While purchasing a franchise may be lucrative and thrilling, there’s more to it than simply turning on the lights. The health care sector in the United States is heavily regulated–and rightfully so. Each state has its own set of consumer protection laws.
To provide non-medical and/or skilled nursing services in most jurisdictions, a home care business requires a license. Although it would be ideal to have a uniform application procedure across the board, you will discover that the application process varies greatly from state to state.
Before purchasing a franchise, familiarize yourself with state laws, the licensing procedure, the time it takes to be approved, and how the franchisor (such as Nurse Next Door) will assist and support you through the process.
What type of permit do I require?
In order to obtain a state license for home care in the United States, most states (excluding Iowa, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Ohio) need you to submit an application. You may choose to provide non-medical services (such as personal care, cleaning, and companionship) or start a Home Health Agency to provide skilled care (the previous tasks mentioned, plus nursing services).
In most states, an on-site inspection is required before or after you are granted a license. Other states may grant you a temporary license and then survey you later on. During this period, you must adhere to certain rules, processes, and standards.
How long will it take you to get your license?
Licensing is based on your state’s requirements and the number of applications it has received. It may take as little as three months or as long as 12-18 months. Because processing wait times may vary, we recommend contacting the state directly to check them.
Is approval a foregone conclusion?
Your application has a high chance of getting accepted if it is comprehensive and contains all of the documentation your state requires. Licenses, on the other hand, are not guaranteed. The State will alert you if you fail to include anything in your application, and you will have opportunity to submit new information. This may cause your application to be delayed in processing.
The most frequent cause for rejection is that the administrator or Director of Nursing (if applicable) lacks the necessary credentials and expertise.
Is it necessary for me to renew my driver’s license?
Most licenses must be renewed every year, and you may do so by completing a fee-based renewal form. You may just have to renew your license every two years in certain states.
How would the franchise team assist me in obtaining a license?
Weekly conference calls are hosted by Nurse Next Door to assist you with the process. We’ll also assign you a personal business coach to assist you by studying state laws, evaluating your application, and ensuring that you fulfill all of the requirements.
Preparing to submit an application may take anywhere from 10 to 12 weeks, depending on how much information your state requires. Nurse Next Door provides a variety of templates for you to utilize and modify since we’ve done it hundreds of times before.
What are the procedures to obtaining a license to provide home health care?
You’ll need to have a few things in order before you apply. If you join Nurse Next Door as a Franchise Partner, your designated business coach will guide you through everything, including:
Recognize the laws of your state.
The level of experience required of your managers and nursing supervisors will be determined by your state. To make things simpler for you, our policy and procedure guides are cross-referenced with state laws.
Get to know the charges.
Each state has its own set of fees, which you may discover on their individual websites.
Check to see whether you need a Certificate of Need.
This may be required if you’re planning to provide Medicare and Medicaid, among other things. This application will be handled by a different department, so if you need a certificate, apply for one before getting your license.
Make sure you have a place to work
You’ll need a separate, secured room with lockable cabinets to keep client and team data safe, even if it’s in your house (which must comply with local zoning regulations). Depending on your state, you may be required to have employees and public access during business hours. Make sure your licensing application includes a copy of your lease.
Be familiar with the policy and procedure handbook.
Nurse Next Door provides a tailored handbook to Franchise Partners that complies with your state’s laws.
Have a well-thought-out company strategy.
When applying for a license, you may be required to present a business plan. We’ll offer you a template to modify to save you time.
Register your company.
Register with the Secretary of State and the State Department of Revenue Services if you live in the United States. If you live in Canada, you must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Hire the individuals that are most important to you
Before applying, you’ll need to employ an Administrator (if you’re not going to manage your franchise), a Director of Nursing, and a backup Registered Nurse.
Create a screening procedure for your employees.
Check your state’s rules. A criminal background check is required for your managers, directors, and caregiving staff, as well as fingerprinting and random drug testing. Tuberculosis testing is required for caregivers and nurses. You’ll need to check nursing licenses with the state board and ensure that Certified Nursing Assistants are listed on state registers on a regular basis.
When you submit your application:
Check to see whether your team’s structure complies with state regulations.
You may need an administrator/agency manager as well as a backup administrator/agency manager. If you’re providing skilled care, you’ll probably require at least one part-time Registered Nurse, as well as a Director of Nursing or Supervising Nurse and a backup.
Create a training procedure for your employees.
Your state may require your manager (or you) to undergo training before issuing you a license, and you must schedule training time each year. Staff development programs may be needed of your carers and nurses. A Nurse Next Door orientation dubbed “Discovery Day” will be held for each of your new employees. It’s all part of assembling an amazing team and delivering the finest possible service to our customers!
Make that you have the appropriate insurance.
A variety of coverage needs, including as liability insurance and workers’ compensation, must be met. Your state may have extra requirements, so our dependable insurance provider can assist you and ensure you’re ready to travel.
Create a staffing strategy that includes detailed job descriptions.
Our Franchise Partners may customize the templates provided by Nurse Next Door.