There are many issues which must be sorted out before going into business. "First-timers" who are completely unaware of most of these requirements should get appropriate advice in order to avoid very problematic outcomes. It is imperative that you consider building a team and make use of specialty services while you are in the planning stages for your practice.

Moving to the accounting side of things, keeping records is a fundamental practice to any business. Keeping appropriate financial and taxation records are just as important as keeping good client records. You may want to contact Georgette Custer at 561-379-4687  custerg@bellsouth.net .  

Obtaining a good accountant or book-keeper prior to setting up a practice is essential. The Accountant should also balance Income and Expense Statements on a regular quarterly basis.

It's vital that you have a firm understanding of basic state and federal requirements which any business must observe. It's important for you to have a team of professionals in your corner to help maintain accountability.  

There are many questions which need to be asked prior to starting a business.

• Should I register a Business Name and if so, how do I do it?
• What type of licensure or accreditations do I need to open?
• How do I get a factious Name? Why?
• When do I need to consider Federal Trade name registration?
• Should I form a Profit, non-profit, INC or LLC?
• Should I register for a Federal Tax Business Number? If so, how?
• What kind of accounting format do I need?
• Am I required to register under Workplace Health and Safety Regulations?
• Do I need insurance (indemnity or other) and if so, what?
• What if I employ someone. What procedures must be observed?     

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator System
 http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov


Florida Statutes, Chapter 397 - Florida's Substance Abuse Law
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0397/ch0397.htm  

Let Silvernail Consultant Services help you reach your goals. www.SilvernailConsultantServices.com 561-642-3103 email us at SilvernailConsultantServices@gmail.com or DocSilvernail@aol.com 

Although the role of the Department of Children and Families as it relates to the regulation of batterer intervention programs will be eliminated on July 1, 2012, many requirements in current law remain the same.

County, state and referral sources are still strongly encouraged to follow standards and they  are asked to refer to only programs who can demonstrate meeting the state standards and have highly trained, qualified staff. Are you able to provide proof that your agency still adheres to the state recommended standards? You do not have the luxury to become complacent , remember we as providers have to demonstrate ethical compliance and quality efforts.  

• Programs shall be at least 29 weeks in length and include 24 weekly sessions, plus appropriate intake, assessment, and orientation programming
• Program content shall be based on psycho-educational model that addresses tactics of power and control by one person over another
• Offenders must pay the cost of attending the program to take responsibility for their acts of violence
• Programs shall be funded by user fees paid by the batterers
• Applicable only to programs that address the perpetration of violence between intimate partners, spouses, or those who share a child in common or who are cohabitants in intimate relationships for the purpose of exercising power and control by one over the other
• The court shall order a person found guilty of, has adjudication withheld on, or pleads nolo contendere to a crime of domestic violence to attend and successfully complete a batterer intervention program unless the court determines the person does not qualify and states on the record why the program is inappropriate
• It is preferred that the court send batterers to programs as specified in statute as listed above
• The court must provide to the batterer a list of batterer intervention programs from which the batterer must choose a program to attend

For further details of the legislation, please consult House Bill 7093 at: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=49024.  If you read the entire details it does not suggest at all the BIP Programs are no longer in effect. May of you out there have not stayed current with changes or requirements for our industry. Let's get out of the problem and into the solution!!!!  Maintain your programs, be accountable and provide the quality care to  individuals impacted by domestic violence. Your BIP Programs are still very much needed if you run a qualified, ethical best practice center.  I wish you much success and should you require our consultant services to build your business, expand your business or just staff development, fee free to give us a call.

• Strong PC skills including Excel, Word, Power Point and media marketing venue's
• Must have excellent verbal, written communication and editing skills
• Facilitate interoffice, client and vendor communications
• Availability to be "on-call" to meet executive needs, including using electronic communication devices to be reached while executive is overseas
• Knowledge of  new age tech equipment, software and applications
• Ability to interact professionally with senior management
• Event development and planing
• Must be self-motivated, team player, flexible and able to multi-task with attention to detail in fast paced environment