Schedule

Monday, January 27

7:30-8:00 AM

Registration & Breakfast

Pick up your attendee materials and name badge at the registration desk, enjoy a continental breakfast, and take advantage of the opportunity to network with peers before the Certified Home Health 101 workshop kicks off.

8:00 AM-2:30 PM

Certified Home Health 101: Building a Foundation for Success*

This essential workshop is designed for new owners, administrators, directors of nursing, and clinical managers transitioning into leadership roles. Led by Patti Heid and Jessica Devine of the Home Care Association of Florida, this interactive session delves into clinical standards, regulatory compliance, and office operations. Attendees will gain practical tools and insights to confidently navigate their responsibilities and excel in their roles.

*Optional add-on; refer to registration fees for cost details based on membership status.

4:30-5:30 PM

Registration & Check-in

Arrive early to complete your registration process and collect your attendee materials, including your name badge and event packet. Our dedicated team will be available to assist with any questions and ensure a smooth and efficient check-in experience.

5:30-6:30 PM

Welcome Reception: Meet & Mingle

Join us for a casual networking reception with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. This is a great opportunity to make new connections, catch up with colleagues, and kick off the event in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tuesday, January 28

7:00-8:00 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

If you didn’t check in the day before, no worries! You can still pick up your attendee materials and name badge at registration. Meanwhile, enjoy a continental breakfast and take the opportunity to network with peers before the program begins.

8:00-8:50 AM

Regulatory Updates for Florida Home Care Providers

Start your day with Kimberly Smoak, MSH, QIDP, Deputy Secretary & State Survey Agency Director of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), for an essential update on regulatory changes affecting home care providers. This session will cover key updates to the background screening process for 2025 and 2026, the latest developments in the rulemaking process, and valuable insights into the evolving Hospital at Home model and its impact on home care agencies.

9:00-9:50 AM

Home Health Value-Based Purchasing: 2025 & Beyond

The Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model has undergone significant changes for 2025, and providers must be prepared to adapt. In this comprehensive session, Healthcare Provider Solutions Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Melinda Gaboury, COS-C, will take an in-depth look at the 2025 payment adjustments, which are based on 2023 performance outcomes. We’ll also review the latest insights from 2024 reports, helping you understand the key metrics driving payment adjustments and where your agency stands in comparison. This session will focus on practical strategies for improving performance, optimizing outcomes, and successfully navigating the evolving landscape of HHVBP. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to adjust operations, enhance quality measures, and position their agency for success under the new model in 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your home health agency is not only compliant but also thriving under the HHVBP program.

9:50-10:10 AM

Morning Networking Break

Take a break, grab some refreshments, and connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. Be sure to engage with our sponsors to increase your chances of winning exciting prizes during the end-of-day raffle!

10:10-11:00 AM

Medicare Policy Update: Legislative Changes and Advocacy in the New Administration

With the new administration freshly inaugurated, this Medicare-focused public policy panel will provide timely insights into the legislative priorities and policy shifts that are expected to impact home care providers. Our expert panel, led by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice's Calvin McDaniel, will discuss early actions taken by the new administration and Congress, as well as their potential implications for the home care industry. Attendees will also learn about key advocacy opportunities to engage with policymakers and shape the future of Medicare policy. As the health care landscape shifts under new leadership, this session will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate changes and effectively advocate for home care.

11:10 AM-12:00 PM

Storm-Proofing Home Care: Lessons Learned From Florida’s Hurricanes

In a state where hurricanes are an inevitable threat, preparation and response can make all the difference. Hear from Millennium Home Care Director of Homecare Compliance Maureen Albertson, DNP, RN, CHC, HCS-O, a seasoned home care leader who has weathered numerous storms and seen substantial improvements in her agency’s response, as well as in supplier coordination. Learn practical strategies to enhance your agency’s readiness, including key partnerships with coalitions, hospital networks, and emergency services. Discover how to manage power outages, communication breakdowns, and supply chain disruptions — plus how leveraging resources like a gas tanker and the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) portal can make a difference. Leave with actionable insights to ensure your agency is prepared for the next storm.

12:00-1:20 PM

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet while networking with industry professionals, speakers, and exhibitors.

1:20-2:10 PM

PLAI It Again, Sam: The Latest and Greatest in AI Advances for Home Health Agencies

Artificial Intelligence is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, with new companies entering the market and existing organizations doing exciting things to move AI forward. In this session, VisionBound International Senior Consultant Beau Sorensen will discuss what is being done right now for providers so that attendees can be prepared to take their agencies forward by saving both time and money in an increasingly challenging market.

2:20-3:10 PM

Bringing Comfort Home: Expand Services With Palliative Care

As more patients seek comfort-focused care, home care providers have an opportunity to expand their services by incorporating palliative care. In this session, Tidal Healthcare Consulting Founder and Chief Executive Officer Christina Crumbley, RN, MSN, HCS-D, HCS-O, will guide attendees through the process of integrating palliative care services within your agency’s existing license and operations. Learn about the certification standards, essential program components, and how to navigate the regulatory requirements. Whether you’re new to palliative care or looking to enhance your service offerings, this session will provide actionable steps and insights to help you provide holistic, patient-centered care that meets the growing needs of your community.

3:10-3:30 PM

Afternoon Networking Break

Refresh, recharge, and reconnect with colleagues, speakers, and sponsors. Be sure to engage with our sponsors to increase your chances of winning exciting prizes during the end-of-day raffle!

3:30-4:20 PM

Navigating CPILs, RCD, and Medical Review: Avoiding Top Denials and Non-Affirmations in Florida

Join Palmetto GBA's Elizabeth Brogdon and Michael Bibbins for an in-depth look at the latest Claims Processing Issues Log (CPIL) and hot topics in Review Choice Demonstration (RCD). This session will also cover the most common medical review denials and non-affirmations in Florida, with a focus on homebound status and medical necessity as key challenges. Learn how to avoid these top issues and ensure compliance. Gain valuable insights and strategies to reduce denials and improve patient outcomes in Medicare-certified home care.

4:20-4:30 PM

Raffle Drawing & Warm Up Wrap Up

HCAF Executive Director Denise Bellville wraps up the day’s sessions, highlighting key takeaways and insights. Stick around for the raffle drawing for a chance to win prizes!