I'm an LVN & want BE AN INDEPENDANT CONTRACTING NURSE IN CA.....

[Diane340]

hello, i'm an lvn looking for information on opening an indpendant contracting nursing services business in california. restrictions? forms? charting?

i have much experience in patient care in both acute and home care settings. i now want to work for myself and am having trouble finding information on the legalities of being an lvn and an independant contractor. i don't plan on hiring any employees at this time.

i'm looking forward to hearing from anyone who either has information for me or knows where it can be found. i have looked into the bvnpt.

thanks,

kate

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Given the various restrictions on independent practice of the LVN/LPN, I don't understand what type of nursing practice you are aiming for?

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

In NY, the only way to do this is to apply for your medicaid number, and do private duty homecare. I don't know the regulations in Caliornia. Here is a link to the Provider Enrollment form in NY State:

eMedNY : Information : Provider Enrollment Forms : RN - LPN

[Diane340]

I want to open my own business. I used to own and opperate, with my business partner a home care agency. We sold the business which was doing great. The thought of babysitting employees and putting out fires between employees and clients or among employees themselves 24 hours a day is not what I want to do.

I have completed 3 of 4 years in a bsn university program and due to finances am unable at this time to complete the 4th. It is my plan on finishing as soon as I can. I have talked to several people regarding my options. I am working on a sole business Providing nursing services as an independant contractor in homes. I am just looking for the legalities of the scope of practice regarding services I am able to provide.

[Woodenpug, BSN]

You probably already googled this but it's a good starting place: Licensing and Certification Division

Years ago, I wanted to do something similar. The stumbling block for me was the requirement for a DON. The DON had to be a bsn or an adn with at least one year home health experience. RN's who qualified, and were competent enough to sign off, wanted more than I could reasonably afford.

[Diane340]

Thank you, What so difficult is trying to find out what procedures or services an LVN can do as an independant contractor. I am very aware of the need to be under direction of physician, surgeon or RN.

What is the limit to what I can do under a physicians order??

[Woodenpug, BSN]

You are limited only by your scope of practice. Some agencies limit the scope further and that may be what you find confusing. When I worked in a hospital, I could start I.V.'s and hang blood and blood products. I worked for three different agencies in home care and none of them allowed I.V. certified LVN's to work on cases with I.V.'s. In fact two of them did not accept cases that needed IVF.