400.518 Prohibited referrals to home health agencies. - Florida Statutes

400.518 Prohibited referrals to home health agencies.

   (1) A physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459 must comply with s. 456.053.

   (2) A hospital or an ambulatory surgical center that has a financial interest in a home health agency is prohibited from requiring any physician on its staff to refer a patient to the home health agency.

   (3)(a) A violation of this section is punishable by an administrative fine not to exceed $15,000. The proceeds of such fines must be deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund.

   (b) A physician who violates this section is subject to disciplinary action by the appropriate board under s. 458.331(2) or s. 459.015(2). A hospital or ambulatory surgical center that violates this section is subject to the rules adopted by the agency under s. 395.0185(2).

   (4) The agency shall impose an administrative fine of $15,000 if a home health agency provides nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, or other staff without charge to a facility licensed under chapter 429 in return for patient referrals from the facility. The proceeds of such fines shall be deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund.

History. s. 17, ch. 93-214; s. 26, ch. 98-166; s. 17, ch. 2000-160; s. 10, ch. 2008-246.