Assisted Living Facilitiies

Contact Us

ALF Core Frequently Asked Questions

For complete information and Registration Links for (ALF) Core Training please click on the following link: ALF Core Training Page Link.

What is an ALF?

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration defines an ALF as, "an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) is designed to provide personal care services in the least restrictive and most home-like environment. These facilities can range in size from one resident to several hundred and may offer a wide variety of personal and nursing services designed specifically to meet an individual's personal needs. Facilities are licensed to provide routine personal care services under a "standard" license, or more specific services under the authority of "specialty" licenses. ALFs meeting the requirements for a standard license may also qualify for specialty licenses. The purpose of "specialty licenses" is to allow individuals to "age in place" in familiar surroundings that can adequately and safely meet their continuing health care needs."
(http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/MCHQ/Long_Term_Care/Assisted_living/alf.shtml)

According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, "for the purposes of licensing, an "Assisted Living Facility" means any building or buildings, section or distinct part of a building, private home, boarding home, home for the aged, or other residential facility, whether operated for profit or not, which undertakes through its ownership or management to provide housing, meals, and one or more personal services for a period exceeding 24 hours to one or more adults who are not relatives of the owner or administrator."
(http://www.floridaaffordableassistedliving.org/operator/license.html)
Can I be an ALF Administrator if I am not a nurse?

Yes, ALF care is not nursing. You do not need to be a nurse to be an ALF Administrator. You do need to have a High School Diploma or GED. ALF care is assistance with the activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, eating, toileting and self-administration of medications. The care is provided in a home-like environment.
What are the age requirements for taking the ALF Core Training at SPC?

There is no age requirement for taking the ALF Core Training through SPC but you must have a HS Diploma or GED to take ALF Core Training.

However, to be employed as an ALF administrator, beginning October 30, 1995, anyone employed must have a High School Diploma or GED, be at least 21 years of age, be in compliance with Level 2 background screening standards pursuant to Florida Statute 429.174, and have successfully completed the ALF Core Training Program pursuant to Rule 58A-5.0191 of the Florida Administrative Code.

According to the state's web site, Florida Affordable Assisted Living, "persons working in an ALF prior to 1990, if employed on or after August 15, 1990, must have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or have been an operator or administrator of a licensed Assisted Living Facility in the State of Florida for at least one of the past 3 years in which the facility has met minimum standards."
What type of training is required to be an ALF Administrator?

Organizations may use several different titles to describe the person responsible for the daily operations of the ALF facility such as ALF Administrator, ALF Manager, Executive Director, etc. All of these job titles fall under the regulations for an ALF Administrator.

According to Florida Statute 428.52 and Rule 58A-5.0191, ALF Administrators and staff are required to have special training based upon their job responsibilities in the facility.

AFL Administrators must successfully complete the ALF Core Training taught by a certified ALF Core Trainer. ALF Administrators must pass the ALF Core Competency Examination. In addition, Administrators must secure a minimum of 12 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years after receiving their certification.
What type of background do I need to become an ALF Administrator?

You need a High School Diploma or GED. Experience in health care or care for the aging is helpful. If you want a specific job in an ALF such as marketing, food service, business administration, etc., experience in that field plus the ALF Administrator Certification will assist you in qualifying for a position.
What types of job could I get once I become an ALF Administrator?

You could own and operate your own ALF Facility. Following Florida law and rule guidelines, you could also begin your ALF in your own home or another building.

You could secure a job in an established ALF Facility as an "Administrator-in-Training." Established ALF Facilities look for the ALF Core Training in addition to other experience as a requirement for a variety of jobs including: marketing, business operations, food service manager, facilities (building repairs) director, activities director, etc.

Many Home Health Agencies and other businesses that provide services to ALFs, look for ALF Certification for their staff that service or market to ALFs.

Can I work as an ALF Administrator without being certified?

