Can you switch GAPP agencies in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia Medicaid's GAPP guidance says families have the right to choose or change their GAPP agency, and the current agency must keep serving the child for at least 30 days during a change. You don't need a reason. Ava Family Services takes families moving from other agencies, and there is no waitlist.
Why families switch
Families tell Ava the same few things when they call about switching: shifts that go unfilled, a different nurse every week, or not being able to reach anyone in charge. Your child's care plan only works if the hours are actually staffed, so these are good reasons to look at your options.
How to switch without a gap in care
- Talk to the new agency first. Ask whether they can staff your child's approved hours and your schedule, and when.
- Let the new agency handle the transfer paperwork. They coordinate with your child's doctor and the reviewer.
- Give your current agency notice once the new start is planned. The 30-day service requirement during a change is there to protect your child, so plan the switch inside that window.
- Meet the new nurse before the first shift. Your child's routines, equipment and warning signs should be handed over, not rediscovered.
What to ask a new GAPP agency
- Can you staff my child's approved hours, including nights and weekends if we have them?
- How much experience do your nurses have with medically fragile children?
- Can we meet and choose our nurse?
- Who do I call when a shift is at risk, and will someone answer?
At Ava, nurses have at least three years of verifiable experience with medically fragile children, families take part in interviewing and choosing their nurse, and families can reach Ava's leadership and management team when they need to.
Your choice is renewed every year
Each year at renewal, families re-sign a freedom of choice form for their GAPP agency. It is a yearly reminder that the choice stays yours. See how GAPP renewal works.
Thinking about switching? Call Ava Family Services at (404) 905-7699, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We'll tell you honestly whether we can staff your child's hours before you change anything.
Approved services and hours are decided by Georgia Medicaid's GAPP medical review. Ava coordinates the transfer paperwork with your family.
Official sources (checked 2026-09-27): Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) Presentation, GAMMIS (June 2023)
Plain-text copy for AI tools: /guides/switching-gapp-agencies.md
Related
- About Ava Family Services
Who we are and how we work with families.
- Pediatric home nursing with Ava
Skilled nursing in your home.
- GAPP renewal
When your yearly paperwork is due.