The Health Department Never Came” Is Not an Acceptable Answer

The Health Department Never Came” Is Not an Acceptable Answer
The Health Department Never Came” Is Not an Acceptable Answer

One of the most common responses facilities give when asked for inspection reports is:

“The Health Department never came out.”

This is not considered a valid excuse.

The responsibility does not fall on the Health Department to ensure inspections occur. The responsibility falls squarely on the facility.

Facilities are expected to:

  • Contact the Health Department 
  • Request inspections as required 
  • Follow up if inspections do not occur 
  • Maintain documentation showing compliance 

Waiting passively places the facility out of compliance.

Facility Responsibility Under 64E-12.004

Under this regulation, facilities must be proactive. This includes:

  • Knowing which Health Department oversees your facility 
  • Ensuring inspections are conducted 
  • Retaining inspection reports 
  • Keeping documentation readily available for AHCA review 

AHCA does not differentiate between oversight, misunderstanding, or inaction. If the documentation is missing, the facility is cited.

How This Deficiency Commonly Appears

This issue typically arises when:

  • Facilities assume inspections happen automatically 
  • Reports are never requested or followed up on 
  • Documentation is misplaced or not maintained 
  • Staff are unaware of where reports are kept 

From AHCA’s perspective, failure to produce inspection reports is a compliance failure, not an administrative oversight.

Best Practices to Stay Compliant ✅

  • Contact your local Health Department to confirm inspection status 
  • Request inspections when needed 
  • Keep reports in a clearly labeled compliance binder 
  • Maintain records of communication with the Health Department 
  • Ensure staff know where reports are stored 

Bottom Line

Health Department inspections are not optional, and lack of inspection is not an excuse. Under 64E-12.004, every assisted living facility is responsible for ensuring inspections occur and that documentation is available.

👉 Administrator Tip:

If AHCA walked in today and asked for your Health Department inspection report, could you produce it immediately?