How to Start a Hospice Agency in California
One can say that there are opportunities for individuals to start their very own hospice agency in California due to the fact that those in the last days, months or years of their life prefer to spend that time in their very own homes. You can help these individuals and their families by starting your very own hospice agency in California.
At first it is essential to comprehend the differences between starting a home health care agency in California versus a Hospice Agency in California. A home health care agency provides skilled nursing and therapy services under a plan of care under a physician order. A home health agency requires licenses that include guidelines for conditions of participation in Medicare programs.
Services a Hospice Agency Provides in California
- Physcian Services
- Nursing Services
- Home Health Aides
- Medical appliances, medication, and supplies
- Spiritual, dietary, and other counseling
- Continuous home-care or inpatient care during crisis periods
- Trained volunteers
- Bereavement services
- Social work services
- Inpatient Respite
- 24/7 On-call Support
There are many requirements in opening a Hospice Business in California
Beginning a Hospice Business in California is a difficult task, as enrollment and licenses for maintaining the Hospice Business are required. The business owner needs to develop a plan the services that the agency will provide to patients who need it or the elderly in the community.
Consider Hiring a Hospice Consultant
Consider partnering with a hospice Consultant that is experienced in setting up hospice businesses in California. An experienced consultant can streamline the process and expedite the approval of the hospice license for California and becoming a Medicare provider by one of the following accreditation bodies:
When choosing a hospice consultant, please make sure they can provide you with all the necessary tools to successfully operate a hospice business. This includes paperwork for all documentation that is required to operate.
Operation Requirements for opening a Hospice Business in California
In order to operate a Hospice Business in California, the business needs to be registered as a legal operating entity. The first step is to incorporate the Hospice Business in California. The next step is to apply for a Tax ID and NPI number. Sherman Consulting will complete all these steps for you so you don’t have the stress of doing this all on your own.
If you would like to be able to bill Medicare for services that your agency will be providing, you will need to be certified. Sherman Consulting will guarantee that you are Medicare Accredited agency. We will come to your location and perform a mock survey so when the real survey comes you will be fully prepared and pass with no deficiencies.
Applying for a Tax ID and EIN number is required to open a Hospice Business in California
To open a Hospice Business in California you will need to apply for a Tax ID, EIN, NPI numbers, and licenses. We will contact the IRS to apply for an employer ID number, also known as an EIN. The business owner also needs a state tax permit, which we will obtain from the secretary of state’s office upon registration. The state tax permit covers income taxes and employment taxes for the business should it require additional assistance.
Leasing or Purchasing an Office in California
Having an office is another thing a Hospice Business owner may need in California. The business office has a computer, telephone, e-mailing system, fax machine, and patient files so the patients or elderly can contact the agency during opening hours. A Hospice Business will also establish a business checking account and credit card account and apply for business loans if required to meet start-up costs in California. The business owner and their personnel will spend their time budgeting, creating service plans, and preparing for visits that are scheduled for the following day and the weeks to come.
Other Requirements for opening a Hospice Business in California
If your agency will be providing services for glucose monitor you will need to obtain a CLIA Waiver. You may need to obtain a contract to handle bio-hazardous waste materials. Century Home Health Care Consultants can help you with these requirements in California.
Policy and Procedures are required to open a Hospice Business in California
When you purchase policy and procedures make sure they are professionally written and specifically include all of California’s, State, and Federal requirements. A Hospice Business policy and procedures must meet Medicare’s conditions of participation and Accrediting body requirements. Operational materials such as new patient admission packets, Personal Files, Logs, Forms, In-service Education Plans, Nursing Procedures, and Committee Minutes are also required.
Yes, You May Need Help, and We Are Here For You
It is not recommended to start a hospice agency on your own. Most hospice agencies are backed by dedicated home care consultants. Sherman Consulting will make the process of obtaining a hospice license for California easy because we do the work for you. With the help of Sherman Consulting, you will have “Peace of Mind” in knowing that we have been in business for over 15 years and helped over 2100 clients start their own hospice agencies. Sherman Consulting is the largest and most successful group of hospice consultants in the industry.