GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES INC
S-8, 2000-03-27
HELP SUPPLY SERVICES
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     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2000
                                                 Registration No. 333-88663
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                               -------------------

                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
                             ON FORM S-8 TO FORM S-4
             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               -------------------

                          GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                  11-345104
(State or other jurisdiction of          (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
175 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, New York                  11747
 (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
                             WITH OLSTEN CORPORATION
                  (as assumed by Gentiva Health Services, Inc.)
             GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC. 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
        GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC. STOCK & DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                           FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
           GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                            (Full title of the plans)
                               -------------------

                             Edward A. Blechschmidt
                          Gentiva Health Services, Inc.
                              175 Broad Hollow Road
                            Melville, New York 11747
                     (Name and address of agent for service)
                                 (631) 844-7800
          (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

                                 With copies to:

                              Kenneth W. Orce, Esq.
                             Cahill Gordon & Reindel
                                 80 Pine Street
                            New York, New York 10005
                               -------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================================================
 Title of Securities to      Amount to be        Proposed Maximum          Proposed Maximum          Amount of
    be Registered (1)       Registered (2)      Offering Price Per        Aggregate Offering        Registration
                                                    Share (3)                 Price (3)                 Fee
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common stock, par value
<S>                           <C>                     <C>                   <C>                      <C>
$.10 per share, of            8,085,693               $5.88                 $47,543,874.84           $12,551.58
Gentiva Health Services,
Inc.
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) This registration statement also pertains to rights ("Rights") to purchase
series A participating preferred stock of Gentiva Health Services, Inc.
("Gentiva"). The Rights are attached to and will be issued with each share of
common stock, par value $.10 per share, of Gentiva (the "Common Stock"). Until
the occurrence of certain prescribed events, the Rights are not exercisable, are
evidenced by the certificates or the Common Stock and will be transferred


<PAGE>

along with and only with the Common Stock. Thereafter, separate Rights
certificates will be issued representing one Right for each share of Common
Stock held, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions. In
addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be
offered or sold pursuant to the Gentiva Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for
Non-Employee Directors and the Gentiva Employee Stock Purchase Plan, each
described herein.

(2) 8,085,693, the difference between (a) 9,862,430, the sum of (i) 3,512,430
the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options issued
under stock option plans of Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Olsten") the former corporate parent of Gentiva, which options were converted
into options to purchase Common Stock pursuant to the split-off of Gentiva from
Olsten (the "Split-Off"), which Split-Off was consummated on March 15, 2000,
(ii) 5,000,000, the number of shares of common stock issuable under the 1999
Stock Incentive Plan, (iii) 150,000, the number of shares of common stock
issuable under the Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
and (iv) 1,200,000, the number of shares of common stock issuable under the
Employee Stock Purchase Plan and (b) 1,776,737, the difference between (i)
22,122,152, the number of shares of Common Stock registered on the registration
statement on Form S-4 (333-88663) with respect to the Split-Off and (ii)
20,345,415, the number of shares of Common Stock actually issued to stockholders
of Olsten in the Split-Off. In addition, pursuant to Rule 416, this registration
statement will cover such indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock that
may be issued in respect of stock splits, stock dividends and similar
transactions.

(3) Estimated solely for the purposes of computing the amount of the
registration fee under Rules 457(c) and (h) of the Securities Act of 1933 based
on the average of the high and low prices of the common stock reported in the
consolidated reporting system by The Nasdaq Stock Market as of March 20, 2000.

================================================================================


<PAGE>


                             Introductory Statement

     Gentiva Health Services, Inc. ("Gentiva" or the "Registrant") hereby amends
its Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-88663) by filing this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") relating to the sale of shares of common stock, par value $.10 per
share, of Gentiva (the "Common Stock") issuable in connection with options,
shares or rights to acquire shares, granted or to be granted (a) under the
following plans of Gentiva: 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and Stock & Deferred
Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(collectively, the "Plans") and (b) under certain plans of Olsten Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Olsten"), as described in the next paragraph.

     Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), as
amended, dated as of August 17, 1999, by and among Adecco SA ("Adecco"),
Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco, and
Olsten, of which Gentiva was a wholly-owned subsidiary, on March 15, 2000,
Olsten merged into Staffing Acquisition Corporation (the "Merger"), with Olsten
becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco after the Merger and with all of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock being split off to Olsten stockholders
(the "Split-Off"), at which time Gentiva became an independent public
corporation. Outstanding options granted pursuant to Olsten's stock option plans
prior to the Split-Off to persons who have become Gentiva's employees after the
Split-Off have been converted into options to purchase Common Stock, subject to
appropriate adjustments to the number of shares subject to the option and the
exercise price thereof and Gentiva has assumed Olsten's obligations under the
stock option agreements governing such options. Each outstanding option is
otherwise exercisable upon the same terms and conditions as were applicable
immediately prior to the Split-Off.



<PAGE>



                                     PART I.

Item 1.  Plan Information.

         Omitted pursuant to the instructions and provisions of Form S-8.

Item 2.  Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.

         Omitted pursuant to the instructions and provisions of Form S-8.












                                      I-1
<PAGE>


          PART II. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT.