No, according to Florida Rule 58A-5.0191, "Administrators and managers must successfully complete the Assisted Lliving Facility Core Training requirements within 3 months from the date of becoming a facility administrator or manager."
If I have a felony, can I be an ALF Administrator?

ALF Administrators are required to pass a Level 2 background screening. According to the AHCA website, "Level 2 is a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). [Reference 435.04]

Disqualifying criminal offenses are listed in Florida Statute Chapter 435 and 408.809. If a person is found to have a new disqualifying offense, or is arrested for any of these offenses, he/she is not eligible to work in a position that requires screening unless an exemption is granted. [Reference 408.809(4) and 435.04, 435.05]

For more information go to http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/MCHQ/Long_Term_Care/Background_Screening/index.shtml.
What is the minimum passing grade on the ALF Administrator's Exam?

As specified in Rule 58A-5.0191, the minimum passing score for the competency test is 75%.
What if I fail the exam? Do I have to pay to take it again?

Currently the rule states that the fees for the competency test shall not exceed $200. The payment for the competency test fee shall be remitted to the entity administering the test. A new fee is due each time the test is taken.

For more information on the ALF Core Examination go to www.alf.usf.edu.
What happens if I forget to take the 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years?

The Florida rule is very specific on this, "An administrator or manager who has successfully completed the Core Training but has not maintained the continuing education requirements will be considered a new administrator or manager for the purposes of the Core Training requirements and must:
1. Retake the Assisted Living Facility Core Training and
2. Retake and pass the competency test."
Do I need to take HIV/AIDS training to become an ALF Administrator?

According to the state website, "Pursuant to Section 381.0035, F.S., all facility employees, with the exception of employees subject to the requirements of Section 456.033, F.S., must complete a one-time education course on HIV and AIDS, including the topics prescribed in the Section 381.0035, F.S. New facility staff must obtain the training within 30 days of employment. Documentation of compliance must be maintained in accordance with subsection (12) of this rule."
Once I become an ALF Administrator, do I need to complete the ALF Core Training each time that I change jobs?

The Florida rule addresses this situation, "Administrators, managers and staff do not have to repeat the initial training should they change employers provided they present a copy of their training certificate to the current employer for retention in the facility's personnel files. They must also ensure that copies of the continuing education training certificates, are retained in their personnel files."
Are the ALF Competency Exams given on the last day of the class?

No, ALF Exams are given on a regional basis by USF. You will receive an exam application and a list of exam sites on the last day of class. Your instructor will send your name to USF and certify that you can take the exam. You complete the exam application and mail your fee along with your date selection to USF. Exam applications must be received 10 business days prior to the exam date.
What is the difference between ALF, Adult Day Care and AFCH?

Each has a different set of regulations and rules to follow. For more information check the statutes for each in Florida Statute CHAPTER 429.

Assisted Living Facilities (ss. 429.01-429.54)
Adult Family Care Homes (ss. 429.60-429.87)
Adult Day Care Centers (ss. 429.90-429.931)
What are the requirements to become an ALF Administrator?

Effective January 1, 2004, a new facility administrator must complete the required ALF Core Training, including passing the competency test. Upon employment you must pass a level 2 background screening. The job responsibilities in the facility will define any additional training requirements that should be secured when the job begins.

The ALF Core Training provides details and requirements on owning and operating an ALF. Complete details of administrator requirements and operating an ALF are outlined in the Florida Statute Chapter 429, Part I, and Rule 58A-5.

For more information go to http://www.floridaaffordableassistedliving.org and click on ALF Operations.
How many facilities can an ALF Administrator manage at a time?

Administrators may supervise a maximum of three Assisted Living Facilities on a single campus.
Who provides the patients to an ALF?

Patients in an ALF are called residents. No one provides or delivers residents. ALF Administrators must market to the community to secure residents.
Who pays for the ALF residents?

Most payments for ALF Residents are private pay. There is some public assistance via federal and state programs for residents that qualify. Facilities must follow the directives to secure these funds.
Do I need to get an ECC license when I get my ALF license?

