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Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients

FloridaregulationFlorida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

What this rule requires your agency to do

  • 1The agency must, at the start of services, establish a written agreement with the patient/client or their legal representative that includes the information described in s. 400.487(1), F.S., signed and dated by both an agency representative and the patient/client or representative. (Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020(2))(Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients)
  • 2The agency must give a copy of the signed written agreement to the patient or client and place the original in the patient's or client's file. (Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020(2))(Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients)
  • 3The agency must notify the patient or client in writing of the date of termination, the reason for termination, and the plan for continued services by the agency or the provider to which the patient/client has been referred (except for private-pay patients who default through non-payment). (Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020(4))(Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients)
  • 4The agency must, when terminating services for a patient or client needing continuing home health care, develop a plan and make a referral to another home health agency or service provider prior to termination. (Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020(4))(Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients)
  • 5The agency must ensure that patients or clients receive all visits assigned to them under their plan of care. (Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020(1))(Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients)
  • 6The agency must accept a patient or client for service only when it can reasonably expect to meet the patient's or client's needs safely at the patient's residence, including provision for communication capabilities such as staff, interpreters, or communication technology. (Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020(1))(Fla. Admin. Code R. 59A-8.020 - Acceptance of Patients or Clients)

Applies to: Home health, home health aide, homemaker, and companion services provided by licensed home health agencies

Florida rule governing acceptance and continuity of care for home health patients/clients. It requires agencies to accept only patients they can reasonably serve safely (including communication needs), to execute a signed written service agreement disclosing the information in s. 400.487(1) F.S. and provide a copy to the client, and to protect clients on termination by developing a plan, making a referral, and giving written notice of the termination date, reason, and continued-services plan.

Regulatory information, not legal advice — always confirm against the cited official source. Verification reduces error; it does not certify compliance.