Legal issues with private duty nsg

Specialties Private Duty

Published

I just started working with an agency doing private duty (pd). I have never done pd ever, so I know very little about it. I found out the agency I work for is not licensed as a private duty agency. This makes me curious how I can legally go to the home and give treatment without a licensed agency or overseeing DR. Doesn't this put me at risk for being sued because I am technically out there on my own? RN's can not work independently....can they? I see people on the PD threads talking about getting provider numbers. What is that about?

Thank you so much for your help!!! :)

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

It does not matter if you work for an agency or if you do private duty on your own. If they want to sue you, they will sue you. The advantage to working for an agency, is that hopefully, the agency will take the brunt of the lawsuit. Provider numbers are obtained by those who want to work independently and be able to bill the government entities for their work.

Does or should an agency be licensed to provide pd nurses? I am confused why there is such a license if it is not mandated to have one before an agency sends nurses out?

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Have no idea how an agency can be operating without appropriate credentials.

+ Add a Comment