The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will host a public rule development workshop on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET to receive feedback on proposed revisions to Rule 59A-8.0099, which governs the minimum training requirements for the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program, commonly known as the Family Home Health Aide (FHHA) Program.

This workshop is a key step in implementing SB 1156, signed into law earlier this year to strengthen caregiver standards, expand access to in-home care, and improve oversight for this critical Medicaid program serving medically complex pediatric patients.

The workshop will take place in person at AHCA headquarters, located at 2727 Mahan Drive, Building 3, Conference Room A, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Stakeholders may also participate remotely by dialing (888) 585-9008 and entering the conference room number 998-518-088#.

Meeting materials, including the agenda and draft rule, are available on AHCA’s website here.

What’s Changing in the Rule?

Building on the foundation of HB 391 (2023), the proposed changes under SB 1156 revise the total required training hours from 86 to 76 hours while retaining rigorous instruction in pediatric-specific care and clinical competency.

Key proposed revisions include:

• 40 hours of core training consistent with Rule 59A-8.0095, F.A.C., with enhanced pediatric content including topics such as ventilators, congenital abnormalities, and seizure disorders.
• 20 hours of skills training, reduced from 30, but with clearly defined clinical task instruction based on the individualized plan of care and additional emphasis on advanced procedures.
• 16 hours of supervised clinical competency validation, conducted either in the patient’s home or a controlled lab setting using actual or simulated patients.

Additional provisions include mandatory reporting of adverse incidents within 48 hours and participation in annual caregiver outcome data reporting, beginning with the 2025-2026 reporting cycle.

Why It Matters

Florida’s FHHA program plays a critical role in allowing medically fragile children to remain at home with their families rather than being institutionalized. Ensuring that family caregivers receive appropriate training is vital for safeguarding patient safety and maintaining care quality.

The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between high standards and flexibility for agencies, caregivers, and supervising nurses. The October 6 workshop is a valuable opportunity for providers to offer direct input on the rule language before it is finalized.

Submit Comments or Questions

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit written comments before or after the workshop by emailing HQARuleComments@ahca.myflorida.com.

HCAF will participate in the workshop and submit formal written comments informed by member feedback. Agencies and caregivers are invited to share their insights with HCAF ahead of the meeting to help shape our response.