As the 2025 Florida Legislative Session nears its anticipated conclusion — with adjournment delayed to July 6 due to unresolved budget negotiations — HCAF is proud to report a second major legislative win for Florida’s home care provider community.

On Wednesday, April 30, the Florida House of Representatives unanimously approved SB 1156 (113-0), one day after the Senate passed the bill 37-0. With final passage complete, the legislation now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for signature.

This milestone follows the unanimous passage of HB 1353, HCAF’s other top priority this session, which also awaits the Governor’s approval.

What SB 1156 Means for Providers & Families

Originally created in 2023 through the passage of HB 391, Florida’s Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children program — also known as the Family Home Health Aide program — introduced an innovative way to train and authorize family caregivers to provide in-home care for medically complex children under Medicaid.

SB 1156 and its companion bill, HB 1529 — sponsored by Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) and Representative Chase Tramont (R-Port Orange) — build on that foundation by strengthening and expanding the program to support its long-term success and sustainability. Key provisions include:

• Enhanced Training Requirements: Establishes a more robust, agency-approved training framework for family caregivers, including clinical instruction and competency validation tailored to the child’s care needs.
• Stronger Oversight & Accountability: Requires annual program assessments, reporting of adverse incidents, and a comparison of patient outcomes between aide-supported and nurse-only care models.
• Expanded Access & Justified Utilization: Allows family caregivers to exceed 40 hours per week with appropriate justification, while maintaining a standard Medicaid reimbursement rate of $25 per hour with a daily cap of 12 hours.
• Federal Waiver Alignment: Directs the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to pursue federal approvals to allow reimbursement flexibility, support eligibility determinations, and broaden provider participation.
• Income Disregard Provision: Ensures that income earned by family caregivers through this program will not count against the child’s Medicaid eligibility.

A Clean Sweep for HCAF’s Advocacy Agenda

With SB 1156 and HB 1353 now headed to the Governor’s desk, both of HCAF’s 2025 legislative priorities have crossed the finish line — a rare achievement in any session.

Together, these bipartisan reforms will:

• Modernize outdated home care regulations
• Expand and strengthen the caregiving workforce
• Reduce administrative burdens and increase operational efficiency
• Improve access to care and support better outcomes for patients

HCAF extends our sincere thanks to our legislative champions, the dedicated advocates who helped propel these initiatives forward, and the full Florida Legislature for its overwhelming, bipartisan support.

Next Steps

Governor DeSantis is expected to act on both bills in the coming weeks. Once signed into law, HCAF will work with AHCA to support implementation and keep members informed of regulatory changes and timelines.

Though the 2025 session was set to adjourn tomorrow, unresolved budget negotiations may push lawmakers into an extended or special session next week.

Stay tuned — HCAF will publish a full legislative recap soon, including key takeaways, what’s next for implementation, and how you can stay engaged.

Make Your Voice Count

These wins are the result of strong, sustained advocacy from providers like you. From joining us at Home Care Day at the Capitol to using our Legislative Action Center to contact lawmakers, your participation mattered.

Help keep the momentum going — please support the Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC) today and invest in continued policy progress for Florida’s home care community.

Click here to contribute and help us continue advocating for meaningful change.