The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has finalized rulemaking updates to Rule 59A-8.008, Florida Administrative Code, formally codifying expanded workforce flexibility for home health agencies following the passage of House Bill 1353 (2025).

As revised, the rule now explicitly allows agencies to utilize contracted clinicians to perform case management functions, marking a significant operational shift for providers across the state. Specifically, the rule provides that in cases requiring nursing services, case management may be performed by a licensed registered nurse (RN) who is either a direct employee of the agency or under contract with the agency.

This clarification aligns regulatory language with statutory changes secured during the 2025 Legislative Session and represents a meaningful step forward in addressing workforce challenges and improving access to care.

Delivering on a Major Legislative Victory

This rulemaking reflects the successful implementation of one of HCAF’s top legislative priorities: expanding workforce flexibility for home health providers.

Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, HB 1353 passed unanimously in both chambers of the Florida Legislature and introduced critical reforms designed to reduce administrative burden and enhance operational efficiency. Among its most impactful provisions was the ability for agencies to utilize qualified contracted clinicians — not just direct employees — to support key clinical functions.

With AHCA’s rule now finalized, providers can confidently operationalize this flexibility within the regulatory framework, helping to:

• Improve patient access to timely care, including after-hours admissions
• Address ongoing workforce shortages
• Enhance staffing models in rural and underserved areas
• Increase overall efficiency in care delivery

This outcome is the direct result of sustained advocacy by HCAF and its members, including engagement during Home Care Day at the Capitol and coordinated outreach to lawmakers across the state.

What This Means for Providers

The finalized rule provides clear regulatory support for the use of contracted clinicians in case management and other core functions, removing ambiguity that previously created operational constraints.

Providers should take this opportunity to:

• Evaluate staffing models and identify opportunities to incorporate contracted clinicians
• Update policies and procedures to reflect the revised rule language
• Ensure contracts, oversight, and documentation practices align with compliance expectations
• Train clinical and administrative teams on appropriate implementation

As with any regulatory change, agencies remain responsible for ensuring quality of care, coordination, and compliance with all applicable requirements.

Advocacy in Action — and What Comes Next

This milestone underscores the impact of a unified voice in Tallahassee. HCAF’s ability to secure and implement meaningful policy change is driven by the engagement and support of its members and the strength of the Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC).

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, continued investment in advocacy is critical to maintaining this momentum and advancing additional priorities when lawmakers reconvene for the 2027 Legislative Session next March.

Future efforts will focus on further reducing administrative barriers, strengthening the workforce pipeline, and ensuring reimbursement and regulatory policies support sustainable, high-quality care in the home.

Support the PAC. Shape the Future of Home Care.

This victory is a clear example of what targeted advocacy can achieve — but there is more work ahead.

To continue building on this success and secure future legislative wins, we encourage all providers to support the Home Care PAC.

Click here to contribute to the PAC.

Your support ensures that Florida’s home care providers remain at the table — and that our industry continues to move forward with strength and purpose.