RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN FLORIDA

PROVIDING TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR PRIMARY CAREGIVERS WHILE SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Respite Care Services in Florida offer short-term, temporary care for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs, allowing their primary caregivers to take a break or attend to other obligations. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to support family stability, prevent caregiver burnout, and promote the well-being of both caregivers and participants.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Role: Manages respite service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities under the iBudget Waiver

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Respite Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring that Respite Care Services meet HCBS compliance standards

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Respite Care Services provide temporary care and supervision to individuals who require assistance with daily living activities or protective oversight.

Approved providers may deliver:

• In-home respite services (provided in the participant’s residence)

• Out-of-home respite care (provided in licensed facilities, if approved)

• Daytime or overnight care based on caregiver needs

• Supervision and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Medication reminders (non-nursing tasks)

• Engagement in recreational, educational, and community activities during the respite period

All services must be consistent with the participant’s person-centered plan and cannot duplicate services being provided simultaneously by other Medicaid-funded supports.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Complete APD Qualified Provider Application (for individuals with developmental disabilities)

• If offering facility-based respite, obtain appropriate residential facility licensure from AHCA

• Maintain general liability insurance

• Develop policies and procedures covering care delivery, emergency response, participant safety, and incident reporting

• Ensure compliance with staff background screening and training requirements

4. APD/AHCA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request Respite Services provider application materials from APD

• (Recommended) Attend APD or Medicaid HCBS waiver provider orientation sessions

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of insurance, staff training plans, and operational policies

• Provide participant intake forms, daily service logs, and emergency response procedures

• Submit background screening results for all direct care staff

Program Readiness Review:

• APD reviews provider readiness for service delivery, participant safety, and Medicaid documentation compliance

• Site inspections may be required if facility-based services are offered

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• After APD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

• Configure billing codes for respite services under the applicable waiver programs

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general liability insurance

• APD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake and respite service planning

  • Health and safety monitoring procedures

  • Emergency evacuation and incident reporting protocols

  • Medication assistance (non-nursing) policies

  • Client rights, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance policies

  • Staff background checks, training records, and supervision plans

  • Service tracking, daily documentation, and Medicaid billing systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Services Program Manager/Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in health care, disability services, or home care supervision; background screening clearance

Role: Respite Care Workers / Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED recommended; CPR/First Aid certification; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• Training on participant rights, safety, and abuse prevention

• Medicaid service documentation and confidentiality training

• Emergency procedures and incident response training

• Annual refresher courses on direct care best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Florida Medicaid Waivers authorize Respite Care Services:

• iBudget Florida Waiver (for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities)

• Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care (LTC) Program (for elderly and disabled adults)

• Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury (TBI/SCI) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• In-home respite care

• Out-of-home respite care in licensed settings (where authorized)

• Planned or emergency respite services, depending on caregiver needs

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: APD/AHCA Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Care System Development

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Configuration

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Website: https://apd.myflorida.com/

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Website: https://ahca.myflorida.com/

Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://home.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — FLORIDA RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG helps providers and entrepreneurs launch Medicaid-compliant Respite Care Services under Florida’s HCBS and Medicaid waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• APD/AHCA provider enrollment and Medicaid documentation support

• Development of Respite Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and participant intake forms

• Medicaid billing system setup and claims configuration

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Daily documentation logs, incident reporting templates, and emergency response plans

• Client rights, privacy notices, and grievance handling systems

• Community outreach and referral development strategies

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.