Common questions about our Florida nurse registry and how we work.
A nurse registry is a Florida-licensed business that refers credentialed, independently licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and companions to clients who need care at home. The registry vets each contractor, coordinates the placement, and handles client billing. The contractor provides the actual care.
A home health agency directly employs caregivers, supervises their clinical work, maintains the patient's medical record, and provides care under a single corporate identity. A nurse registry refers independent contractors who work in their own professional capacity. With a registry, you typically have more transparency about who is coming to your home, more flexibility in scheduling and choosing among available contractors, and often a lower cost because there is less overhead. With an agency, you have the convenience of a single point of clinical management. Both models are regulated by AHCA. We are a nurse registry.
Most nurse-registry services are private-pay or covered by long-term care insurance. Florida nurse registries are not Medicare-certified for traditional skilled home health services — that's the home health agency model. We may be able to bill specialty pharmacies directly for infusion-related R.N. visits made under a pharmacy contract. We can discuss payment options when you contact us.
Private pay (credit card on file, ACH, or check), long-term care insurance (we can help you understand your benefits), VA Aid and Attendance benefits where applicable, and direct invoicing to contracting specialty pharmacies and physician practices.
Every contractor we refer completes Level 2 background screening through the Florida AHCA Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, license verification with the Florida Department of Health, OIG and SAM exclusion checks, professional references, skills competency review, current BLS (ACLS and PALS where applicable), TB screening, and proof of personal auto insurance if driving to assignments. We re-verify all credentials at least annually.
For most non-urgent referrals, we can typically place a qualified contractor within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the discipline, location, and shift needs. Urgent same-day placements are sometimes possible, especially for our pharmacy partners. Call us and we will give you an honest estimate.
Tell us. The advantage of the registry model is that you have a choice. If the match isn't right, contact the Administrator and we will work with you to identify a different qualified contractor.
Registered Nurses (including infusion-specialty RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, and Homemaker Companions.
AHCA Region 8 — Charlotte, Lee, Collier, and Sarasota counties. We serve Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Venice, Sarasota, North Port, and the surrounding communities.
Yes — we use a short client service agreement that confirms the services requested, the rates charged, the start date, the cancellation policy, and your Patient Bill of Rights. There is no long-term commitment; you can terminate at any time, subject to the cancellation policy in the agreement.
Rates depend on the discipline, complexity, geographic location, and shift type. We provide a clear written quote before services begin. We do not charge for an initial consultation. Differentials (evening, overnight, weekend, holiday) apply where required by your scheduling needs.
Clinical contractors (RN, LPN, CNA, HHA) are required to carry professional liability (malpractice) insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate. We confirm coverage as part of credentialing.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For after-hours non-emergency concerns related to a placement, our on-call coverage line is available; the number is provided in your client packet at the start of services.
Call the Administrator at (941) 248-3816 or email [email protected]. If your concern isn't resolved, you have the right to file a complaint with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration at 1-888-419-3456 or online at apps.ahca.myflorida.com/hcfc. We do not retaliate against any person for filing a complaint.
Yes. Gulfside Living Healthcare Services, LLC complies with HIPAA and Florida privacy laws. We share only the minimum information necessary to coordinate your care with the contractor we refer to you. See our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for details.