Question: Do different levels of care require different levels of licensure?

Amanda Gannon’s Response: Generally speaking, there aren’t separate licenses required for different types of health care providers (i.e. cardiologist versus general practitioner versus oncologist) to care for patients via home health care. There are, however, various levels of licensing for different types of care that may be delivered. You may only need a Home Care License to feed, bathe, dress and help patients with household chores. In turn, you would need a Home Health Care Agency License if you will be changing IVs, drawing blood, administering medications, or checking and recording vital signs. The complexity of obtaining the proper license is often directly correlated to the level of care you provide.

Question: How do licensing authorities find out when companies are out of compliance?

David Singer’s Response: In the dark ages (of the past decade) authorities were able to find businesses that were out of compliance because all businesses were operated out of physical locations, typically in commercial spaces. The authorities were able to track and regulate businesses based on their advertisements outside their storefronts and in newspapers. In the modern era where more businesses are operating online, authorities are using a similar tactic with a twist. Since the government authorities can no longer properly trace products and services back to physical locations, they are using the advertising and marketing campaigns that businesses have created in order to find and regulate businesses operating within their jurisdictions. For example, if you will offer construction services in CA and advertise as such, you can expect a call or letter from the CA Contractor’s Board regarding the lack of a contractor’s license, followed by a fine. The bottom line is the same as it was in the past. If your customers can find you, then so can the government.

Business Licenses, LLC has put the finishing touches on a new cheat sheet, this time breaking down every state according to their requirements for home health care licenses. The document is available for free.