The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is moving forward with rulemaking to implement HB 1353 (Chapter 2025-127, Laws of Florida) — legislation championed by HCAF and signed into law earlier this year to modernize and streamline Florida’s home health agency regulations.

Specifically, HB 1353:

1. Eliminates the “direct employee” requirement so qualified contracted clinicians may complete admission, evaluation, and discharge visits;
2. Removes geographic boundary restrictions for administrators while retaining safeguards for alternate administrators; and
3. Reforms the Excellence in Home Health Program.

AHCA noticed a workshop on the first two provisions earlier this summer, but since no stakeholders — including HCAF — requested it or raised objections, the workshop was not held. A final rule on these provisions is now expected soon.

The Excellence in Home Health Program (Rule 59A-8.0248, F.A.C.) is now the focus. Established in 2020 (HB 607) to recognize high-performing agencies based on quality, patient satisfaction, and workforce stability, the award has never been conferred due to rigid, impractical criteria. HB 1353 reforms the program so it works across all agency types, payer sources, and patient populations (skilled and non-skilled; Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay). At HCAF’s request, AHCA scheduled a public workshop to ensure the criteria are practical, attainable, and fair.

Workshop Details

Thursday, September 4, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ET

In-Person Participation
AHCA Headquarters
2727 Mahan Drive, Building 3, Conference Room B
Tallahassee, FL 32308

Virtual Participation
(888) 585-9008; Conference Room: 998-518-088#

HCAF’s Role and Next Steps

HCAF requested this workshop so providers can address real-world data collection and reporting. Our goal is to craft meaningful, low-burden criteria so agencies can realistically earn recognition without unnecessary red tape. HCAF is conducting a brief member survey to identify which measures are readily available (e.g., via electronic medical records) and which would create undue burden; we will present this feedback to AHCA, and we strongly encourage providers to attend and speak directly.

• Feedback Request: Excellence in Home Health Program Provider Survey

Get Involved

HCAF encourages all providers to participate in the September 4 workshop (in person or by phone), submit written comments to HQARuleComments@ahca.myflorida.com, and complete HCAF’s provider feedback survey so your input is reflected in our remarks.