Florida APD requirements, cited and explained.

Common questions

What are the compliance requirements for a Florida APD group home?

They fall into two halves. Per staff member: level 2 background screening under chapter 435 and s. 393.0655, F.S., Zero Tolerance before providing direct services, Direct Care Core Competencies and CPR/first aid within 90 days, an HIV/AIDS course, annual in-service hours, and a medication validation for anyone passing medications. Per home: fire drills, extinguisher checks, emergency plans, inspections and the license renewal itself.

What has to be done before a new APD employee's first shift?

Background screening must be cleared and Zero Tolerance training completed. Rule 65G-2.008(7)(c), F.A.C. requires Zero Tolerance prior to providing direct services, and APD states that under s. 393.0655, F.S. a person must be screened and eligible before being hired into a position requiring level 2 screening.

How long does a new APD group home employee have for CPR and first aid?

90 days. Rule 65G-2.008(7)(d), F.A.C. gives a direct service provider 90 days from providing direct services to complete basic first aid and hold a current CPR certification, and requires the training be given in a classroom setting by a certified trainer — so a fully online card does not meet it.

How often does Florida APD background screening have to be renewed?

Fingerprints must be resubmitted for an FBI national criminal history check every 5 years under s. 435.12, Florida Statutes, until the person is enrolled in the national retained print arrest notification program. A break in service of more than 90 days requires a whole new national screening.

When is a Florida APD license renewal due?

At least 45 days before the current license expires. Rule 65G-2.002(4), F.A.C. states that an application for renewal must be submitted to the Agency at least 45 days prior to expiration — filed later, it is treated as a new application rather than a renewal.

Do supported living and personal supports have the same requirements as a group home?

The staff half is largely shared, but the facility half does not apply — supported living and personal supports staff work in the homes of the people they support, so there are no drills, extinguisher checks or facility inspections to track. Supported living coaches also carry their own qualification requirements under Chapter 65G-5, F.A.C.