Do I Need a License to Start a Home Healthcare Agency?

Updated December 3, 2024

Before launching a home healthcare agency, understanding your state’s licensing requirements is essential. Licensing and certification prerequisites vary across states, and most require agencies to obtain a state-specific license.

Agencies in states that require licenses must typically apply and undergo a license inspection by state officials or an accrediting organization. Additionally, certain states require a Certificate of Need (CON), a regulatory measure intended to assess local healthcare demand and prevent oversaturation in the market.

For your team, all registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) must be state-registered to provide care. Requirements for non-skilled caregivers—those who don’t provide medical care—also vary by state, adding complexity to starting an independent agency.

Given these complexities, opening a home healthcare agency independently can be challenging. However, partnering with a leading healthcare franchise like BrightStar Care offers a streamlined alternative. BrightStar Care franchisees exclusively hire licensed and rigorously screened caregivers, guaranteeing the highest quality of care.

A Commitment to Exceptional Care Standards

Although state licensing may not require it, each BrightStar Care agency has a registered nurse to oversee every case, underscoring our commitment to quality care. This dedication has set BrightStar Care apart, allowing our agencies to consistently achieve Joint Commission Accreditation, the gold standard in healthcare. In 2024, BrightStar Care was awarded The Joint Commission's Enterprise Champion for Quality Award for the 12th consecutive year, making us the only home healthcare franchise to accomplish this remarkable achievement.

What Makes BrightStar Care’s Franchise Model Unique?

BrightStar Care is committed to delivering the highest clinical standards and ensuring that our clients receive dignified, compassionate care. We empower franchisees with unique resources to recruit and retain top-tier nurses and caregivers who positively impact their communities.

For prospective franchisees without a healthcare background, one of the most common questions involves the Director of Nursing role. Every BrightStar Care location has an RN-led Director of Nursing, and we provide extensive resources to assist franchisees in hiring and retaining exceptional talent. Additionally, all BrightStar Care caregivers are carefully vetted, screened, and licensed, ensuring only the most qualified individuals join our team.

Our franchisees benefit from BrightStar Care’s strong brand reputation in healthcare, as well as ongoing operational support, comprehensive business training, and robust marketing assistance. We also offer diverse revenue streams to support business growth and provide clients with tailored care options, creating additional revenue potential for franchisees.

This commitment to quality has solidified BrightStar Care’s position as a premier healthcare franchise.

If you want to learn more about joining the BrightStar Care family and making a difference in your community, contact us today to explore franchise ownership opportunities.