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

     The following documents filed by Gentiva with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") are hereby incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement:

          (1)  Gentiva's prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) dated February
               9, 2000; and

          (2)  Gentiva's registration statement on Form 8-A, filed on February
               4, 2000.

     All documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that
all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then
remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         None.

ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

     Gentiva is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Sections
102 and 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or Delaware code, set forth
the conditions and limitations governing the indemnification of officers,
directors and other persons by Delaware corporations.

     Generally, section 145 of the Delaware code provides that a Delaware
corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding (except
actions by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation
against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually
and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and,
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. In addition, a Delaware corporation may
similarly indemnify such person for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by
him or her in connection with the defense or settlement of any action or suit by
or in the right of the corporation, provided such person acted in good faith and
in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the
corporation, and, in the case of claims, issues and matters as to which such
person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, provided that the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or
suit was brought shall have determined upon application, that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which such court shall deem proper. To the extent that a present or former
director or officer of a Delaware corporation has been successful on the merits
or otherwise in


<PAGE>

defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any
claim issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

     Generally, section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware code provides that the
certificate of incorporation of a Delaware corporation may contain provisions
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to a corporation or
its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director; provided that such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability
of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for act or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, (iii) under
section 174 of Title VIII, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. No such provision may eliminate or limit
the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date
which such provisions becomes effective.

     Section 145 of the Delaware code provides that a Delaware corporation shall
have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against any
liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such
capacity, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the
corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against the same
pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware code.

     Gentiva's certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide for
indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities and expenses incurred
in defending actions brought against them in such capacities. Gentiva's bylaws
provide that Gentiva shall indemnify directors and officers of Gentiva to the
maximum extent now or hereafter permitted by law, and may indemnify employees
and agents of Gentiva to the extent required by law and may, as authorized
hereafter by the board of directors, provide further indemnification to
employees and agents of Gentiva to the maximum extent now or hereafter permitted
by law.

     Gentiva maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance covering all
directors and officers of Gentiva against claims arising out of the performance
of their duties.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.

     The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Registration Statement:

     4.1  Gentiva Health Services, Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.

     4.2  Gentiva Health Services, Inc. Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for
          Non-Employee Directors (as Amended and Restated on April 1, 2000).

     4.3  Gentiva Health Services, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
          (incorporated herein by reference to Annex I to the proxy
          statement/prospectus contained in Gentiva's registration
          statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-88663)(the "Gentiva S-4")).

     4.4  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by
          reference to the Gentiva S-4).

     4.5  Restated By-Laws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to the
          Gentiva S-4).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

     4.6  Specimen of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to the Gentiva
          S-4).

     4.7  Form of Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating
          Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to the Gentiva S-4).

     4.8  Form of Certificate of Designation of Series A Cumulative Non-Voting
          Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to the Gentiva
          S-4).

     5    Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel regarding legality of securities
          being registered.

     23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

     23.2 Consent of Cahill Gordon & Reindel (opinion filed as Exhibit 5).

     24   Powers of Attorney from Directors (reference is made to the Signatures
          contained herein).

ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

          (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
               made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
               (i) to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
               Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"); (ii)
               to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
               the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
               recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
               in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
               information set forth in the registration statement.
               Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume
               of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities
               offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
               deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum
               offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
               with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,
               the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change
               in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
               "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
               registration statement; (iii) to include any material information
               with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed
               in the registration statement or any material change to such
               information in the registration statement; provided, however,
               that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
               information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
               by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
               registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
               Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the
               registration statement.

          (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
               Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall
               be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
               securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
               at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
               thereof.

          (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
               amendment any of the securities being registered which remain
               unsold at the termination of the offering.

          (4)  That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
               Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual
               report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

               the Exchange Act and each filing of each Plan's annual report
               pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
               incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
               deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
               securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
               at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
               thereof.

          (5)  To submit the Plans and any amendment thereto to the Internal
               Revenue Service in a timely manner and make all changes required
               by the Internal Revenue Service in order to qualify the Plans.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

     The Registrant. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Melville, State of New York, on March 27, 2000.

                                GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC.


                                By:   /s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                       Edward A. Blechschmidt
                                       President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                         Chairman of the Board of Directors


     Each person whose individual signature appears below hereby authorizes
Edward A. Blechschmidt as attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to
execute in the name and on behalf of such person, individually and in each
capacity stated below, and to file, any and all amendments to this registration
statement, including any and all post-effective amendments.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the 27th day of March, 2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Signature                                        Title                               Date


<S>                                               <C>                                         <C>
/s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt                        President, Chief Executive Officer and      March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------            Chairman of the Board of Directors
         Edward A. Blechschmidt

/s/ John J. Collura                                     Executive Vice President,             March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------          Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
             John J. Collura

/s/ Victor F. Ganzi                                              Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
             Victor F. Ganzi

/s/ Steven E. Grabowski                                          Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
           Steven E. Grabowski

/s/ Stuart R. Levine                                             Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
            Stuart R. Levine

/s/ Stuart Olsten                                                Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
              Stuart Olsten

/s/ Raymond S. Troubh                                            Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
            Raymond S. Troubh

                                                                 Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
             Josh S. Weston

/s/ Gail Wilensky                                                Director                     March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
            Dr. Gail Wilensky

</TABLE>
                                      -5-

<PAGE>


     Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
the members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the
Registrant's board of directors, as the trustees under the Registrant's Stock &
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Employee Stock
Purchase Plan duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized in the City of Melville, State of
New York, on March 27, 2000.

