Group Care

Services

The objective of this program is to ensure good sanitary and safety practices exist for the welfare of the people dependent upon the institution in which they reside or attend. The two categories of group care facilities include residential facilities and educational facilities (schools). Group care facilities are defined by s. 381.006(16) Florida Statutes.

While the Florida Department of Health does not license these facilities, we are responsible for conducting physical facility sanitation inspections of the following:

• Private, charter, and public schools
• Assisted living facilities
• Adult family care homes
• Short term residential treatment centers licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
• Residential treatment facilities license by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
• Homes for special services
• Transitional living facilities
• Crisis stabilization units
• Hospice

Inspections are conducted at least once a year to ensure the safety of the residents. Inspectors will evaluate general upkeep and construction, lighting levels, food service, restroom facilities, heating/cooling, ventilation, solid waste disposal, vermin control, laundry and water/wastewater. A copy of the rules and regulations that cover most of our facilities can be found by going to the Florida Department of Health Residential Group Care website.

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County must perform a plan review of all proposed or existing facilities. This requires one set of plans to be submitted to our office in accordance with our plan review guide.