Missing This Simple Step Will Violate 59A-36.011: Elopement Policy Must-Knows

Missing This Simple Step Will Violate 59A-36.011: Elopement Policy Must-Knows
Missing This Simple Step Will Violate 59A-36.011: Elopement Policy Must-Knows

 

If you’re running an assisted living facility in Florida, there’s one often-overlooked requirement that could easily result in a citation during your next AHCA inspection:

Providing every staff member with a copy of your facility’s elopement policy—and documenting it.

Let’s look at exactly what the regulation says:

59A-36.011 Staff Training Requirements and Competency Test
(3) STAFF IN-SERVICE TRAINING
(f) All facility staff shall receive in-service training regarding the facility’s resident elopement response policies and procedures within thirty (30) days of employment.

  1. All facility staff shall be provided with a copy of the facility’s resident elopement response policies and procedures.

It doesn’t get any clearer than that—every employee must receive both training and a physical copy of your elopement response procedures.

But here’s where I see facilities drop the ball:

  • They talk about the policy in orientation…
  • They train staff on the procedures…
  • But they never give the policy in writing or fail to get a signature confirming receipt.

This One Step Can Protect Your Facility

To stay compliant (and avoid costly deficiencies), your facility should:

  1. Hand every staff member a copy of your elopement response policy within their first 30 days.
  2. Get a signed acknowledgment form confirming they received it—and file that in their employee file.
  3. Document in-service training on elopement response clearly and consistently.

This shows AHCA you’re not just talking the talk—you’re protecting your residents, your team, and your license.

Take It a Step Further: Train Staff Beyond the Bare Minimum

Even though the regulation doesn’t require it, I always recommend facilities go a step further:

  • Provide a short annual refresher training on elopement procedures.
  • Use real-life scenarios to test staff knowledge.
  • Run surprise drills to assess preparedness.

Elopement is one of the most serious risks in assisted living. And the best defense is a well-trained, well-informed team.

Final Word

Compliance with 59A-36.011 isn’t about jumping through regulatory hoops. It’s about building a safer environment and protecting the lives entrusted to your care.

So take 10 minutes today—review your process, print out your elopement policy, and make sure every staff file has the signature to back it up.