                             GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC. STOCK &
                              DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR
                              NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

                             GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC. EMPLOYEE
                              STOCK PURCHASE PLAN


                             By:  /s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt
                                  ----------------------------------------
                                  Edward A. Blechschmidt
                                  Attorney-in-Fact

     Each person whose individual signature appears below hereby authorizes
Edward A. Blechschmidt as attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to
execute in the name and on behalf of such person, individually and in each
capacity stated below, and to file, any and all amendments to this registration
statement, including any and all post-effective amendments.

                 Signature                         Title            Date
                 ---------                         -----            ----

/s/ Stuart R. Levine                              Trustee       March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
            Stuart R. Levine

/s/ Raymond S. Troubh                             Trustee       March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
            Raymond S. Troubh

                                                  Trustee       March 27, 2000
- ----------------------------------------
             Josh S. Weston




                                      -6-




                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                          GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
                            1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

     1. Purpose.

     The purpose of the Gentiva Health Services, Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Plan"), is to enable Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (the "Company") and
Related Companies (as defined below) to attract and retain employees, Directors
(as defined below) and Consultants (as defined below) who contribute to the
Company's success by their ability, ingenuity and industry, and to enable such
employees, Directors and Consultants to participate in the long-term success and
growth of the Company by giving them an equity interest in the Company. For
purposes of the Plan, a "Related Company" means any corporation, partnership,
joint venture or other entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly,
at least a 20% beneficial ownership interest.

     2. Types of Awards.

     Awards under the Plan may be in the form of (i) incentive stock options
("Incentive Stock Options") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (hereinafter, including applicable regulations
thereunder, the "Code") or any successor provisions thereto, and (ii) options
that do not qualify as Incentive Stock Options ("Non-Qualified Stock Options")
(collectively, "Stock Options").

     3. Administration.

     3.1 The Plan shall be administered by a committee (the "Committee") of the
Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") consisting of not less than two
"non-employee directors" (as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") or any successor rule) who,
to the extent required to satisfy the exception for performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, are also "outside directors"
(within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code). The members of the Committee
shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.

     3.2 The Committee shall have the authority to grant awards to eligible
employees, Directors and Consultants under the Plan; to adopt, alter and repeal
such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it
shall deem advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any
award granted under the Plan; and to otherwise supervise the administration of
the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee's authority shall
include, but not be limited to, the authority:

          (a) to determine whether and to what extent any award will be granted
     hereunder;

          (b) to select the employees, Directors and Consultants to whom awards
     will be granted;


<PAGE>


          (c) to determine the number of shares of the common stock, par value
     $.10 per share of the Company (the "Common Stock") to be covered by each
     award granted hereunder; provided, however, that no more than 300,000
     shares (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3 herein) may be
     awarded under the Plan to any employee, Director or Consultant in any
     calendar year;

          (d) to determine the form and the terms and conditions of any award
     granted hereunder, including, but not limited to, any restrictions based on
     performance and such other factors as the Committee may determine, and to
     determine whether the terms and conditions of the award are satisfied;

          (e) to determine pursuant to a formula or otherwise the fair market
     value of the Common Stock on a given date; provided, however, that if the
     Committee fails to make such a determination, fair market value shall mean
     the closing sale price of the Common Stock on the principal stock exchange
     or stock market on which the Common Stock may be listed or admitted to
     trading on a given date;

          (f) to amend the terms of any award, prospectively or retroactively;
     provided, however, that no amendment shall impair the rights of the award
     holder without his or her consent; and

          (g) to substitute new Stock Options for previously granted Stock
     Options, or for options granted under other plans, in each case including
     previously granted options having higher option prices.

     3.3 All determinations made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of
the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Company and
Plan participants.

     3.4 The Committee may delegate to officers or managers of the Company or
any Related Company the authority, subject to such terms as the Committee shall
determine, to perform administrative functions and, with respect to awards
granted to persons not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, to perform
such other functions (including making awards hereunder) as the Committee may
determine, to the extent permitted under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act (if
applicable) and applicable law. Without limiting the foregoing, unless otherwise
determined by the Committee, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, in
consultation with the head of the Company's Human Resources Department, may make
awards of Stock Options to newly hired employees and recently promoted employees
who, in either case, are not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act;
provided, however, that the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to
any such Stock Option shall be 10,000 shares (subject to adjustment as provided
in Section 4.3 below).



                                      -2-
<PAGE>

     4. Stock Subject to Plan.

     4.1 The total number of shares of Common Stock reserved and available for
distribution under the Plan shall be 5,000,000 (subject to adjustment as
provided in Section 4.3 below). Such shares may consist of authorized but
unissued shares or treasury shares.

