Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

The bed capacity of an ALF is ultimately determined by which agency?

1. Agency for Health Care Administration

2. Long Term Care Ombudsman

3. Local Zoning Office

4. Department of Elder Affairs

The correct answer is: Agency for Health Care Administration

The bed capacity of an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) is primarily determined by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in Florida. This agency is responsible for the regulation and oversight of health care facilities, including ALFs. They set guidelines and regulations that help ensure facilities operate within safety and health standards, including the number of beds they are allowed to operate with. The AHCA conducts evaluations and inspections of facilities and ultimately issues licenses that include the authorized capacity for resident beds based on compliance with state rules and regulations. This regulatory authority plays a crucial role in ensuring that facilities can provide adequate care based on their size and staffing capabilities. Other options, while they have their functions, do not determine bed capacity. The Long Term Care Ombudsman primarily advocates for the rights of residents and addresses complaints but does not set capacity limits. The local zoning office may influence where an ALF can be established but does not dictate how many beds a facility can have. The Department of Elder Affairs works on broader policy issues concerning elderly care but does not specifically regulate the bed capacity of ALFs. Therefore, the most authoritative agency regarding bed capacity for ALFs is the Agency for Health Care Administration.