Welcome to Dispatches From the Field, your behind-the-scenes look at HCAF’s travels and activities across Florida. Over the past two months, our team has been hard at work meeting with members, addressing industry challenges, and fostering collaboration across the home care community. From tackling policy issues to providing educational opportunities, these events highlight the value HCAF delivers as your trusted member association.

Want to connect with us? Provider members can request an in-person visit through our online form, and Associate members can click here to schedule a virtual visit. Let’s keep building a stronger home care community together!

October Highlights

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September, HCAF ramped up its efforts to support providers during Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday, October 9. Our outreach included multiple provider calls and activities to address immediate needs and provide critical updates. We worked closely with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the Florida Department of Health (DOH), the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), and the Alliance for Care at Home to ensure home health providers were informed of emergency preparedness procedures, state executive orders, and federal disaster declarations. Our commitment during these challenging times reinforced the vital role we play as a resource and advocate for Florida’s home care industry.

Thursday, October 24: Thrive Thursday Town Hall: Medicaid

HCAF hosted its second monthly Thrive Thursday Town Hall, creating a platform for Medicaid providers to engage in open and meaningful discussions. This session provided an opportunity to share challenges, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate with peers facing similar issues. Topics included reimbursement rate concerns, compliance with Medicaid regulations, and strategies for navigating the complexities of managed care.

Wednesday, October 30-Thursday, October 31: Policy Discussions and a Member Visit in Tallahassee

HCAF staff met with senior officials from AHCA to advocate for providers and discuss pressing policy issues. Key topics included background screening reform, the Family Home Health Aide program, the creation of a provider resource guide distributed during licensure, and improving disaster preparedness protocols. Additionally, HCAF addressed updates to Medicaid coverage policies following the successful passage of HB 935. This vital legislation authorizes non-physician practitioners to prescribe and order Medicaid-funded home health care services, reducing barriers to care for patients and streamlining processes for providers. These discussions reflected HCAF’s ongoing commitment to shaping policies that support the industry and improve patient outcomes.

During the visit, HCAF staff also met with Allen Brown, Staff Director of the Florida Senate Health Policy Committee, to discuss strategic priorities and potential legislation for the 2025 Florida Legislative Session. This included exploring opportunities to address regulatory challenges facing home health providers and enhancing Medicaid reimbursement structures to ensure sustainable care delivery.

Additionally, the team visited Interim Healthcare of Northwest Florida, a Tallahassee-based member agency, to connect directly with providers and learn about their challenges.

Friday, October 18-Tuesday, October 22: NAHC Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo

HCAF staff attended the final NAHC Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo in Tampa, representing Florida providers on the national stage. Over four days, staff participated in sessions covering emerging trends such as value-based purchasing, the integration of artificial intelligence in health care, and new developments in policy and advocacy. During the Forum of State Associations meeting, executives from state home care associations across the nation shared insights and strategies to address common challenges. A highlight of the event was HCAF Executive Director Denise Bellville’s induction of retiring NAHC President Bill Dombi into the Home Care Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades-long contributions to the industry.

November Highlights

November 2024: Home Care Connection Series

HCAF’s Home Care Connection series brought Medicare-certified home health providers together across Florida, with stops in Tampa, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Myers, Miami, Lauderhill, and West Palm Beach, plus a virtual session. Over two weeks and more than 1,000 miles of travel, Executive Director Denise Bellville and Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Communications Kyle Simon engaged with members and prospective members, offering updates on industry trends, regulatory changes, and advocacy initiatives. The series provided a forum for collaboration, allowing providers to share their concerns and ideas directly with HCAF leadership.

Friday, November 7: Partnership Presentation to Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association

Executive Director Denise Bellville presented to the Board of Directors of the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association, outlining potential partnership opportunities to strengthen care delivery and advocacy efforts. Topics included legislative priorities, integrating home-based care across the continuum, and fostering collaboration between home health and hospice providers to address shared challenges. The presentation underscored HCAF’s role as a leader in advocating for the broader home-based care community.

Monday, November 18: Region 9 Member Visits

HCAF staff conducted in-person visits with members Discovery at Home, Allegiance Home Health and Rehab, and Sican Home Health Services in Region 9. These meetings offered an opportunity to address unique provider challenges, share updates on industry developments, and gather valuable feedback on HCAF’s initiatives. Topics ranged from staffing shortages to regulatory compliance, demonstrating our commitment to tailoring support to the needs of individual members.

Tuesday, November 19: Private Duty 101 Workshop

HCAF hosted Private Duty 101: Essential Strategies for Success, a comprehensive seminar designed for home health agency leaders. Presented by Senior Director of Best Practices & Compliance Patti Heid and Director of Membership Growth & Retention Jessica Devine, the half-day program covered critical topics such as licensure requirements, compliance, business operations, effective operations, marketing tactics, and employment best practices. Attendees walked away with actionable insights to expand their business into private pay home care.

Wednesday, November 20: 7th Annual Private Care Symposium

The 7th Annual Private Care Symposium brought together private pay home care providers for a full day of education and networking in Deerfield Beach. Sessions focused on industry best practices, regulatory updates, and innovative solutions to common challenges. Attendees valued the event as a space to connect with peers and gain knowledge to improve their services and operations.

Thursday, November 21: Thrive Thursday Town Hall: Private Duty

Our third Thrive Thursday Town Hall turned the spotlight on Private Duty providers, offering an open forum to discuss issues specific to the private pay sector. Topics included staffing, client retention, and the impact of recent regulatory changes. Members appreciated the opportunity to collaborate and share strategies for overcoming obstacles, reinforcing HCAF’s commitment to supporting all segments of the home care industry.

December Highlights

December 9-11: Blueprint for OASIS-E1 Accuracy Workshop

HCAF hosted the two-day Blueprint for OASIS-E1 Accuracy workshop and certification exam in Clearwater. The event engaged Certified home health providers and in mastering the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Version E1. Participants deepened their understanding of assessment accuracy and compliance, ensuring they are well-prepared for the new standards taking effect in 2025.

Stay Connected!

From hosting events to advocating on your behalf, HCAF is dedicated to empowering the home care community. Keep an eye out for future updates from Dispatches From the Field!

HCAF's Kyle Simon (left) and Denise Bellville (middle) with AHCA's Brian Meyer, Kimberly Smoak, and Ann Dalton	NAHC's annual Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo in Tampa	HCAF's Denise Bellville inducts NAHC President Bill Dombi into the Home Care Hall of Fame
HCAF's Kyle Simon and Denise Bellville with our Fall 2024 Home Care Connection event series special guest speaker, Melinda Gaboury of Healthcare Provider Solutions	HCAF staff visit with HCAF members Jean Ceant and Josette Cantave of Sican Home Health Services	HCAF staff visit with HCAF member Jamie Garcia of Allegiance Home Health and Rehab
HCAF's 7th Annual Private Care Symposium welcome reception in Deerfield Beach	HCAF's 7th Annual Private Care Symposium welcome reception in Deerfield Beach	HCAF's 7th Annual Private Care Symposium in Deerfield Beach