Updated May 2026 · Florida Plan Finder · Licensed Florida Health Insurance Producer

HHA Certification and HR for Home Health Aide Agencies in Palm Bay, FL

Home health aide agencies in Palm Bay operate under one of the most rigorous HR documentation regimes for any small business. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) requires specific evidence of caregiver qualifications, ongoing training, background screening, and supervision — and AHCA conducts unannounced inspections that include personnel record audits. This page covers the HR documentation Brevard County HHA agencies must maintain.

HHA Certification Requirements

Florida home health aide certification (HHA) is established by Florida Statute § 400.484 and Rule 59A-8.0095. Requirements:

• Minimum 75 hours of training (40 didactic + 35 supervised practical) at a Florida-approved training program, OR
• Successful completion of the Florida HHA competency examination, OR
• Active CNA certification (Certified Nursing Assistant)

HHAs must complete 12 hours of in-service training annually, documented in the personnel file.

Personnel File Requirements

For each home health aide, the agency must maintain:

1. Employment application
2. Resume / employment history
3. Verification of HHA certification or qualifying credentials
4. Florida Level 2 background screening results (fingerprint-based)
5. References checked (documented)
6. Annual TB screening or chest X-ray (or signed declination)
7. Orientation and competency evaluation documentation
8. Annual in-service training records (12 hours/year)
9. CPR certification (current)
10. Driver's license and auto insurance evidence (if driving)
11. Annual performance evaluation
12. Disciplinary action documentation

Florida Level 2 Background Screening

AHCA requires Level 2 background screening for all HHAs:

• FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) state criminal database
• National sex offender registry check
• Disqualifying offenses defined in Florida Statute § 435.04 (broad list of felonies)
• Re-screening every 5 years

Cost: $50–$80 per screening. Use AHCA-approved Live Scan vendor.

Annual Training Documentation

The 12 hours of in-service training annually must cover topics relevant to the aide's role. Common required topics:

• HIPAA and patient privacy
• Infection control
• Patient rights
• Abuse prevention and reporting
• Emergency procedures
• Body mechanics and lifting
• Bloodborne pathogens (annually)
• Specific clinical topics relevant to the agency's case mix

Supervision Documentation

Florida requires that an HHA's work be supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN). Documentation requirements:

• Initial home visit by RN with the HHA when starting a new patient
• Periodic supervisory visits (at minimum every 60 days for skilled patients)
• Documentation of each supervisory visit in patient and personnel files
• Written care plan reviewed and updated by RN

AHCA Inspection Realities

AHCA conducts unannounced inspections of licensed HHA agencies. Inspectors typically review:

• Random sample of personnel files for documentation completeness
• Random sample of patient files for care plan adequacy
• Background screening compliance
• Training records
• Recent complaints or incidents

Common citations: missing training documentation, expired CPR cards, expired TB screenings, missing supervisory visit notes.

Common HR Mistakes at HHA Agencies

• HHA certification verified but not stored in personnel file
• Annual training tracked informally (sticky notes, spreadsheets) — fails AHCA documentation review
• Background re-screening missed at 5-year mark
• CPR card expirations not tracked
• 1099 misclassification of HHAs (AHCA, IRS, workers' comp all coordinate)