     4.2 To the extent an option terminates without having been exercised, the
shares subject to such award shall again be available for distribution in
connection with future awards under the Plan.

     4.3 In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, sale of
substantially all assets, recapitalization, Common Stock dividend, Common Stock
split, spin-off, split-up, split-off, distribution of assets or other change in
corporation structure affecting the Common Stock, a substitution or adjustment,
as may be determined to be appropriate by the Committee in its sole discretion,
shall be made in the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the
Plan, the number of shares available for any individual awards, the number and
kind of shares, other securities or other consideration subject to outstanding
awards and the exercise price to be paid by employees, Directors and Consultants
with respect to outstanding awards; provided, however, that no such adjustment
shall increase the aggregate value of any outstanding award.

     5. Eligibility.

     Officers and other employees of the Company or a Related Company, members
of the Board who are not employees of the Company or a Related Company
("Directors"), and Consultants to the Company or a Related Company are eligible
to be granted awards under the Plan; provided, however, that, to the extent
required under Section 422 of the Code, Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to officers and other employees of the Company or any subsidiary
corporation in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, stock having 50%
or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, within the
meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code. For purposes hereof, "Consultant" means
an individual who furnishes services to the Company or a Related Company and (i)
is neither an employee of the Company or any Related Company nor a Director and
(ii) in the determination of the Committee, has made a significant contribution
to the growth and development of the Company.

     The participants under the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the
Committee, in its sole discretion, from among those eligible.

     6. Terms of Stock Options.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>

     6.1 Option Price. The option price per share of Common Stock purchasable
under a Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however,
that the option price of Non-Qualified Stock Options shall not be less than 85%,
and the option price of Incentive Stock Options shall not be less than 100%, of
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of award of each such
Stock Option.

     6.2 Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be ten years from the
date of grant thereof, unless a shorter term is provided for by the Committee at
the time of grant, subject to earlier termination as provided in Sections 6.7
and 6.8 hereof.

     6.3 Exercisability. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee at the
time of grant, or as provided in Section 9 hereof, (i) Stock Options granted to
employees of the Company or a Related Company shall vest and be first
exercisable in annual installments of 25% of the shares originally subject
thereto, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant of the Stock
Option, and an additional 25% of such shares each year thereafter, (ii) Stock
Options granted to Directors shall vest and become first exercisable one year
after the date of grant, and (iii) Stock Options granted to Consultants of the
Company or a Related Company shall vest and become first exercisable no earlier
than six months nor later than five years from the date of grant, as determined
by the Committee. The Committee may accelerate an exercise date of any Stock
Option or otherwise waive the installment exercise provisions at any time
(including at time of grant) in whole or in part. Except as provided in Section
6.7 and 6.8 or otherwise determined by the Committee at any time (including at
the time of grant), a Stock Option shall not be exercisable unless the optionee
is an employee of the Company or a Related Company, or is a Director of the
Company or Consultant to the Company or a Related Company, at the time of
exercise.

     6.4 Method of Exercise. Stock Options may be exercised in whole or in part
at any time during the option term by giving written notice of exercise to the
Company specifying the number of shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment
of the option price. Payment of the option price shall be made in cash or cash
equivalents or, if permitted by the Committee (either in the option agreement or
at the time of exercise), by delivery of shares of Common Stock already owned by
the optionee or withholding of shares subject to awards hereunder (in each case,
such shares having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the
aggregate option price), or in any other manner permitted by law and as
determined by the Committee, or any combination of the foregoing.

     6.5 No Shareholder Rights. An optionee shall have neither rights to
dividends or other rights of a shareholder with respect to shares subject to a
Stock Option until the optionee has given written notice of exercise and has
paid for such shares.

     6.6 Non-transferability. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee,
(i) no Stock Option shall be transferable by the optionee other than by will or
by



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

the laws of descent and distribution, and (ii) during the optionee's lifetime,
all Stock Options shall be exercisable only by the optionee.

     6.7 Effect of Termination of Employment Under Certain Circumstances. If an
optionee who is an employee of the Company or a Related Company ceases to be so
employed, for any reason other than death, retirement, or permanent disability,
any Stock Option held by such optionee under the Plan shall terminate 90 days
after termination of employment. If any such optionee ceases to be an employee
of the Company or a Related Company, by reason of retirement (at age 55 or later
with ten or more years of service, at age 62 or later with five or more years of
service, at age 65 or later, or at such other age as the Committee may
determine) or permanent disability, any Stock Option held by such optionee may
be exercised, to the extent exercisable on the day preceding the date of such
cessation of employment, at any time within one year after such cessation of
employment, at the end of which period the Stock Option shall terminate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee in its sole discretion may provide,
at the time of grant or otherwise, for different rules to apply to the
exercisability of Stock Options held by an optionee at the time of each
optionee's cessation of employment. In no event shall a Stock Option be
exercised after the expiration of the term thereof.

