Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

What action may AHCA require if they determine that adequate care is not being provided to residents?

1. Increase staff above the minimum required

2. Implement recreational activities

3. Conduct regular family meetings

4. Reduce resident supervision

The correct answer is: Increase staff above the minimum required

The correct choice is that AHCA may require an increase in staff above the minimum required. This is because the primary responsibility of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is to ensure that residents in assisted living facilities receive a sufficient level of care and support. If an assessment reveals that residents are not receiving adequate care, increasing staffing levels can directly address care deficiencies. More staff means that each resident may receive more individualized attention, support, and supervision, which is crucial in maintaining a safe and nurturing environment. The other options, while they may contribute positively to the overall environment of a facility, do not directly address the core issue of inadequate care. Implementing recreational activities can enhance the quality of life for residents but does not substitute for necessary personal care and support. Conducting regular family meetings can help improve communication between families and staff, yet it does not directly solve care inadequacies. Likewise, reducing resident supervision would be counterproductive and could potentially exacerbate the situation, leading to further decline in care quality. Thus, the requirement to increase staff is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring that residents receive the level of care they are entitled to.