How to Start a Private Duty Home Care Agency
As baby boomers age, there is a growing market for home health care. People want to remain in their homes as long as possible. For many, the key to being able to remain at home is the availability of home health care services. Home health care providers are regulated by state and federal laws. Each state has its own regulations ,so it is important that you check with the licensing agency in your state. Regulations vary depending on the scope of services that the agency provides. Start-up costs vary from $30,000 to several hundred thousand dollars.
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Instructions
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Check with your state government regarding regulations. Consider joining a professional organization that focuses on home health care agencies.
Starting a home health care business requires the same basic steps that are needed to start any service-related business. You will need to make up a detailed business plan, do a market analysis, choose an appropriate location and develop a marketing plan. Obtain a business permit and name for the business.
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Consider hiring a consultant that is knowledgeable about setting up home health care agencies in your state. A good consultant can simplify the process and can expedite the development of the manuals that you will need in order to comply with state and federal laws.
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Develop your office manual. Include an admission packet, mission statement, infection control procedures and a quality assurance program. Include personnel training /testing records. Depending on the services that will be offered, you may need to obtain a lab license or waiver. You may also need to obtain a contract to handle bio-hazardous waste.
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Develop a plan for handling customer complaints. Include information about who and how to contact regarding reports of abuse, exploitation and neglect.
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Develop policy and procedure manuals. Provide an organizational chart.
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Obtain a background search for the administrator and alternate administrator.
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Develop an emergency management plan.
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Create a personnel manual. Include orientation and training materials, background check, licenses, documentation of state mandated training and health screening.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on the services that you provide, your state may or may not require that you hire a director of nursing. Having a Registered Nurse as a consultant is an invaluable resource.
Check with local, state and federal authorities prior to starting the application process.
Prepare for delays in planning your opening date.