     6.8 Death of Employee Optionees. If an optionee dies while an employee of
the Company or a Related Company, or within one year after the optionee has
ceased to be an employee by reason of retirement, or by reason of such
optionee's permanent disability, such Stock Option may be exercised, to the
extent exercisable on the day preceding the date such optionee ceases to be an
employee by the estate of such deceased optionee, or by a person or persons who
acquire the right to exercise such option by bequest or inheritance or by reason
of the death of such optionee, at any time within one year after such optionee's
death, or within such shorter period of time as shall be prescribed in the
option agreement, at the end of which period such Stock Option shall terminate.
In no event shall a Stock Option be exercised after the expiration of the term
thereof.

     6.9 Termination of Director and Consultant Options. Unless otherwise
provided by the Committee at the time of grant or otherwise, Stock Options
granted to Directors and Consultants shall be subject to the following events of
termination:

          (a) in the event a Director is removed from the Board, all unexercised
     Stock Options held by such Director on the date of such removal (whether or
     not vested) shall expire immediately;

          (b) in the event a Director ceases to be a member of the Board, other
     than by reason of removal, all unexercised Stock Options held by such
     Director at the time the Director ceases to be a member of the Board shall
     expire, unless vested, and if vested must be exercised within one year of
     the Director's last day as a member of the Board; and



                                      -5-
<PAGE>

          (c) in the event a Consultant no longer furnishes services to the
     Company or a Related Company, all unexercised Stock Options held by such
     Consultant at the time such Consultant ceases to furnish such services
     shall expire, unless vested, and if vested must be exercised within ninety
     (90) days of the time such Consultant so ceases to furnish services to the
     Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Stock Option be exercised
after the expiration of the term thereof.

     7. Tax Withholding.

     7.1 Each optionee shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an
award first becomes includible in the optionee's gross income for applicable tax
purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee
regarding payment of, any federal, state, local or other taxes of any kind
required by law to be withheld with respect to the award. The obligations of the
Company under the Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements, and
the Company (and, where applicable, any Related Company), shall to the extent
permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of
any kind otherwise due to the optionee.

     7.2 To the extent permitted by the Committee, and subject to such terms and
conditions as the Committee may provide, an optionee may elect to have the
withholding tax obligation, or any additional tax obligation with respect to any
awards hereunder, satisfied by (i) having the Company withhold shares of Common
Stock (at its fair market value) otherwise deliverable to the optionee with
respect to the award, or (ii) delivering to the Company shares of Common Stock
(at its fair market value) already owned by the optionee.

     8. Amendments and Termination.

     The Plan shall terminate on November 11, 2009, and no Stock Option shall be
awarded under the Plan on or after such date. The Board may discontinue the Plan
at any time and may amend it from time to time. No amendment or discontinuation
of the Plan shall adversely affect any award previously granted without the
written consent of the employee, non-employee director or Consultant. Amendments
may be made without shareholder approval except as required to satisfy Section
162(m) of the Code or, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, Section 422 of
the Code.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>

     9. Change of Control.

     9.1 In the event of a Change of Control, unless otherwise determined by the
Committee at the time of grant or by amendment (with the holder's consent) of
such grant, all outstanding Stock Options awarded under the Plan shall become
fully exercisable and vested.

     9.2 A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to occur on the date that any of
the following events occur:

          (a) any person or persons acting together which would constitute a
     "group" for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the
     Company or any subsidiary and other than Permitted Holders) shall
     beneficially own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly
     or indirectly, at least 25% of the total voting power of all classes of
     capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
     the Board;

          (b) either (i) Current Directors (as herein defined) shall cease for
     any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board
     (for these purposes, a "Current Director" shall mean any member of the
     Board as of the effective date of the Plan, and any successor of a Current
     Director whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's
     shareholders, was approved by at least two-thirds of the Current Directors
     then on the Board) or (ii) at any meeting of the shareholders of the
     Company called for the purpose of electing directors, a majority of the
     persons nominated by the Board for election as directors shall fail to be
     elected;

          (c) consummation of (i) a plan of complete liquidation of the Company,
     or (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Company (A) in which the Company
     is not the continuing or surviving corporation (other than a consolidation
     or merger with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company in which all shares
     of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness thereof
     are changed into or exchanged for common stock of the subsidiary) or (B)
     pursuant to which the Common Stock is converted into cash, securities or
     other property, except a consolidation or merger of the Company in which
     the holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to the consolidation or
     merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the common
     stock of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately after such
     consolidation or merger or in which the Board immediately prior to the
     merger or consolidation would, immediately after the merger or
     consolidation, constitute a majority of the board of directors of the
     continuing or surviving corporation; or

          (d) consummation of a sale or other disposition (in one transaction or
     a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the
     Company.



                                      -7-
<PAGE>

     9.3 For purposes of this Section 9 under the Plan, "Permitted Holders"
shall mean Miriam Olsten, Stuart Olsten, and Cheryl Olsten, and each of their
spouses, their lineal descendants and their estates and their Affiliates or
Associates (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) (collectively the
"Olsten Stockholders"), so long as the Olsten Stockholders beneficially own 20%
or less of the voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company
entitled to vote generally in the election of the Board; provided, however, such
percentage shall be increased on a percentage basis (rounded to the nearest
whole percent) to the extent the Olsten Stockholders acquire any such capital
stock on conversion of the convertible trust preferred securities which they
hold on March 15, 2000.

