Feel free to talk to us: 813-702-1100

Here, you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions regarding important topics that impact both individuals and families. We aim to provide clear and concise information to help guide you through various processes and requirements.
What is the HB391 ruling?
In Florida, recent changes related to the HB 391 ruling have enabled family members to provide personal care services to medically complex pediatric patients who are eligible and approved for private duty nursing.
Who is eligible to become a certified family home health aide (HHA)? Specifically, what qualifications or criteria must individuals meet to obtain this certification?
  • A parent, legal guardian, or family member that is at least 18 years old.
  • Relation will need to be provided in writing.
  • Must complete an approved training program or graduate from an accredited prelicensure nursing educational program.
  • Minimum competency will be proper reading and writing.
  • Pass background screening required under the state regulation.
As a licensed LPN or RN, am I permitted to provide 40 hours of private duty nursing services and then offer personal care services for an additional two days, totaling 8 hours per day?
All licensed (RN/LPN) family members are limited to providing a maximum of 40 hours of care per week, regardless of the type of services rendered.
What is the maximum number of hours a certified family home health aide can provide personal care services for an eligible pediatric patient?
Eligible pediatric patients can receive up to 56 hours of personal care services weekly, with a daily maximum of 8 hours, seven days a week under the Family Home Health Aid HB 381 program.
Who provides the training for this role, and what is the duration of the training program?
Under the HB 391 ruling and guidance from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), a parent, guardian, or family member may provide personal care services, provided they complete a minimum of 86 hours of an agency-approved training program developed in consultation with the Board of Nursing. A registered nurse will conduct the training and delegate instruction as appropriate.
Could you specify the content covered in the training and any certification requirements that must be met upon completion?
According to the HB 391 training guidelines, the training is divided into several components.
  • Theoretical instruction consists of a minimum of 40 hours. It covers various aspects of patient care, including infection control, safety procedures, daily living support, strategies for interacting with cognitively impaired individuals, patient rights, and legal and ethical considerations.
  • Interactive instruction comprises a minimum of 20 hours focused on essential nursing skills, including maintaining basic hygiene, skin care, and pressure sore prevention. The curriculum also encompasses nutrition training, obtaining vital signs, safe lifting and positioning techniques, wound care, and various respiratory procedures. Additionally, other clinical skills will be covered, such as enteral care, which involves the administration of nutrition and medication directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as specific skills tailored to the needs of your potential patient.
  • Clinical instruction will provide hands-on competency training to ensure that home health aides possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver safe and effective patient care.
  • Medication Administration instruction will be additional training and must be approved and delegated by a licensed Registered Nurse for medication administration and medical error prevention.
  • HIV/AIDS Training and CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification will be required to obtain.
  • Each family home health aide is required to complete a total of 12 hours of in-service training annually, with the training to be renewed every 12 months throughout their employment with our agency.
What are the consequences if I fail to complete the required training or the annual in-service training hours? Specifically, will there be any impact on my employment status or certification as a family home health aide?
Completion of proper and required training is mandatory and a condition of maintaining employment. The agency reserves the right to terminate employment if these training requirements are not fulfilled, in accordance with the ruling.
How will the income generated from providing personal care services as a certified family home health aide impact your household’s annual income in relation to Medicaid eligibility criteria?
This employment will be classified as Florida-based employment and will be included in your annual household income, subject to W-2 tax reporting requirements. A valid W-4 form must be completed to ensure appropriate tax deductions. Consequently, this annual income must be evaluated in accordance with Medicaid eligibility laws and regulations. Each employee will be responsible for ensuring and maintaining their Medicaid eligibility.
Why doesn’t the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) establish a waiver program that would exempt this income from consideration in determining Medicaid eligibility?
The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is required to adhere strictly to the language outlined in HB 391. The bill did not mandate the creation of a waiver specifically for this program. Our agency will monitor all developments related to this program and will promptly notify all employees of any updates or changes to the ruling as they occur. Regular communication will be provided through official channels to ensure that everyone remains informed.
When will the HB 391 program officially commence?
Our agency is currently awaiting guidance from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) as well as a comprehensive fee schedule from all participating health plans, which will include the appropriate billing codes for this newly implemented service. We anticipate that this information will establish the necessary framework for billing and reimbursement processes. We anticipate receiving further guidance from the Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) on October 1, 2024. This information will be critical for us to successfully and efficiently launch the program. Our team is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the implementation processes align with the ruling for HB 381.
Does the Florida Healthy Kids insurance plan participate in this program?
In accordance with state regulations, the Florida Healthy Kids insurance plan is not eligible to participate in this program. This exclusion is based on specific provisions outlined in the regulatory framework governing this ruling.
What does Preferred Touch Home Care do?
Preferred Touch Home Care is a provider of in-home care services that are personalized to the needs of pediatric patients.
Who are your care professionals?

