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Getting into personal services - look before you leap

Posted by: Robert Markette
March 11, 2008
Topic: Home Care and Hospice Regulations

I have been doing a series of seminars with the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care aimed at educating providers who are getting into personal services.  (Personal Services is the Indiana statutory term for home care, what many of you call "private duty.")  One thing that has really jumped out at me is the number of people who are coming into this market from other industries.  Many entrepreneurs have identified the trend in home care and want to get into the market.

The seminar is aimed at individuals with no experience in the industry  So I expect lots of surprised reactions from the first time business owners, but what is more interesting is the reactions of providers who are getting into this industry after working in another industry.

They are amazed at the regulatory burden.  Many of them are aware of wage and hour and similar regulations, from previous employment.  What they are surprised by is the unique wrinkles in homecare such as companionship services exemption, obtaining documentation from clients.  They are even more surprised by things like fraud and abuse, waiver provider requirements, waiver billing and dealing with employees being harassed by clients.

The thing this reinforces is that when you become a homecare provider, you are getting into one of the most regulated industries in America.  Individuals coming to this industry from other industries may not realize this. Individuals looking into becoming a private duty provider need to realize that although not as heavily regulated as other healthcare providers, private duty is still on the periphery of health care and regulated in the same fashion.  Entrepreneurs looking at this industry need to realize they are not opening a housekeeping business, but a business designed to provide care to individuals.  It is well worth your time to become aware of the relevant regulations including state licensure, provider regulations (If you are getting into any Medicaid Waiver programs), etc., before you get started.  

         

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