     10. General Provisions.

     10.1 Each award under the Plan shall be subject to the requirement that, if
at any time the Committee shall determine that (i) the listing, registration or
qualification of the Common Stock subject or related thereto upon any securities
exchange or under any state or federal law, or (ii) the consent or approval of
any government regulatory body or (iii) an agreement by the recipient of an
award with respect to the disposition of Common Stock is necessary or desirable
(in connection with any requirement or interpretation of any federal or state
securities law, rule or regulation) as a condition of, or in connection with,
the granting of such award or the issuance, purchase or delivery of Common Stock
thereunder, such award shall not be granted or exercised, in whole or in part,
unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or agreement
shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to
the Committee.

     10.2 Nothing set forth in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting
other or additional compensation arrangements. Neither the adoption of the Plan
nor any award hereunder shall confer upon: (i) any employee of the Company, or
of a Related Company, any right to continued employment; (ii) any Director of
the Company any right to continued service on the Board; or (iii) any Consultant
to the Company or a Related Company any right to continued service as a
consultant.

     10.3 Determinations by the Committee under the Plan relating to the form,
amount and terms and conditions of awards need not be uniform, and may be made
selectively among persons, who receive or are eligible to receive awards under
the Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.

     10.4 With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act,
transactions under the Plan are intended to comply with all applicable
conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successor under the Exchange Act. To the extent
that any provision of the Plan or action by the Committee fails to so comply, it
shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed
advisable by the Committee.



                                      -8-
<PAGE>

     10.5 No member of the Board or the Committee, nor any officer or employee
of the Company acting on behalf of the Board or the Committee, shall be
personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation taken or made
with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Board or the Committee and all
officers or employees of the Company acting on their behalf shall, to the extent
permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect
of any such action, determination or interpretation.

     11. Effective Date of Plan.

     The Plan was originally adopted by the Board on November 11, 1999.



                                      -9-









                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2


                          GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

                       STOCK & DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                           FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

                  (As Amended and Restated as of April 1, 2000)

     SECTION 1. Introduction.

     The Gentiva Health Services, Inc. Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for
Non-Employee Directors (the "Plan") provides for the payment of annual retainer
fees of non-employee directors of Gentiva Health Services, Inc. in the form of
Shares or, at the election of a non-employee director, in up to 50% in cash and
the remainder in the form of Shares. It also provides an opportunity for the
non-employee directors to defer the portion of their annual retainer fees
payable in Shares and have them deemed invested in Shares. The Plan is intended
to encourage qualified individuals to accept nominations as directors of Gentiva
Health Services, Inc. and to strengthen the mutuality of interest between the
non-employee directors and Gentiva Health Services, Inc.'s other shareholders.

     SECTION 2. Definitions.

     For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth
below:

          (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (b) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
     time to time. References to any provision of the Code shall be deemed to
     include successor provisions thereto and regulations thereunder.

          (c) "Company" means Gentiva Health Services, Inc., a corporation
     organized under the laws of Delaware, or any successor corporation.

          (d) "Director" means a member of the Board who is not employed by the
     Company or any of its subsidiaries.

          (e) "Plan" means this Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for
     Non-Employee Directors.

          (f) "Plan Benefits" means the benefits payable in Shares described in
     Sections 5 and 6 hereof.

          (g) "Plan Year" means a period of approximately twelve months
     beginning on the date of the Company's annual general meeting of
     shareholders for a year and ending on the day immediately preceding the
     Company's annual general meeting of shareholders for the following year;
     provided, however, that the first Plan Year shall begin on the Effective
     Date and end on the day immediately preceding the Company's annual general
     meeting of shareholders during calendar year 2001.

          (h) "Shares" means Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share, of the
     Company.

     SECTION 3. Administration.

     The Plan shall be administered by the Board. The Board shall have full
authority to construe and interpret the Plan, and any action of the Board with
respect to the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all


<PAGE>

persons. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7(g) hereof, the total
number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be 150,000.

     SECTION 4. Annual Retainer.

          (a) On and after the Effective Date of this Plan, each Director's
     annual retainer fee for a Plan Year shall, subject to any deferral election
     made pursuant to Section 5 below and subject to any election to be paid
     currently in cash under Section 4(c) below, be the number of Shares
     (rounded to the nearest 100 Shares) determined by dividing $25,000 by the
     average closing price of Shares on the principal stock exchange or stock
     market on which the Shares may be listed or admitted to trading for the ten
     trading days immediately preceding the date of the Company's annual general
     meeting of shareholders on the first day of the Plan Year at which
     Directors are elected or reelected. Such annual retainer fee shall be
     payable on an annual basis 30 days following such annual general meeting of
     shareholders. The annual retainer fee payable to a person who becomes a
     Director other than at an annual general meeting of shareholders shall,
     subject to any deferral election made pursuant to Section 5 below and
     subject to any election to be paid currently in cash under Section 4(c)
     below, be the number of Shares (rounded up to the nearest Share) determined
     by multiplying the number of Shares determined pursuant to the first
     sentence of this Section 4(a) for the Plan Year during which such person
     becomes a Director by a fraction, the numerator of which is 365 minus the
     number of days elapsed since the last annual general meeting of
     shareholders and the denominator of which is 365. Such Shares shall be
     payable on the 30th day following the day on which the person becomes a
     Director.

