FL S0752

Extends the moratorium on new home health agency licenses until July 1, 2012 in counties with fewer than 1,200 seniors per existing agency, with an exception for accredited agencies licensed at least 5 years in good standing seeking ownership changes.

Modifies Florida Health Choices Program board from 15 to 5 members appointed by Governor, President of Senate, and Speaker of House with staggered terms; removes 9-year consecutive service limit and allows Senate confirmation of future appointments beginning July 1, 2011.

Expands Medicaid provider disqualification grounds to include felonies under chapters 409, 817, 893 or similar offenses in other jurisdictions, requires providers to report ownership changes within 30 days, and extends record retention from 5 to 6 years.

Authorizes immediate suspension or termination of Medicaid providers engaged in specified criminal conduct or patient abuse; establishes interest accrual on withheld payments and allows agency to withhold reimbursement for unpaid fines or failed repayment plans.

Revises health care practitioner licensure denial/renewal grounds to include conviction of similar felonies in other states/jurisdictions, current listing on federal exclusion lists, and administrative complaints where probable cause found; differentiates time periods by felony degree level.