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AHCA License Alert: What Every Behavior Analysis Provider Should Know!

Client Alert

 

By July 1, 2020 the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (“AHCA”) will require that all Behavior Analysis (“BA”) Groups have either (1) a health care clinic license or (2) an exemption from licensure as a health care clinic under Fla. Stat. 400.9905(4)(g).  A link to the statute is here.  

BA Groups will only qualify for an exemption if (1) all of its owners are Florida-licensed health care practitioners (i.e. Licensed Mental Health Counselor), or (2) the BA Group is owned by a combination of Florida-licensed health care practitioner and the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the Florida-licensed health care practitioner owner. 

BA Groups that do not qualify for the exemption must file an application for Licensure as a Health Care Clinic with AHCA.  As part of the application process, BA Groups will need to complete a Proof of Financial Ability to Operate.  Additionally, BA Groups will need to complete Level 2 Background screenings for all employees and owners who will have contact with patients and/or access to patient information.  Health Care Clinic Licensure applications need to be filed at least 60 – 120 days prior to the effective date; therefore, for a license to be effective by July 1, 2020 the application will need to be submitted no later than May 2, 2020.

For additional information regarding updates to AHCA’s Behavior Analysis Policy please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Specific to Providers of Behavior Analysis Services.

If you would like copies of the regulations, need legal assistance with filing your AHCA Health Care License application or Exemption application, or have any questions concerning these matters, please contact:

Member, Executive Committee
Licensed in Ohio & Florida
P: 330.253.9185
C: 330.351.1945
F: 330.253.9187

 


Important Update: New Advanced Beneficiary Notice in Effect for Medicare on June 30, 2023

On April 4, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget (OBM) approved an updated Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) form CMS-R-131.[1] Providers can continue using the current ABN form with an expiration date of June 30, 2023.[2] However, all providers are mandated to use the new ABN starting on June 30, 2023, which has an expiration date of January 31, 2026.

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) Repairs Fund Application Open for Eligible Applicants

The Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) Repairs Fund Application is open for eligible organizations and/or operators of recovery housing facilities throughout the state of Ohio!

Pregnant Employee Protections - New Requirements for Employers

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Five Common Pitfalls for Employers to Watch Out for Under the Fair Labor Standards Act

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets forth requirements for employers including, but not limited to, minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping for covered employees. These requirements are not as simple as they may appear on their face, which leads many employers to fall into compliance issues that they did not realize even existed.

The NLRB Limits the Reach of Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Provisions in Severance Agreements Overruling Trump-Era Policies

Employers should exercise caution and closely examine the content of severance agreements to ensure compliance with a recent National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) decision.  On February 21, 2023, the NLRB restricted the breadth of permissible language of confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses when it issued its decision in McLaren Macomb and overruled its Trump-era decisions in Baylor University Medical Center and IGT d/b/a International Game Technology.