          (b) Shares distributed to a Director shall be vested in full at the
     time of distribution.

          (c) Each Director may make an irrevocable election on or before the
     December 31 immediately preceding the beginning of a Plan Year by written
     notice to the Company to receive payment in cash of up to 50% (in
     increments of 5%) of the compensation otherwise payable during the Plan
     Year as his or her annual retainer fee for service as a Director.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Director may make such an election within
     ten days after the later of the Effective Date or first becoming eligible
     to participate in the Plan, with respect to compensation payable after the
     effective date of the election. An election under this Section 4(c) shall
     continue in effect until the Director notifies the Company in writing, on
     or prior to the December 31 immediately preceding the commencement of any
     Plan Year, that the Director wishes to change his or her election hereunder
     for compensation payable during such Plan Year and succeeding periods. All
     compensation which a Director elects to be paid in cash pursuant to this
     Section 4(c) shall be payable quarterly in advance. If a Director elects to
     receive a portion of his or her annual retainer fee in cash hereunder, the
     remainder of the annual retainer fee shall be payable, subject to any
     deferral election made pursuant to Section 5 below, in Shares in accordance
     with Section 4(a) above, with the number of such Shares determined and set
     forth in Section 4(a) above but substituting the amount of the annual
     retainer fee not payable in cash for $25,000 therein.

     SECTION 4. Share Unit Accounts.

     The Company shall maintain a Share unit account (an "Account") for each
Director. Share units will be credited to each such Account as follows:

          (a) Each Director may make an irrevocable election on or before the
     December 31 immediately preceding the beginning of a Plan Year by written
     notice to the Company, to defer payment of all of the compensation
     otherwise payable in the form of Shares pursuant to Section 4 above during
     the Plan Year as his or her annual retainer fee for service as a Director.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Director may make such an election within
     10 days after the later of the Effective Date or first becoming eligible to
     participate in the Plan, with respect to compensation payable after the
     effective date of the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

     election. All compensation which a Director elects to defer pursuant to
     this Section 5(a) shall be credited in the form of Share units to the
     Director's Account. The number of units so credited will be equal to the
     number of Shares deferred by the Director in his or her deferral election.
     Deferrals of compensation hereunder shall continue until the Director
     notifies the Company in writing, on or prior to the December 31 immediately
     preceding the commencement of any Plan Year, that the Director wishes his
     or her compensation payable during such Plan Year and succeeding periods to
     be distributed as Shares or, in part, cash on a current basis, as provided
     above.

          (b) (a) If any dividends are payable on Shares during the deferral
     period, dividend equivalents equal to the dividend that would have been
     payable on the units credited to a Director's Account if such units had
     constituted Shares shall be paid to the Director in cash at the time the
     corresponding dividends are paid on Shares.

     SECTION 5. Plan Benefits.

          (a) Form. The Plan Benefit of a Director shall consist of Shares equal
     in number to the Share units in the Director's Account. Such Share units
     shall be fully vested at all times. Any fractional Share unit shall be paid
     in cash.

          (b) Distribution.

               (i) The Plan Benefit of a Director shall be distributed either
          (x) in single lump sum at the time of termination of the Director's
          service on the Board or (y) in up to three annual installments
          beginning at the time of termination of the Director's service on the
          Board. Each Director may elect the form of distribution, and such
          election must be made in the form designated by the Company from time
          to time, must be made within 10 days after the Director first becomes
          eligible to participate in the Plan, and shall be irrevocable once
          filed with the Company; provided, however, that Director may file a
          new election as to the form of distribution if such election is filed
          at least one year in advance of termination of service on the Board.
          In the absence of a timely election by a Director hereunder, the
          Director shall be deemed to have elected to have his or her Plan
          Benefit distributed in a single lump sum at the time of termination of
          the Director's service on the Board.

               (ii) In the case of the death of a Director, the Director's Plan
          Benefit shall be distributed, within a reasonable time as determined
          by the Company, after the Director's death to the Director's
          beneficiary or beneficiaries, as specified by the Director on a form
          furnished by and filed with the Secretary of the Company. If no
          beneficiary has been designated by the Director or if no beneficiary
          survives the Director, the undistributed balance of his or her Plan
          Benefit shall be distributed to the Director's surviving spouse as
          beneficiary if such spouse is still living or, if not living, in equal
          shares to the then living children of the Director as beneficiaries
          or, if none, to the Director's estate as beneficiary.

     SECTION 1. General.

          (a) Nontransferability. Except as provided in Section 6(b)(ii), no
     payment of any Plan Benefit of a Director shall be anticipated, assigned,
     attached, garnished, optioned, transferred or made subject to any
     creditor's process, whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of
     law. Any act in violation of this subsection shall be void.

