What does a new APD group home employee need before starting?

Cleared Level 2 background screening, a local criminal records check, the Attestation of Good Moral Character, and Zero Tolerance training completed before providing direct services under Rule 65G-2.008(7)(c), F.A.C.

What is due within 90 days of hire for APD staff?

Direct Care Core Competencies, first aid and CPR (classroom only), and the HIV/AIDS course — all set at 90 days by Rule 65G-2.008(7)(a), (d) and (e), F.A.C.

What are the minimum qualifications for a Florida direct service provider?

At least 18 years of age, a high school diploma or equivalent, and generally one year of relevant experience, under Rule 65G-2.008(2), F.A.C. The experience requirement may be waived under specific supervision conditions set out in the same rule.

Onboarding08/05/2026·6 min read

The New-Hire Compliance Checklist for APD Group Homes

Onboarding a direct care staff member? Some items must be done before they ever work with a resident. Here's the practical order so a new hire never starts out of compliance.

A new hire is the moment compliance is easiest to get right — and easiest to quietly get wrong, because you're usually onboarding someone because you're short-staffed and want them working now. Here's the practical order.

Before they work with a resident

These are pre-service — genuinely "day one, or before":

Level 2 background screening, plus the local criminal records check and the Attestation of Good Moral Character.
Direct Care Core Competencies — the one-time foundational training for direct-care staff.
APD Requirements for All Waiver Providers — one-time.

Right around start

FDOH HIV/AIDS 101 — one-time for Chapter 393 facility staff (not a two-year renewal).
Zero Tolerance (renews every 3 years) and CPR & First Aid (every 2 years).
Their in-service clock starts — 8 hours for the fiscal year (prorated for a mid-year hire).

Only if the role calls for it

Medication: Basic Medication Administration training plus the annual validation (mind the 60-day window).
Driving: a valid driver's license and a driving-record check for anyone who transports residents.
Behavioral: Behavioral Emergency Procedures training for staff supporting clients with behavioral needs — the requirement most admins forget applies.

The trap: a familiar or urgently-needed hire goes on the schedule before the pre-service items are actually verified. Verify first, then schedule — every time, even for someone you know.

Sources

F.S. 435.04, 393.0655 — Level 2 background screening
APD iBudget Handbook, Appendix B — required training
F.S. 381.0035 — one-time HIV/AIDS course
F.A.C. 65G-7 — medication administration

This article is general information for Florida APD group-home providers, not legal advice or a guarantee of compliance. Rules change and vary by region — always confirm the current requirement with the cited source and your APD regional office.

The New-Hire Compliance Checklist for APD Group Homes

Before they work with a resident

Right around start

Only if the role calls for it

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