No, you can operate an ALF with a standard ALF license. LNS, ECC & LMH are higher standards of care.
What are the 3 specialty ALF licenses?

Extended Congregate Care License (ECC)
Limited Nursing Services License (LNS)
Limited Mental Health License (LMH)
Is there ALF Core Information in Spanish?

Go to Florida Affordable Assisted Living. This is the DOEA's web site for ALF and information in Spanish may be available there.
What are the Continuing Education requirements for ALF?

ALF Administrators need to complete 12 hours of continuing education in topics related to assisted living every 2 years as provided under Florida Statute Section 429.52, F.S. An ALF Administrator who has not taken the 12 continuing education requirements will need to retake the ALF Core Training and pass the exam.
Who licenses ALFs?

Agency for Health Care Administration Assisted Living Unit
2727 Mahan Drive, MS #30
Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403
(850) 487-2515
What is the difference between an ALF and an AFCH?

An "Adult Family Care Home" is a 24 hour family-style living environment in a private home of the administrator. The AFCH provides the room, board, and personal care, on a 24-hour basis, for no more than five (5) disabled adults or frail elders who are not relatives. The Adult Family Care Home provider must live in the home and is the primary caregiver.

An Assisted Living Facility provides housing, meals, and one or more of the 5 activities of daily living to one or more adults who are not relatives of the owner or administrator. The administrator may live off-site.
I'm buying an ALF. Do I need to take ALF Core since I'm buying an already licensed ALF?

Yes, ALF licenses cannot transfer from seller to buyer. The license rests with the original applicant. You have 3 months from the time you become an Assisted Living Facility Administrator and/or manager to complete the ALF Core Training, including the training and the competency exam.

The transferee (buyer) will need to fill out an application to the AHCA Assisted Living Unit for a new license at least 60 days before the date of transfer of ownership. The transferor (seller) will need to notify the AHCA Assisted Living Unit in writing at least 60 days before the date of transfer of ownership. The new owner will need to notify the residents, in writing, of the transfer of ownership within 7 days of his or her receipt of the license.
I just got a job as an ALF Administrator. What is my timeframe to take the Core Training?

You have 3 months from the time you become an Assisted Living Facility Administrator and/or manager to complete the ALF Core Training. This includes taking training and passing the competency test.

According to DOEA, "Administrators who have attended ALF Core Training prior to July 1, 1997, and managers who attended ALF Core Training prior to April 20, 1998, shall not be required to take the competency test".
I am a licensed nursing home administrator. Do I need to take the ALF Core Training and the Competency Exam?

No, according to the Florida Statutes, you are exempt from this requirement. However, it is strongly recommended that you take the ALF Core Training so you will know the difference in regulations between an ALF and a SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility). This will make it easier for you to operate your ALF under ALF guidelines.

The Florida Rule states, "Administrators who have attended Core Training prior to July 1, 1997, and managers who attended the Core Training program prior to April 20, 1998, shall not be required to take the competency test. Administrators licensed as nursing home administrators in accordance with Part II of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, are exempt from this requirement."
I am a nurse, do I need to take the ALF Core Training and will I get nursing CE for it?

Yes, you must take ALF Core Training if you wish to work as an ALF Administrator.

Yes, valid Florida Nursing license holders will be awarded 26 Continuing Education credits upon completion of this course.

However once employed in an ALF, staff who provide direct care to residents, other than nurses, CNAs, or home health aides trained in accordance with Rule 59A-8.0095, F.A.C., must receive 3 hours of in-service training within 30 days of employment that covers resident behavior and needs and providing assistance with the activities of daily living.

A nurse shall be considered as having met the training requirement for First Aid. An emergency medical technician or paramedic currently certified under Part III of Chapter 401, F.S., shall be considered as having met the training requirements for both First Aid and CPR.

CE Home | General Information | Catalog | Locations | Registration