License required; fee; application.

(1) The requirements of part II of chapter 408 apply to the provision of services that require licensure pursuant to this part and part II of chapter 408 and to entities licensed by or applying for licensure from the agency pursuant to this part. A license issued by the agency is required for the operation of a transitional living facility in this state. However, this part does not require a provider licensed by the agency to obtain a separate transitional living facility license to serve persons who have brain or spinal cord injuries as long as the services provided are within the scope of the provider’s license.

(2) In accordance with this part, an applicant or a licensee shall pay a fee for each license application submitted under this part. The license fee shall consist of a $4,588 license fee and a $90 per-bed fee per biennium and shall conform to the annual adjustment authorized in s. 408.805.

(3) An applicant for licensure must provide:

(a) The location of the facility for which the license is sought and documentation, signed by the appropriate local government official, which states that the applicant has met local zoning requirements.

(b) Proof of liability insurance as provided in s. 624.605(1)(b).

(c) Proof of compliance with local zoning requirements, including compliance with the requirements of chapter 419 if the proposed facility is a community residential home.

(d) Proof that the facility has received a satisfactory firesafety inspection.

(e) Documentation that the facility has received a satisfactory sanitation inspection by the county health department.

(4) The applicant’s proposed facility must attain and continuously maintain accreditation by an accrediting organization that specializes in evaluating rehabilitation facilities whose standards incorporate licensure regulations comparable to those required by the state. An applicant for licensure as a transitional living facility must acquire accreditation within 12 months after issuance of an initial license. The agency shall accept the accreditation survey report of the accrediting organization in lieu of conducting a licensure inspection if the standards included in the survey report are determined by the agency to document that the facility substantially complies with state licensure requirements. Within 10 days after receiving the accreditation survey report, the applicant shall submit to the agency a copy of the report and evidence of the accreditation decision as a result of the report. The agency may conduct an inspection of a transitional living facility to ensure compliance with the licensure requirements of this part, to validate the inspection process of the accrediting organization, to respond to licensure complaints, or to protect the public health and safety.