FL S1438

Creates a new licensure category for "Medically Complex Children's Homes" under the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for residential homes serving up to six medically dependent or technologically dependent children who require 24-hour medical supervision

Requires licensed nursing staff on duty at all times, level 2 background screening for personnel, quarterly monitoring visits, and annual fire inspections, with homes required to have permanent onsite generators and automatic fire sprinkler systems

Establishes eligibility requirements limiting admission to children from in-state facilities or whose parents/guardians reside in Florida, explicitly excluding children whose families live out of state to maintain family involvement

Community residential group homes licensed under chapter 393 as of June 30, 2026 that share common ownership with a home health agency, prescribed pediatric extended care center, home medical equipment provider, and health care clinic are deemed to satisfy initial licensure requirements

Establishes administrative fines ranging from $100-$1,000 based on violation classification (Class I-IV) and whether violations are isolated, patterned, or widespread, with the act taking effect July 1, 2026