How to Start a Home Care Business in Nebraska

Demand for home health services is growing, and Nebraska is part of this trend. Starting a home health agency could be an excellent way to enter the home health field and take advantage of the need for these services.

If you want to start a private home care business in Nebraska, this article will help you understand the requirements and licensing.

Do your research

Starting a home health agency takes a lot of hard work, but research and planning can make your job easier.

Researching the local market, like the need for home care services in your area and how your competitors do business, can help you create a business plan. This document helps guide your agency, helping you set business goals, make strategic decisions, and track your success.

A business plan may be required to seek startup funding for your agency, including small business loans, grants, and investors.

Become a home health aide

If you plan to work directly with patients yourself, then you may want to get a home health aide certification in Nebraska. This step may be vital for sole proprietors and partnerships.

Nebraska’s home health aide training requirements are minimal. You only need to meet the federal minimum training requirement of 75 hours, with 16 in a clinical setting. Twelve (12) hours of continuing education are required every 12 months. This will allow you to work with Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Establish your business

To start a business in Nebraska, you will need to take care of some admin. You may need a business license and permits to operate in your local area. More information is available through the Nebraska.gov website.

You’ll also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. This can be done online. You may also consider opening business-only bank accounts (this may be required for specific business structures, such as an LLC).

Finding a location for your home health agency may also be necessary. Starting a care agency from home may be doable for sole proprietors and partnerships, but you may consider leasing office space if you’ll have a larger staff or need a space to meet with clients.

Finally, you might want to start drafting policies and procedures for your agency. You may be asked to provide details about personnel policies (such as hiring practices and abuse reporting procedures) and in-house training programs when you apply for your home health care license.

Hire an administrator

Nebraska law requires home health agencies to have a qualified administrator overseeing the services provided. This person must be either:

• A physician
• A registered nurse
• Someone with health service administration training and experience and at least one year’s experience as a supervisor or administrator in home health care or a related health program

If you or your partner do not meet this requirement, then you will need to hire someone who is qualified to do so.

Insure your business

Business insurance is essential for many home health agencies. The policies you choose can help protect your business, employees, and clients.

Home health agencies in Nebraska commonly consider policies such as:

General Liability – Helps protect your business against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. These policies can help shield you from legal costs and compensation claims.

Professional Liability – Covers mistakes or errors in your work and negligence claims. These policies can help you manage legal defense costs and calls for compensation.

Workers’ Compensation – Provide protection for employers if an employee suffers a work-related illness or injury. You must have this coverage if you have at least one employee working for you.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) – A combined policy that can help you manage unplanned business interruptions, equipment breakdown, and liability claims.

Without insurance, claims and lawsuits could devastate your home health agency financially. Legal costs, compensating clients and employees, and handling other unplanned events can quickly drain your bank accounts. In a worst-case scenario, you could even be put out of business.

Business insurance helps shield your finances, so you can maintain a steady flow of cash and have money to reinvest in your agency.

Apply for a home care organization license

Getting a home health care license is mandatory to start a home health agency in Nebraska.

Licenses are granted by the Department of Health and Human Services. You must submit an application with supporting documents and pay a fee to apply. Information you may be asked to provide with your application includes:

• Business details (location, contact info, business structure and officers)
• Services to be provided
• Policies and procedures (i.e., hiring, training, abuse reporting, record keeping)

Hire employees

After getting a home health care license, you can begin to hire employees. A home health aide certification in Nebraska is required for all HHAs. If you have other medical staff (such as nurses or physical therapists), they must meet the state’s requirements for their position.

It is your responsibility to verify staff licensing and request a state background check before hiring an individual. If you provide home health aide training to new employees, it must meet Nebraska’s standards.

Market your business

Advertising and marketing help you find clients for your agency and grow your home care business. There are many ways to spread the word about your business, including:

• Creating a professional website and relevant social media profiles
• Listing your agency in popular search engines and directories
• Advertising online or in local newspapers and publications
• Setting up a booth at community events
• Partnering with seniors’ groups or medical professionals for referrals

Protect your home health agency with BizInsure

Starting a home health agency in Nebraska could be a great way to enter the growing field of home health care. Your agency may soon provide much-needed services to your community, helping a wide range of patients live safely and comfortably in their homes.

Business insurance can help you protect your hard work as you grow your home care business. BizInsure offers instant coverage tailor-made for home health agencies at affordable prices. Compare quotes from top-rated insurers and get covered in minutes.

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