FL S1418

Authorizes the Department of Health and Agency for Health Care Administration to grant exemptions from disqualification for service provider personnel to work solely in mental health treatment programs or facilities treating co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Requires the Department of Children and Families to grant or deny exemptions from disqualification within 60 days of receiving a complete application and allows certain applicants to work under supervision for up to 90 days while their application is pending.

Expands exemptions from disqualification for personnel in substance abuse treatment facilities serving adolescents 13 and older to include crimes under sections 796.07(2)(e), 810.02(4), 812.014(2)(c), 831.01, 831.02, 832.05(4), 817.563, 893.13, and 893.147, plus related criminal attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy charges.

Requires recovery residences to comply with Florida Fire Prevention Code provisions for one-family and two-family dwellings and establishes level 2 background screening requirements for owners, directors, and chief financial officers using criteria under chapters 435 and section 408.809.

Prohibits recovery residences and affiliated individuals from receiving direct pecuniary benefits in exchange for referrals to licensed service providers and establishes penalties of $1,000 per violation after June 30, 2019, with potential license suspension or revocation for repeat violations.