Wannabe Home Health Entrepreneur Seeks Info

Monica RN,BSN · Aug 13, 2004

I wish you the best if you decide to venture into opening an agency. I am an owner of an agency and it is not so easy. Lucky for me, my agency is already established and is a simple take over of corporation.

You will first need to contact your state boards for the application process.

License fees will vary.. it is $850.00 in florida.

It takes several months and you have to have enough cash flow to open the business, and sustain daily operations and payroll for a period of two years to open the agency. You need state and local licenseing, incorporation, and a fictious name that you will call the agency. Be prepared to buy insurance which will consist of medical malpractice and workers compensation insurance. In our state you have to lease a business zoned building and have all county and fire expections complete before you can apply for a license. It seems crazy to set up a building that you cannot operate out of and cannot use as an agency until licensed, but cannot get licensed if you do not do this stuff ahead of time. You will also need a federal tax id number and federal background checks on all owners of the business.

Good Luck to you.

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2004

I am curious, why at this time would you want to open an agency? I always ask that question.

renerian

mw4cc · Sep 3, 2004

I want to open an agency because I know that I can provide the service and information pts need in an atmosphere of excellence, not of mediocrity. Also, I see an unmet need in this town. And I want to be my own boss. To help people at home remain there and remain as healthy and compliant as they will let themselves be.

Lots of reasons!!! Mainly to be the kind of nurse and nurse manager that really helps people without the corporate politics.

Snoopd · Sep 3, 2004

That's a great Idea! What you are doing may be the future of nursing in the U.S. Thousands and thousands of independently owned nursing/health companies who will no longer have to answer to hospitals and HMO's, but who can instead control their own practice and reimbursement. This type of activity has the potential of changing, for the better, how patients are treated and how nurses are compensated. To answer your question, I would contact the dept. of health in your state for health regulation/legal type info. You should also check with the dept. of commerce in your state and the secretary of state regarding licensing requirements. The Better Business Bureau is also a usefull resource for people who want to start their own business. You should also think about working with an attorney to draft contracts that will protect you from possible lawsuits by clients, and to strategies on how to make yourself and your partners "judgement proof" in case you ever get sued personally and lose:o . It sounds like a lot I know, but these are important considerations if you want your new business to thrive and survive.

Hi,
A couple of good nurse friends and I have decided to Break Out and start our own Home Health agency. :rotfl: I have looked at old posts addressing this, but am seeking current info and advice on Where To Start, from regulations & licenses to documenting on PDAs. Any links would also be appreciated.
If you want to you can PM me @ [email protected]
Thanks!
CC

renerian, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2004

Good luck Monica. What payors are you servicing?

renerian

Shell7280 · Jan 10, 2005

we are in the same boat basically!

i am currently in the process of opening my own home health agency in texas. i got my legal documents through legalzoom.com, i formed an llc. they did all the legal papers, filed for my tax id number, etc. then i hired a home health care consultant to provide me with policies/procedures, job description manuals, application packages, new pt admit packets, every possible piece of paper work. it was the best thing i ever did! they have done everything! they filed my state license app (alot alot alot of paperwork!) :). right now i'm just waiting on the license to arrive so i can go admit my first patients! :). i'm so excited. and any questions that i have about anything, i just email my consultant's team and viola! there is an answer!

i have also created many of my own forms/documents, that i'm in the process of copyrighting.

michelle

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2005

I wish you both the best.

renerian