FL H1353

Removes the geographic restriction requiring that the up to five home health agencies managed by a single administrator be located within one service area or contiguous county; retains the requirement that all five agencies share identical controlling interests.

Allows initial admission visits, service evaluation visits, and discharge visits for nursing services to be performed by individuals under contract with the home health agency, not just direct employees.

Requires the admitting home health agency to monitor and manage all services provided by contract staff and remain fully responsible for ensuring care complies with applicable law and rules.

Revises the Excellence in Home Health Program criteria to be adaptable to all agency types regardless of payor, patient population, or service designation, replacing the prior list of specific metrics with broader categories: patient/client satisfaction, service excellence (differentiated for skilled and nonskilled providers), workforce stability and development, and innovation in care delivery.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.