We are thrilled to announce that Team Select Home Care is introducing a new Family Home Health Aid Program for Medically Fragile Children in Florida! This initiative aims to provide enhanced care options and support for families with medically complex children, ensuring they receive the care they deserve right at home.
Working with Florida’s Government for Better Care
Team Select Home Care is working with Florida’s government to develop this groundbreaking program. Our mission has always been to make the world a better place and with these programs, we are doing just that! With over 20 years of experience serving these families across Florida, we understand the challenges they face and are committed to making a positive impact.
Addressing Key Issues in Private Duty Nursing
Since 2022, we have worked closely with members of Florida’s House and Senate to address several critical issues in private duty nursing. This new program is designed to:
- Tackle the Nursing Shortage: By training family members to provide care, we can alleviate the burden on the nursing workforce.
- Enhance Parents Lives of Medically Fragile Children: This program allows parents to earn an income while caring for their child at home.
- Improve Long-Term Outcomes: Consistent, stable care in a familiar home environment leads to better health outcomes for these children.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Team Select’s efforts in shaping family caregiving programs have already made a difference in several states. We have been instrumental in writing legislation and advocating for these programs, and we are excited to bring our expertise to Florida.
Hear from one of our family caregivers in Colorado about how a similar program has positively impacted their life. Watch the Video. Insert Chad video
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Are you a parent of a medically fragile child looking for better care options and financial stability? We are here to support you every step of the way.
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At Team Select Home Care, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of medically fragile children and their families. Join us on this journey to better care and support in Florida.
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Updated FAQs for Family Home Health Aid Program
***The information provided below is based on the legislation passed by the Florida Legislature in 2023 and our years of experience implementing this model in other states. We do not represent or speak on behalf of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or any other governmental organization.
Is the pay rate for FHHA $25.00 an hour?
- No, the $25 per hour refers to the reimbursement rate that the PDN agency may receive under the program and is not reflective of a pay rate for a family caregiver. The PDN agency will determine the hourly rate that a family caregiver will receive as pay under the program. Source.
Why is it taking so long for the program to start?
- Implementing a new model of care like FHHA involves ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements, including adopting rules, which is a comprehensive and lengthy process. Progress in Florida has been quicker than in other states that approved this model simultaneously last year.
Why hasn't the program started yet if it was supposed to start by 7/1/24?
- While the program was authorized by the bill’s passage and approved by the Governor on 6/2/2023 (Chapter No. 2023-183), the actual implementation involves many steps that couldn't begin until after that date. Our legislative sponsors have been working with AHCA to implement this model program, and we expect its launch soon.
What is the training requirement for becoming an FHHA? Can I test out of the training?
According to AHCA's final rules, you cannot test out of the required training. The training, developed by the private duty nursing agency and administered by an RN with specified experience, includes:
- 40 hours of classroom training (can be done at the client's home or in the office).
- 30 hours of skills training (must be completed in a office).
- 16 hours of clinical competency training and validation (must be completed in a client's home).
- An additional 4 hours of medication administration training may be required based on patient needs.
- Additional medication training routes: oral meds, meds via enteral feeding tube, injections, rectal administration, and inhaled meds via tracheostomy. Source.
Does my PDN agency have to provide FHHA services?
- No, PDN agencies are not required to provide this model. They can choose to participate in this or other forms of home care, such as personal care, hospice, or Medicare Home Health services. Source.
What are the requirements for becoming an FHHA?
- To become an FHHA, one must:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Be a family caregiver of an eligible relative.
- Complete an approved training program or graduate from an accredited prelicensure nursing program and await the state licensing exam.
- Meet additional requirements such as background screening, HIV/AIDS training, CPR certification, delegation of medication administration (if applicable), and 12 hours of in-service training annually. Source.
Who is allowed to become an FHHA?
- "Related Provider" can include a wide range of family members such as aunts, brothers, cousins, daughters, fathers, grandparents, in-laws, nieces, nephews, stepfamily, and spouses. Source.
Does the training to become an FHHA cost a parent or family member anything?
- No, the PDN agency provides this training at no cost to family members, with no strings attached. There is also no limit on the number of FHHAs an agency can train per eligible relative. Source.
If I am employed as an FHHA and make more than the Medicaid income limit, will this affect my child’s eligibility for Medicaid?
- This issue is still being addressed in Florida. Other states have implemented regulations to prevent children from losing Medicaid eligibility due to their parents' income exceeding the threshold. We expect Florida to implement similar measures to avoid this issue. Further guidance will be provided by the state.
When will this model start?
- Based on our experience with other states, we estimate that the program will roll out to PDN agencies by this Fall, but hopefully no later than the end of the year.