Direct Care Workforce Survey for ALFs and NHs

On Wednesday, the Agency for Health Care Administration conducted a rule development workshop to address a new Direct Care Workforce Survey which will be required to be completed by Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes as part of the license renewal process. We learned at the workshop that it will likely be another 5 or 6 months before providers see the Direct Care Workforce Survey appear as part of their online renewal process. The proposed rule implements HB 607 (Health Quality Subcommittee) which was adopted by the 2020 Florida Legislature.

HB 607 (2020) Provisions

• Allowed CNAs and Home Health Aides to administer medication in the Home Health setting
• Allowed the federal Paid Feeding Assistant program to be implemented in Florida’s Nursing Homes
• Created a voluntary awards program entitled the Excellence in Home Health Program
• Created a voluntary awards program entitled the Nurse Registry Excellence Program
• Established the Direct Care Workforce Survey

Positions Identified to be included in the Direct Care Workforce Survey (s. 408.822, F.S.)

1. Certified Nursing Assistants
2. Home Health Aides
3. Personal Care Assistants
4. Companion Services or Homemaker Services Provider
5. Paid Feeding Assistants
6. Persons providing personal care (defined in s. 400.462, F.S.)
7. Registered Nurses

Information to be Reported (s. 408.822, F.S.)

1. Number of workers by category for each position identified
2. Turnover and Vacancy Rates along with contributing factors
3. Average Employee Wage
4. Employee Benefits including cost to employer and employee
5. Type and availability of training to employees

After rule development is complete, the Direct Care Workforce Survey will be required as part of the license renewal process for Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, and Home Health Agencies. The resulting survey information will be posted on the Agency’s website and updated monthly. Agency representatives told us they think the workforce survey data submitted by the providers under this requirement will be posted on their site in the aggregate rather than associated individually to each facility.

Rule Chapter 59A-35, Health Care Licensing Procedures (Notice: 26785209, 2/1/23)

View the Sample Survey Document to see the data to be collected. (AHCA, 2/1/23)

HB 607 (See Bill Text, Enrolled)

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