We are staffed with:

  • Care Managers / Case Managers
  • Registered Nurses
  • Nursing Aides
  • Home Health Aides
  • Child Care Specialists
What service areas can you cover?

We can provide services to the cities and counties within and surrounding Brandon, Florida.

Main Office:

510 Vonderburg Drive, Suite 305 Brandon, Florida 33511

Current 2nd office in Pinellas/Pasco:

3906 Tampa Rd., Ste. E Oldsmar, FL 34677

New 2nd office in Pinellas/Pasco:

447 3rd Avenue North, Suite 205 St. Petersburg, FL 33701

How old are the children that you care for?
We care for children from infants to teenagers who have medical issues, developmental disabilities or mobility limitations.
How do I request for home care services?
Your physician can refer your child for home care services or you can call us at 813-702-1100 and our case manager will evaluate your child’s need for home care.
Why should you consider Preferred Touch Home Care for your family?
Home health care is an excellent, cost-effective alternative to hospital or other institutional care. Service is based on the individual’s need as defined by his or her physician’s plan of care and may range from 24-hour-a-day care to monthly visits from skilled nurses, therapists, social workers and/or home health aides. Preferred Touch provides decades of experience and outstanding quality of care.
What’s the difference between home care and private care?
Home care provides health-related services to patients in their home, and is usually ordered by their primary physician to help aid recovery or provide ongoing treatment. For patients with home care needs that are not covered by their insurance, private care on behalf of Preferred Touch, provides an alternative with a customized system of care that is tailored to meet their unique needs.
How Do I Get Started?
To start you can submit a request via our website, or simply call our office to have one of our highly trained administrators connect you with the appropriate clinical manager. The clinical managers will work with your primary care doctor to develop a plan of care that will address all of your loved one’s needs. Private care starts at the door, so we will make sure to meet with you and discuss your ideal plan of care.
Who will be providing my child’s care?
Preferred Touch has a team of highly motivated professionals with decades of combined experience caring for children with demanding health profiles. Your child will have a team of both RN’s (nurses) and clinical managers to help you schedule and plan every step of your loved one’s care plan. All of our staff is licensed and they undergo thorough background checks to provide you with peace of mind.
Does Preferred Touch have home health aides available in my location?
Preferred Touch provides coverage in Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Hardee, and Highlands. See a list of our locations on our website.
What kind of aide do I need?
To determine the appropriate plan of care our licensed nurses will visit your home to sit down and map out your ideal home care environment, while also adhering to the instructions provided by the primary physician. We actively listen to our patients to better understand the unique challenges in order to foster a world class care plan. Simply call or submit your information online to schedule a visit.
Why is home care technology important?
In the last 20 years technology has afforded the medical community an opportunity to provide better patient outcomes and a higher quality of life. At Preferred Touch, our resources will ensure 24/7monitoring and care so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones and play an active role in their lives.
How do I reach someone after hours?

Our on call RN’s are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays and weekends. The care for your loved ones should never have to wait, simply call our office and give us an opportunity to show you what 24/7 love, support and care really means!

Are Preferred Touch services covered by insurance?

That may include nursing; physical, occupational or speech/language therapy; medical social work; and/or home health aides to assist with personal care needs. We are able to provide service typically prescribed by a physician after hospitalization or a significant change in medical condition. While a physician must prescribe care, the patient has the right to select the provider of his/her choice.

Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurances may cover the cost of home health care services. Some insurance policies will not cover all home health care services unless certain conditions are met. You can still obtain care without insurance coverage through a private duty agency on a private pay basis. Additionally, some agencies may have funding to help people who cannot afford the private pay option. The home health care agency will be able to assist in determining if the services you need are covered or if you need to make other arrangements.

If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us.