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CLIENT ALERT UPDATE: AHCA License Alert

Client Alert

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  AHCA updated its website to clarify 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) by December 1, 2020.  Florida Medicaid has also updated Section 9.5, Appendix E of the Florida Medicaid Enrollment Policy, which confirms the December 1, 2020 date.  This date extends the previously published date from July 1, 2020 to December 1, 2020. 

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. 

BA Groups that qualify for the exemption must still file an Application for Certificate of Exemption as a Health Care Clinic with AHCA.

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 December 1, 2020 the application will need to be submitted no later than September 30, 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

 

 


Corporate Transparency Act Update 3/14/24

On March 1, 2024, a federal district court in the Northern District of Alabama concluded that the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) exceeded Congressional powers and enjoined the Department of the Treasury from enforcing the CTA against the plaintiffs. National Small Business United v. Yellen, No. 5:22-cv-01448 (N.D. Ala.). On March 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice appealed the district court’s decision to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Ohio State University Launches Its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

In response to Ohio’s nursing shortage, The Ohio State University College of Nursing is accepting applications for its new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (aBSN). Created for students with a bachelor’s degree in non-nursing fields, the aBSN allows such students to obtain their nursing degree within 18 months. All aBSN students will participate in high-quality coursework and gain valuable clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the State Board, National Council of Licensure Exam for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN).

Another Transparency Obligation: The FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements

Many physician practices and healthcare businesses are facing a new set of federal transparency requirements that require action now. The U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements (the “Rule”), which was promulgated pursuant to the 2021 bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act, is intended to help curb illegal finance and other impermissible activity in the United States.

“In for a Penny, in for a Pound” is No Longer the Case for Florida Lawyers

On April 1, 2024, newly adopted Rule 1.041 to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedures goes into effect which creates a procedure for an attorney to appear in a limited manner in civil proceedings.  Currently, when a Florida attorney appears in a civil proceeding, he or she is reasonable for handling all aspects of the case for their client.  This new rule authorizes an attorney to file a notice limiting the attorney’s appearance to particular proceedings or specified matters prior to any appearance before the court.  For example, an attorney can now appear for the limited purpose of filing and arguing a motion to dismiss.  Once the motion to dismiss is heard by the court, the attorney may file a notice of termination of limited appearance and will have no further obligations in the case.

Enhancing Privacy Protections for Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

On February 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) finalized updated rules to 42 CFR Part 2 (“Part 2”) for the protection of Substance Use Disorder (“SUD”) patient records. The updated rules reflect the requirement that the Part 2 rules be more closely aligned with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) privacy, breach notification, and enforcement rules as mandated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020.