          (b) Compliance with Legal and Trading Requirements. The Plan shall be
     subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, but not
     limited to, federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and to such
     approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required. No
     provision of the Plan shall be interpreted or construed to obligate the
     Company to register any Shares under

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

     federal or state securities laws. The transfer by a Director of Shares
     distributed pursuant to the Plan will be subject to such restrictions as
     the Company deems necessary or desirable in connection with federal or
     state securities laws, and Share certificates will bear a legend setting
     forth any such restriction.

          (c) Taxes. The Company is authorized to withhold from any payment made
     under this Plan any amounts of withholding and other taxes due in
     connection therewith, and to take such other action as the Company may deem
     advisable to enable the Company and a Director to satisfy obligations for
     the payment of any withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating
     thereto.

          (d) Amendment. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or
     terminate the Plan (including, without limitation, amending the dollar
     amount set forth in Section 4(a) hereof) without the consent of
     shareholders of the Company or individual Directors; provided, however,
     that, without the consent of an affected Director, no amendment,
     alteration, suspension, discontinuation, or termination of the Plan may
     materially impair the rights or, in any other manner, materially and
     adversely affect the rights of such Director hereunder.

          (e) Unfunded Status of Awards. This Plan (other than Section 4 hereof)
     is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan of deferred compensation. With
     respect to any payments not yet made to a Director, nothing contained in
     the Plan shall give any such Director any rights that are greater than
     those of a general creditor of the Company; provided, however, that the
     Company may authorize the creation of trusts or make other arrangements to
     meet the Company's obligations under the Plan to deliver Shares, or other
     property pursuant to any award, which trusts or other arrangements shall be
     consistent with the "unfunded" status of the Plan unless the Company
     otherwise determines with the consent of each affected Director.

          (f) Nonexclusivity of the Plan. The adoption of the Plan by the Board
     shall not be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the
     Board to adopt such other compensation arrangements as it may deem
     desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of options on Shares
     and other awards otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may
     be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.

          (g) Adjustments. In the event that subsequent to the Effective Date
     any dividend in Shares, recapitalization, Share split, reverse split,
     reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase,
     or share exchange, or other such change, affects the Shares such that they
     are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different
     number or kind of Shares, other securities of the Company or of another
     corporation or other consideration, then in order to maintain the
     proportionate interest of the Directors and preserve the value of the
     Directors' Share units and to maintain the value of the Plan, there shall
     automatically be substituted (i) for each Share unit a new unit and (ii)
     for the number of Shares set forth in Section 3 above a number of Shares or
     other consideration, in the case of (i) and (ii) above, representing the
     number and kind of Shares, other securities or other consideration into
     which each outstanding Share shall be changed or for which each such Share
     shall be exchanged. The substituted units shall be subject to the same
     terms and conditions as the original Share units.

          (h) No Right to Remain on the Board. Neither the Plan nor the
     crediting of Share units under the Plan shall be deemed to give any
     individual a right to remain a director of the Company or create any
     obligation on the part of the Board to nominate any Director for reelection
     by the shareholders of the Company.

          (i) Governing Law. The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan
     shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of New York,
     without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws thereof.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

          (j) Effective Date. The Plan shall become effective on April 1, 2000
     (the "Effective Date").

          (k) Titles and Headings. The titles and headings of the Sections in
     the Plan are for convenience of reference only. In the event of any
     conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall
     control.












                                      -5-








                                                                       EXHIBIT 5


                     [Letterhead of Cahill Gordon & Reindel]






                                 March 22, 2000




                                                                  (212) 701-3000

Gentiva Health Services, Inc.
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York  11747

                  Re:  Gentiva Health Services, Inc.
                       ----------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to Gentiva Health Services, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company") in connection with its Post-Effective Amendment No.
1 on Form S-8 to Form S-4 (No. 333-88663) (the "Post-Effective Amendment") filed
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") 8,085,693
shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.10 per share issuable under
the Company's 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, Stock & Deferred Compensation Plan for
Non-Employee Directors, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (collectively, the
"Plans") and under stock option agreements (collectively, the "Stock Option
Agreements") with Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Olsten"), and
assumed by the Company upon the consummation of the merger of Olsten and
Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Staffing") and the
split-off of the Company from Olsten, each pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated August 17, 1999, by and among Olsten, Staffing and Adecco SA, a
societe anonyme organized under the laws of Switzerland, as amended.

     We have examined copies of such corporate records and made such inquiries
as we have deemed necessary for purposes of rendering the opinion set forth
below.

     Based upon the foregoing, in our opinion, the shares of Common Stock to be
issued by the Company, when issued in the manner contemplated by the Plans and
the Stock Option Agreements, as applicable, will be duly and validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable.

     In rendering the opinion set forth above, we express no opinion as to the
laws of any jurisdiction other than the General Corporation law of the State of
Delaware, including the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and
the reported judicial decisions interpreting the laws, and the federal laws of
the United States of America.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Act.

                                Very truly yours,

                               /s/ Cahill Gordon & Reindel





                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                       Consent of Independent Accountants


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our
report dated February 28, 1999, except as to the information presented in Notes
4, 8 and 16, for which the date is September 29, 1999, relating to the financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Gentiva Health Services, Inc.,
which appears in Gentiva Health Services, Inc.'s Form S-4 dated February 9,
2000.




/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York
March 21, 2000





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