wide range of clinical and supportive care provided under a physician’s order and tailored to the individual’s plan of care.

Approved providers may deliver:

Skilled nursing services (e.g., wound care, medication management, catheter care)
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology
Medical social work services
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide personal care services
Medication administration and health condition monitoring
Teaching and training for patients and caregivers
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

All services must be provided in accordance with a written physician’s plan of care and the participant’s Medicaid authorization.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Obtain a Home Health Agency License from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
Meet zoning, health, fire safety, and operational requirements
Maintain general liability, malpractice, and worker’s compensation insurance
Develop comprehensive clinical and administrative policies and procedures
Employ or contract with qualified nursing and therapy staff

4. AHCA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Submit an initial application for a Home Health Agency License through AHCA
Pass background screenings for all owners, administrators, and direct care staff
Complete a licensure inspection (for initial licensure approval)

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit facility documentation, staff credentials, policy and procedure manuals, and proof of insurance
Provide clinical protocols, emergency preparedness plans, and infection control policies
Submit organizational chart and proof of financial capability

Medicaid Enrollment:

After obtaining the Home Health Agency License, apply for Medicaid provider enrollment through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Set up billing systems and select appropriate Medicaid billing codes

Program Readiness Review:

AHCA conducts ongoing surveys to ensure compliance
Medicaid may require additional reviews for provider enrollment or revalidation

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (from Sunbiz)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Florida Home Health Agency License
General and professional liability insurance documentation
AHCA-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake, clinical assessment, and care planning
- Skilled nursing, therapy, and aide services delivery protocols
- Emergency preparedness, infection control, and disaster recovery procedures
- Medication administration and medical recordkeeping policies
- Client rights, HIPAA compliance, and grievance resolution processes
- Staff credentialing, background screening, and supervision logs
- Incident reporting and quality assurance tracking systems
- Medicaid billing, service documentation, and authorization tracking

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Administrator

Requirements: Two years of supervisory or administrative experience in home health care or related services; background screening clearance

Role: Director of Nursing (DON)

Requirements: Active Florida RN license; two years of experience in home health or related clinical care; background screening clearance

Role: Skilled Nurses (RNs and LPNs)

Requirements: Active Florida nursing licenses; CPR certification; background check clearance

Role: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) / Home Health Aides (HHAs)

Requirements: Florida CNA certification or completion of HHA training (at least 75 hours); background screening clearance

Role: Therapists (PT, OT, ST)

Requirements: Active Florida licensure in respective disciplines

All staff must complete:

Medicaid compliance and service documentation training
Emergency preparedness and infection control training
HIPAA confidentiality and patient rights training
Annual competency evaluations and continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Florida Medicaid Waivers and programs authorize Home Health Services:

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care (LTC) Program
Medicaid Fee-for-Service Program (for medically necessary home health under physician orders)
Medicaid iBudget Florida Waiver (for limited skilled nursing services tied to behavioral or developmental needs)

Approved providers may deliver: