FAQ – Proof of Financial Ability to Operate

These FAQs will answer common questions regarding the Proof of Financial Ability to Operate.

  • It shows that your healthcare business has enough financial resources to cover expenses, pay staff, and operate safely. AHCA uses it to confirm you can stay open without running out of money.

  • It takes from three to four weeks from when you hire us to when the Proof of Financial Ability to Operate is ready to be filed along with your application. For Nurse Registries it takes less time. For more information please refer to this process flow. text goes here

  • Sure, but It depends on the questions being asked by AHCA. For example, if there are minor questions, then we can help within the 21 days. If the projection requires a redo, then I would have to review the 21 day letter and the previous filed application, before I can give you an answer.

  • Many out of state medical providers that do business in Florida, are under the incorrect belief that they are not required to have a HME license. This is not always correct.

  • For any business getting patients or customers is very important. In other words, its key. It’s great that you are thinking about it before you finalize your AHCA application.

    Patient sources include leveraging off your existing professional healthcare relationships with other healthcare entities and people that you know, i.e., doctors, hospitals, etc. and utilizing social media i.e., LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. while adhering to the marketing guidelines in Florida or your state. And finally, writing a well thought out and researched business plan will among other things, provide you with a plan to get patients. In addition, for you knowing how to get patients, AHCA is also interested in understanding your rationale for patient growth when you apply for a Healthcare license. This information is generally included in footnotes which are part of The Proof of Financial Ability to Operate. Click below to learn more about The Proof of Financial Ability to Operate.

  • No, physicians who seek to open a healthcare clinic do not need to submit The Proof of Financial Ability to Operate to AHCA. I recently was asked that question by a physician/owner and I provided her with the answer. She was nice to give me a review on Google. The Florida Statues require clinics that have non-physician owners that are not otherwise licensed to have a clinic license. For more information on this, please refer to the Florida Statues 400.9905.

  • A response and the required information requested in the Omission Notice is due no later than 21 calendar days from receipt of the Omission Notice(letter).

  • AHCA enables electronic submission of the initial application, streamlining the process for your convenience. You can simply upload the required files without the hassle of printing, document verification, or express mailing. This method is widely used for filing applications, and I recommend registering and getting acquainted with it. Click the link below to access the AHCA portal.

    https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-care-policy-and-oversight/online-licensure-information/online-licensing-systemItem description

  • Under the section Initial, Renewal, or Change of Ownership License Applications, Applicants and controlling interests who are nonimmigrant aliens, as described in Title 8 U.S.C. s. 1101(a) (15). must file a surety bond of at least $500,000, payable to the agency, which guarantees that the health care clinic will act in full conformity with all legal requirements for operation. A $500,000 bond must be obtained in compliance with s. 408.8065 (2).

  • Yes, all proof of funding documentation must be dated no later than 30 days prior to the date the application is received by AHCA. Previously, the proof of funding documentation required that the funding documentation be dated no later than ten (10) days prior to the date the application is received by AHCA

  • No, a CPA sign off is not required for a Nurse Registry or a Home Maker Companion. However, A CPA sign off is required for Home Health Agency ( HHA), Healthcare Clinic Home Medical Equipment provider and other types of healthcare facilities.

  • Background- The Instructions to Schedule 6, state that For initial applicants only, financial projections that project a year one operating margin (Schedule 6, Line 36 divided by Schedule 6, Line 1) or any monthly operating margin in year one of 15 percent or greater will be deemed unreasonable and the applicant will be found to have not met its proof of financial ability to operate”

     Solution - If your operating margin exceeds 15% of your net revenue, consider whether the revenue relates to a new business line, which could be a service line for a HHA’s or Healthcare Clinics  or a product line for Home Medical Equipment Providers. If it does, you can prepare projections specifically for that business line. For example, if the new business line represents 10% of your total revenue, adjust the projection to include only the P&L for that new business line (and don’t’ forget to record intercompany charges for overhead allocations). This approach may help reduce the likelihood of exceeding the 15% limitation and improve your chances of approval. Bear in mind, there are other solutions to resolve this problem and that the 15% limitation is not applicable to CHOW applicants and to Nurse Registries. For additional details, you can view my YouTube video or read the article.

  • am not a lawyer, but based on experience, cash-pay also known as private pay only healthcare clinics in Florida are not required to submit a Proof of Financial Ability to Operate. However, if you intend to receive reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or commercial insurance, you will need a Health Care Clinic License unless you qualify for an exemption under Florida law.

  • Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) requires HME and DME providers to submit a Proof of Financial Ability to Operate (PFA) before granting a license. The PFA must be prepared using GAAP-based financials to show that the provider can sustain operations, meet obligations, and meet the contingency and working capital requirements with adequate Proof of Funds. For a guide on what to include and how GAAP reporting impacts approval, read our full article here for HMEs and DMEs.

  • Yes, most new healthcare businesses need one, even if you’re starting small. The requirement depends on the license type, not the size of your business.

  • Yes, bank statements are the most common form of proof. They must be recent and show funds that meet AHCA’s requirements.

  • A business plan explains how you’ll run and grow your company. A PFA is a financial report prepared under specific AHCA rules to prove you can afford to operate.Projections like a Proof of Financial Ability to Operate are often included in a business plan.

  • Yes, in most cases a new owner must submit their own PFA. This is part of the Change of Ownership (CHOW) process with AHCA. On some occasions,applicants fail to file the Proof of Financial Ability to Operate

  • It is valid only for the license application it was filed with. If you apply for a new license or make ownership changes, you’ll need a new PFA.

  • No, the funds don’t need to be in a Florida bank. They just need to be accessible, verifiable, and meet AHCA’s documentation rules.

  • Your license application will most likely be denied. Filing a PFA is mandatory for most healthcare businesses applying with AHCA.

  • Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) requires that a Change of Ownership (CHOW) application be filed at least 60 days before the proposed closing date.

    You cannot close on the transaction or operate under the new ownership until AHCA has reviewed and approved the CHOW. If the application is submitted late (less than 60 days before closing), AHCA may impose fines or delay approval. The 60 days gives AHCA sufficient time to review your Application

  • Some nonprofits may qualify for an exemption, depending on the license type. You should confirm with AHCA or counsel before filing your application.

  • For initial applications and CHOWs, Change in Ownerships, click here for our three types of pricing text goes here

  • Yes , we have two great suggestions that should lower the fee.

    1. We can consult with your current accountant and they would issue the letter for your application.

    2. We can recommend another CPA firm and work with them.escription text goes here

Contact me 786-258-8464