Florida Administrative Code
65 - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
65G - Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Chapter 65G-3 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION OR REDUCTION OF CLIENT SERVICES BY SERVICE PROVIDERS
Section 65G-3.005 - Rules for Termination, Reduction, or Suspension of Services by the Provider

(a) If a provider determines that he or she must terminate or reduce services the provider gives to a client, the provider shall send written notice of intent to terminate or reduce services to the client and their individual representative by certified mail or electronic mail. The provider shall send the required notice to the Regional Office and Support Coordinator via electronic mail.

(b) Upon receipt of the notice from the provider, the Support Coordinator shall:

(c) At the request of the client or the client's individual representative, the Support Coordinator shall arrange a meeting with the provider and the client or the client's individual representative, to offer any recommendations to the client and the provider in an effort to resolve the concerns that led to the issuance of the notice of intent to terminate or reduce service. The meeting must be arranged within five (5) calendar days of the client's or the individual representative's request for the meeting.

(d) The Support Coordinator shall contact the Regional Office immediately if the client and the client's individual representative need assistance in locating an alternate provider at least 25 days prior to the effective date of termination or reduction in services. The Regional Office will assist the client and the client's individual representative in meeting the client's needs.

(e) If the termination is for services provided in a licensed residential facility, the Regional Office shall immediately work with the client's Support Coordinator to assist the client or the client's individual representative in choosing an alternate place to live before the date of termination.

(f) If the client or the client's individual representative selects an individual or entity to render the services who is not qualified to be that client's provider, the Regional Office shall issue a notice to deny the client's selection of provider choice within 30 calendar days of the client's notification to the Regional Office. The notice shall identify:

(a) Emergency Suspension: A service provider may suspend services provided to a client in a non-residential program when the behavior of the client constitutes an immediate danger to health, safety, or welfare of the client, another recipient of the provider's services, the provider, or a third party. If a service provider suspends a client's services for this reason, the provider shall give written notice of suspension to the client, the client's individual representative, the client's Support Coordinator, and Regional Office at the time of the suspension or thereafter, detailing reasons for the suspension.

(b) Other Suspension: A service provider may suspend services provided to a client in a non-residential program when the client's behavior interferes with services provided to other recipients of the provider's services. If a service provider initiates a suspension for this reason, the service provider shall provide written notice of suspension from a non-residential program to the client, the client's individual representative, the client's Support Coordinator, and the Regional Office at the time of the suspension or thereafter, detailing reasons for the suspension.

(c) The Support Coordinator shall ensure that appropriate service coverage is available during the time of suspension and update the support plan, cost plan, and relevant service authorizations accordingly. The Support Coordinator shall contact the Regional office the day the Support Coordinator receives notice of the suspension if assistance is needed in securing alternate services or providers. The Regional Office will assist the client and the client's individual representative in meeting the client's needs.