Florida's "Glitch Bill" Update: Training, Hours, and What It Means for Family Caregivers
Quick answer: Florida's "Glitch Bill" shapes the rules for the Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program: training drops to 76 hours, daily shifts can run up to 12 hours, and the weekly cap per patient is decreasing from 56 to 40 hours. Extra hours beyond 40/week are only approved during a documented agency-level nursing shortage, not by individual request.
If you're a family member or legal guardian caring for a medically fragile child and considering getting trained and paid to do it, you may have heard about a new Florida law nicknamed the "Glitch Bill." The name sounds intimidating, but it's worth understanding before you apply, since it directly shapes what the Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program looks like today. Here's what it means and how to find out if you qualify.
What Is the Florida Glitch Bill?
The Glitch Bill is a recent update to Florida's home care regulations. For families considering the Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program, it affects two things: how much training you'll need before you can start, and how your hours can be scheduled. Home Heart Florida helps family caregivers understand these rules and walk through enrollment step by step.
What Is the Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program?
The Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program allows eligible family members or legal guardians — such as parents or grandparents — of a medically fragile child who is eligible for skilled nursing under Florida Medicaid to become trained, paid caregivers for that child. It's important to understand what this program is designed to do: it's meant to bridge the gap in nursing care, not replace it. The program supports families in between or alongside skilled nursing services — it isn't a substitute for the nursing care your child's plan requires.
What the Glitch Bill Means for Your Application
1. Training: 76 Hours
Under the Glitch Bill, required caregiver training drops to 76 hours. This isn't a reduction in quality — it cuts redundant coursework while keeping the core clinical and safety training intact, so you can get certified and start getting paid for the care you're already providing sooner.
2. Daily Hours: Up to 12 Hours
The Glitch Bill raises the daily shift limit to 12 hours, up from the previous 8-hour cap. This gives you flexibility to structure your day around your child's needs — whether that means one longer shift or a schedule split across the week.
3. Weekly Hours: Reduced from 56 to 40 Per Patient
The weekly hour cap per patient is decreasing from 56 hours to 40 hours. So while the daily limit is going up, the total hours you can work caring for one child each week is going down. It's important to plan around this new 40-hour weekly maximum rather than the previous 56-hour cap.
Common Question: "Can I Just Ask for More Than 40 Hours a Week?"
One of the most common questions we hear from family caregivers considering the program is whether they can request extra hours beyond the 40-hour weekly cap. The short answer is yes, it's possible — but there's a process to it.
Under the Glitch Bill, families can request hours beyond 40 per week directly through their payer, and that request has to be made in partnership with your provider. Payers haven't yet released formal guidance on exactly how this workflow will operate, so some details are still being finalized. If you think you may need additional hours, reach out to us and we'll keep you updated as that guidance comes in.
This is also why it matters to work with an agency that will advocate on your behalf. Having a provider who understands the process and pushes for your family's needs makes a real difference when it comes to requesting additional hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida Glitch Bill? It's recent legislation affecting home care regulations, including caregiver training hours and daily/weekly shift limits under programs like the Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program.
How do I qualify for the FHHA (Family Caregiving) Program as a caregiver? To qualify, you must be a family member or legal guardian (e.g., parent, grandparent) of a child who is medically fragile and eligible for skilled nursing under Florida Medicaid. We'll confirm your child's status and help you navigate the application and training process from start to finish.
How many training hours do I need to become a paid family caregiver in Florida? Under the Glitch Bill, 76 hours of training, covering core clinical and safety skills.
How many hours can I work per day and per week? Up to 12 hours in a single day, with a weekly total capped at 40 hours.
Can I work more than 40 hours a week caring for my child? Only with payer approval Please work with your provider to submit your request.
Does this program replace my child's nursing care? No. The Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program is designed to bridge gaps in nursing care, not replace it.
How do I get started? Reach out to Home Heart Florida. We'll confirm your eligibility and guide you through training and enrollment from start to finish.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're already providing care for your child, you may be eligible to get trained and paid for that care through Home Heart Florida's Family Caregiver (FHHA) Program — and the Glitch Bill's updated training and scheduling rules make it easier than ever to apply.
Call or text us at 844-721-1433, or fill out our Caregiver Inquiry Form, today to see if you qualify and start the enrollment process.
This post is for informational purposes only. Eligibility and program details vary — contact our team for guidance specific to your situation.