RN doing HH for Family Member

KateRN1 · Feb 27, 2011

You need to be able to bill Medicare directly, so no, you will not be able to be his home health nurse and be paid by insurance. As a daughter in law who cared for my husband's mother in our home, I would advise you to set up home care with a reputable agency. You will need the break. Trust me on this one.

Marsden · Feb 27, 2011

Thanks for the reply Kate!

After beating my brain and researching all over the internet, I'm starting to come to the conclusion what you have proposed.

It would probably be best to have an outside agency provide HH care to my FIL while he lives with us.

The reality of the matter is he will be here with us until his final days. That could be 10 yrs.. No doubt during that time, I will have caregiver role strain and likely welcome the outside help.

Bottom line: I wanted to be able to work the 400 hrs. necessary to keep my nsg. lisence current and thought that I could "kill two birds with one stone" by being FIL's HH nurse.

Too many legal/tax/insurance issues factoring into trying to accomplish the original plan. I suppose I'll have to take some outside work or let the license lapse. :cry:

KateRN1 · Feb 27, 2011

There are lots of ways to satisfy the 400 hours requirment. Consider volunteering your time at free clinics, flu shot clinics, chart reviews, offer your services to medical malpractice attorneys who take pro bono cases. Or you can work per diem at hospitals, clinics, and even home care. Check the regulations in your state and see if attending seminars that provide CEUs will satisfy some of the requirements.

caliotter3 · Feb 28, 2011

I had a client whose spouse became a nurse and they wanted to dupe the nursing agency by not stating the relationship, so that this person could get paid for taking care of their own child. (Different last names due to no marriage). Last I heard, they had not come up with a solution for the same address. Didn't even want to go through the trouble to get the proper credentials so it could be done above board or ask if they could just do it in the open. I think the added stress would make the situation very difficult over time.

Marsden · Feb 28, 2011

There are lots of ways to satisfy the 400 hours requirment. Consider volunteering your time at free clinics, flu shot clinics, chart reviews, offer your services to medical malpractice attorneys who take pro bono cases. Or you can work per diem at hospitals, clinics, and even home care. Check the regulations in your state and see if attending seminars that provide CEUs will satisfy some of the requirements.

Thanks for these suggestions, Kate!

Marsden · Feb 28, 2011

I had a client whose spouse became a nurse and they wanted to dupe the nursing agency by not stating the relationship, so that this person could get paid for taking care of their own child. (Different last names due to no marriage). Last I heard, they had not come up with a solution for the same address. Didn't even want to go through the trouble to get the proper credentials so it could be done above board or ask if they could just do it in the open. I think the added stress would make the situation very difficult over time.

BBM: Lying and cheating do NOT make for good nursing!! They should be stressed out. I wonder why they would be doing things this way. My thought would be that the minor child is incapable of employing anyone independently. I have heard of medicaid having a "Cash and Couseling" option:

Cash & Counseling gives frail elders and adults and children with disabilities the option to manage a flexible budget and decide for themselves what mix of goods and services will best meet their personal care needs. Cash & Counseling participants may use their budget to hire their own personal care workers as well as purchase items or make home modifications that help them live independently

LINK

This project is available in 15 states. This is not an option for us however as FIL is not on Medicaid, nor are we in one of the participating states.

I certainly am not looking to dupe anyone, just looking for info on how it could be done...legally!

This man (FIL), has paid for private insurance his whole adult life. My feeling would be that he should be able to utilize it now that he really needs it. I would be willing to go through the proper channels to obtain the credentials to be his HH nurse. It does seem to be a touchy subject, though, due to the opportunity for abusing the system.

I don't know what the "proper channels" are at this time...waiting for some call backs.

I'm basically trying to access anything that FIL has rightfully coming to him. This scenario (FIL coming to live with us) was proposed as recently as my first post here. I know that it may be an overwhelming situation and am searching all avenues and options to make the best choices for all parties involved.

Thanks for the post, caliotter, much appreciated! :)

systoly · Feb 28, 2011

In my state, it is perfectly legal for a nurse to be assigned (by the agency) to care for a family member and I know of 2 cases like that.

Marsden · Feb 28, 2011

In my state, it is perfectly legal for a nurse to be assigned (by the agency) to care for a family member and I know of 2 cases like that.

Thanks for this bit, systoly!

I was thinking the same thing. I could register with a local reputable agency, FIL could become one of their cases and request me! It would seem to be totally legit as the agency would be handling all the paperwork (taxes, contracts, etc.) and have oversight. I would be accountable to them. Also, have access to necessary supplies.

Worth looking into!

Thanks again! :redbeathe