Fort Myers Senior AdvisorWhat are the admission criteria for a Florida assisted living facility?
Rule 59A-36.006 says a resident of a standard, LNS or LMH facility must be at least 18, free of communicable disease likely to spread, able to perform daily activities with help if needed, able to transfer with assistance, able to take medication with whatever level of help the license allows, not a danger to self or others, not bedridden and not in need of 24-hour nursing supervision.
The administrator must also judge that the building can meet the person's needs, based on an assessment, a medical examination (usually AHCA Form 1823, completed by the physician) and the fire safety standards. Needing two people for a transfer is allowed.
Which medical needs rule out a standard Florida ALF?
Residents of standard, LNS or LMH facilities may not need artificial airway management other than CPAP or BiPAP, tube feeding, blood gas monitoring, post-surgical drains or wound vacuums, blood products, or treatment of an unstabilized surgical wound, and standard and LMH buildings cannot provide dialysis or IV therapy on site.
Stage 3 and 4 pressure injuries rule out admission. A stage 2 injury is acceptable if a home health agency or nurse treats it and it heals within 30 days. Portable oxygen and routine ostomy care are allowed where a nurse is on staff or contracted. A parent leaving Gulf Coast Medical Center or HealthPark with a wound vac usually needs short-term rehab first.
Can a resident on hospice stay in a Florida ALF?
Yes: under s. 429.26 a facility may admit or keep a resident receiving licensed hospice care when the facility and the resident agree, the hospice provides the added care, and the physician confirms the resident's needs can be met there, even if the resident becomes bedridden.
A written care plan must show who meets scheduled and unscheduled needs. For many Lee County families this is what makes a final move to a nursing home unnecessary. AHCA's locator lists 3 licensed hospices with a Lee County office: Heart'N Soul Hospice of Fort Myers, LLC, Hope Hospice and Community Services Inc, Safe Harbor Hospice LLC. Hospices based in neighboring counties may also serve Lee County addresses.
How much notice must a Florida ALF give before a resident has to move?
At least 45 days' written notice of a nonemergency relocation or termination, stating the reasons and including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program's statewide number, 1-888-831-0404; shorter notice is allowed only for a physician-certified emergency transfer or conduct that harms other residents.
ECC facilities keep residents longer because they write their own continued-residency criteria within AHCA guidelines. Ask any facility which specific changes in your parent's health would trigger a move notice, and get the answer in writing.
What paperwork does a Lee County ALF need before move-in?
Expect a physician's medical examination completed within 60 days before admission (or 30 days after, with conditions), a list of medications, the facility's own assessment, a signed resident contract, and documentation of any power of attorney, health care surrogate or guardianship.
Bring the hospital discharge summary if the move follows a stay at Lee Memorial, Cape Coral Hospital or HCA Florida Lehigh. Ask the administrator which of your parent's needs the license covers and which would require an outside agency.
The short version
| A standard Florida ALF can | A standard Florida ALF cannot | |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Accept residents who transfer with help from staff | Keep a resident who is bedridden (unless on hospice) |
| Wounds | Accept a stage 2 injury treated by an outside nurse | Admit a stage 3 or 4 pressure injury |
| Nursing | Administer medication through a licensed nurse | Provide 24-hour nursing supervision |
Built from Chapters 400, 408, 429 and 651 of the Florida Statutes, Fla. Admin. Code chapters 59A-4, 59A-36 and 65A-2, and AHCA, DCF, OIR, Elder Affairs, CMS, VA and CareScout publications cited on the page; see our editorial standards.
