Running a non-skilled home health agency in Florida is both rewarding and challenging. While these agencies provide vital care to seniors and families in need, many struggle with one common area – compliance. Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) holds providers to strict standards, and even small mistakes can result in penalties, delays, or worse – the loss of your license.
At HomeSights Consulting, we’ve spent over 24 years helping agencies navigate these challenges. Here are some of the most common compliance mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them.
- Incomplete or Outdated Policies
Many agencies use generic policies that don’t reflect Florida-specific requirements. This can raise red flags during audits. The solution? Regularly review and update your policies to ensure they reflect current state rules and your actual operations.
- Poor Documentation Practices
From caregiver schedules to client notes, documentation is the backbone of compliance. Missing or inconsistent records are a leading cause of citations. Agencies should establish clear documentation procedures and train staff on how to follow them consistently.
- Not Preparing for Inspections
AHCA inspections can happen at any time. Too often, agencies scramble at the last minute, only to realize they aren’t ready. The best way to prepare is by conducting mock surveys. These internal reviews help catch issues before regulators do.
- Insufficient Staff Training
Caregivers may be compassionate and dedicated, but if they aren’t trained on policies and compliance standards, the agency is at risk. Regular orientation and refresher training ensure staff understand both client care expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Ignoring Risk Management
Some agencies only focus on compliance when issues arise. A proactive risk management plan – one that regularly evaluates operational gaps, client safety, and staff performance – is essential to prevent problems before they occur.
Final Thoughts
Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties, it’s about building a strong, trustworthy agency that families can rely on. By addressing these common mistakes early, non-skilled home health agencies can save money, reduce stress, and focus on delivering exceptional care.
For over two decades, HomeSights Consulting has partnered with agencies across Florida to strengthen compliance and build sustainable operations. If you’d like to learn how we can support your agency, contact us today.