Florida Statutes 397.401 – License required; penalty; injunction; rules waivers
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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(1) It is unlawful for any person or agency to act as a substance abuse service provider unless it is licensed or exempt from licensure under this chapter.
(2) A violation of subsection (1) is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) The department may maintain an action in circuit court to enjoin the unlawful operation of a substance abuse service provider if the department first gives the violator 14 days’ notice of its intent to maintain such action and the violator fails to apply for licensure within that 14-day period. If the department determines that the health, safety, and welfare of individuals are jeopardized, the department may move to enjoin the operation at any time during the 14-day period. If the service provider has already applied for licensure under this chapter and has been denied licensure, the department may move immediately to obtain an injunction.
(4) In accordance with this subsection, the department may waive rules adopted pursuant to this chapter in order to allow service providers to demonstrate and evaluate innovative or cost-effective substance abuse services alternatives. Rules waivers may be granted only in instances where there is reasonable assurance that the health, safety, or welfare of individuals will not be endangered. To apply for a rules waiver, the applicant must be a service provider licensed under this chapter and must submit to the department a written description of the concept to be demonstrated, including:
For details, see Fla. Stat. § 775.082(3)(e)
(a) Objectives and anticipated benefits.
Attorney's Note
Under the Florida Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Felony of the third degree | up to 5 years | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In Florida Statutes 397.401
- Court: means the court of legal jurisdiction in the context in which the term is used in this chapter. See Florida Statutes 397.311
- Department: means the Department of Children and Families. See Florida Statutes 397.311
- Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
- person: includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. See Florida Statutes 1.01
- provider: means a public agency, a private for-profit or not-for-profit agency, a person who is a private practitioner, or a hospital licensed under this chapter or exempt from licensure under this chapter. See Florida Statutes 397.311
- Substance abuse: means the misuse or abuse of, or dependence on alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications. See Florida Statutes 397.311
(b) The number and types of individuals who will be affected.
(c) A description of how the demonstration will be evaluated.
(d) Any other information requested by the department.
A service provider granted a rules waiver under this subsection must submit a detailed report of the results of its findings to the department within 12 months after receiving the rules waiver. Upon receiving and evaluating the detailed report, the department may renew or revoke the rules waiver or seek any regulatory or statutory changes necessary to allow other service providers to implement the same alternative service.
(5) The department shall allow a service provider in operation at the time of adoption of any rule a reasonable period, not to exceed 1 year, to bring itself into compliance with the rule.