Survey readiness for non-skilled home health agencies

A home health agency that only provides non-skilled services, such as home health aides, CNAs, homemakers and companions, is still a licensed home health agency in Florida. It answers to Chapter 400, Part III, Florida Statutes, rule chapter 59A-8 of the Florida Administrative Code, and the licensing rules every AHCA provider follows in Chapter 408, Part II.

Non-skilled agencies have a few lighter requirements than skilled ones, but they are surveyed on the same basics: who is on your team, what is in your files, and whether your paperwork matches the care you actually give.

How surveys work

AHCA surveys home health agencies before the first license, then periodically on an unannounced basis, and whenever there is a complaint. Surveyors review office records, staff files and a sample of client files, and they may contact clients. Because a survey can start on any business day, your office needs to be reachable and your records ready.

What surveyors focus on

• Administration. Who runs the agency, who covers when they are away, and how nurse oversight works for the services you provide.
• Staff files. Training, certifications, background screening and ongoing education for every aide, CNA, homemaker and companion.
• Client files. Service agreements, care documentation, supervision and how services end.
• Scope of services. Whether each staff member works within what their role allows.
• Emergency preparedness. Your emergency plan, and how you keep track of clients who need continued services during a disaster.

Where agencies commonly slip

• Staff files that are almost complete. One expired credential or missing certificate is enough for a citation.
• Client paperwork that no longer matches reality. When services or rates change, the paperwork needs to change too.
• Scope creep. Well-meaning staff can take on tasks their role does not allow.
• Screening records that fall behind as staff come and go.

How to prepare

Pull a handful of client files and staff files at random and review them honestly. Whatever is missing there is likely missing elsewhere too. Our free checklist gives you an overview of the areas to review, and a mock survey shows you exactly what AHCA expects in each one and what to fix first.

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This article is general information, not legal advice.