Understanding the Role of an ALF Administrator

The administrator of an assisted living facility (ALF) in Florida is responsible for the overall operation, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and maintaining high standards of resident care. This role requires specific qualifications, training, and ongoing education, as outlined in Rule 59A-36.011, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) and Section 429.52, Florida Statutes (F.S.). Administrators must be knowledgeable in facility management, resident rights, and emergency procedures to prepare for the State Competency Exam and effective ALF operation.

Minimum Requirements for an ALF Administrator

Administrators must meet educational and training standards to qualify for the position.

• “Administrators and managers must successfully complete the assisted living facility core training requirements within 3 months from the date of becoming a facility administrator or manager” (Rule 59A-36.011(3)(a), F.A.C.).
• “The agency, in conjunction with providers, shall develop core training requirements for administrators consisting of core training learning objectives, a competency test, and a minimum required score to indicate successful passage of the core competency test” (Section 429.52(3), F.S.).
• “The assisted living facility core training requirements established by the department pursuant to Section 429.52, F.S., shall consist of a minimum of 26 hours of training plus a competency test” (Rule 59A-36.011(1)(a), F.A.C.).
• “Administrators and managers must successfully complete the assisted living facility core training requirements within 3 months from the date of becoming a facility administrator or manager. Successful completion of the core training requirements includes passing the competency test. The minimum passing score for the competency test is 75%” (Rule 59A-36.011(1)(b), F.A.C.).
• “Administrators licensed as nursing home administrators in accordance with Chapter 468, Part II, F.S., are exempt from this requirement” (Rule 59A-36.011(1)(b), F.A.C.).

Core training consists of a minimum of 26 hours, covering topics such as state laws, resident rights, abuse reporting, special needs, nutrition, medication management, firesafety, and Alzheimer’s care (Section 429.52(3), F.S., and AHCA guidelines).

A high school diploma or GED is required, and the administrator must pass a competency test with a minimum score set by AHCA.

Exemptions apply for licensed professionals (e.g., nursing home administrators under Part II of Chapter 468, F.S.).

How to Maintain Administrator Credentials

Credentials must be maintained through continuing education to ensure ongoing competency.

• “Administrators are required to participate in continuing education for a minimum of 12 contact hours every 2 years” (Section 429.52(5), F.S.).
• “Administrators and managers must complete 12 hours of continuing education in topics related to assisted living every two years” (from AHCA PDF on ALF Administrator Training Requirement).

Continuing education topics include updates on laws, resident care, and facility management, provided by approved trainers.

• “A newly hired administrator or manager who has successfully completed the assisted living facility core training and continuing education requirements, shall not be required to retake the core training. 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” (Rule 59A-36.011(1)(d), F.A.C.).
• “The fees for the competency test shall not exceed $200.00. 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” (Rule 59A-36.011(1)(e), F.A.C.).

Failure to complete continuing education can result in administrative fines (Section 429.19, F.S.) or the need to retake core training and the competency test.

Administrator’s Responsibilities

The administrator oversees daily operations and ensures regulatory compliance.

• “The administrator shall be responsible for the overall operation of the facility and shall meet the minimum qualifications specified in Section 429.176, F.S., and subsection 59A-36.011(2), F.A.C.” (Rule 59A-36.011(1), F.A.C.).

Responsibilities include managing staff training, maintaining resident records, ensuring a homelike environment (Section 429.01, F.S.), handling emergencies (Rule 59A-36.025, F.A.C.), reporting abuse (Section 429.28, F.S.), and complying with inspections (Section 408.811, F.S.).

The administrator must ensure the facility operates within licensed capacity (Rule 59A-36.006, F.A.C.) and maintains safe temperatures (Section 464.4.2, Florida Building Code).

Case Study: Managing Sunset ALF