Apply for licensing with your state. Getting licensed for operation in most states is more complicated when you’re working with people and their well being than it is for other businesses. Not only must you obtain your financial documentation, you also may be subject to background checks, credit checks and the scrutiny of previous disciplinarian procedures.
Become Medicare certified. Because many patients who choose home health care are elderly and on limited incomes, they qualify for Medicare benefits. In order for you to make money, you must become a certified Medicare provider. Your state Medicare agency will send you a packet to fill out and return.
Hire caregivers after checking their backgrounds carefully. As part of your licensing contract with your state, you will agree to perform background checks on potential employees.
Familiarize yourself with the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) in your state. Each state allows licensed practical nurses and professional nurses to perform basic health care activities, but they are restricted to general care and medical care ordered by a licensed doctor.
Add caregivers to your staff that assist patients without performing medical duties. Many successful health care agencies hire employees to assist homebound clients with daily chores. These employees will check on clients who live alone, perform cleaning and shopping chores, and they may assist clients with personal hygiene. You still must perform background checks before hiring.
Locate your physical “base” in a storefront or out of your home, if your local zoning permits. Although you need minimum space to operate, a physical office is necessary for hiring purposes and to fulfill state regulations in many areas. Choose a location where clients and their families can easily visit.
Obtain sufficient liability insurance. One of your biggest start-up costs will be insurance, but it’s imperative that you have enough to cover your agency should a client suffer an injury at the hands of one of your caregivers. Prices vary greatly in the insurance industry, so get a number of quotes from different agencies before you buy.
Create a mission statement, and stick to it. Providing care with compassion will boost your reputation and increase your client base.