The nursing agency line of business is one of the businesses that is highly regulated. The reason for this is not far fetched; the health of a nation is part of what determines its prosperity. If you are looking towards starting a nursing agency, you will be required to obtain some certifications or what some will regard as licenses and permits.
It is important to state that the type of certifications or licenses and permits required to open a nursing agency may be different in different states, and countries, but the bottom line is that you must at least meet the basic requirements of your state or country before you will be allowed to open a nursing agency.
In this article, we are going to look at some of the basic certifications or better still licenses and permits needed to open a nursing agency in the United States. It might apply to other countries though.
Certifications Required to Open a Nursing Agency
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Business License
If you are looking to open a nursing agency in the United States, and of course, in most countries of the world, you will be required to first obtain a business license. A business license is a permit issued by the state, local, or federal governments that authorizes you to run a specific type of business.
The cost of a business license or permit is determined by various factors, including the type of license, location, processing fees, and recurring fees. The US State business license range from $50-$550 depending upon the type of business permit required, and it includes renewal fees.
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Nursing Agency Permit or License
A nursing agency permit or license is the specific license that a new nursing agency must apply for before they can legally operate their nursing agency in the United States of America. For example, in Illinois, “No person may establish, operate, maintain, or advertise as a nurse agency in the State of Illinois unless the person is licensed under the Act by the Department of Labor.”
Please note that the essence of obtaining a nursing agency permit is to protect the public’s right to high-quality healthcare by licensing and establishing standards of operation for nursing agencies that recommend, hire, or assign registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or certified nurse aides to Illinois healthcare institutions.
Have in mind that even if you meet other requirements and you did not have your nursing agency permit, your nursing agency will be sanctioned by the government and you will be fined for operating an illegal nursing agency in the United States.
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Nursing Certifications
Depending on what you want to achieve with your nursing agency and the type of services you want to offer, you may be required to obtain nursing certifications. Interestingly, nursing certification is a formal acknowledgment of your education, abilities, and experience as a nursing practitioner.
Earning a nursing certification may demonstrate to stakeholders that you meet the highest standards set by respectable organizations in the profession. The National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) offers certifications for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), demonstrating their abilities, knowledge, and experience in a range of fields.
Please keep in mind that practically all nurses must obtain their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in order to work. In fact, in some areas, you may be required to have a valid BLS certification in order to apply for or renew your RN license.
A BLS certification demonstrates that you have received healthcare provider-level training in CPR and other emergency lifesaving skills.
Basic Procedures for Obtaining Nursing Agency Certification
The procedure for obtaining certification for a nursing agency varies by state. Nurse staffing agencies put nurses in different kinds of medical services on a provisional or long-term basis. To run your business smoothly, you must first understand the relevant state and local statutes governing business registration and licensing requirements.
If you possess a nursing license or a desire to offer personal clinical services and want to establish your own business, this is a must-consider option. Retired nurses with bachelor’s degrees frequently begin nursing agencies. A business experience might be advantageous too.
Following that, you will need to select a business name, establish a business entity, as well as sign up with the IRS to ensure you have an employer identification number (EIN). This EIN is equivalent to a social security number and is utilized to pay income taxes for your company. Once you have completed your federal registrations, you can start registering with your state and local governments.
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Submit the necessary paperwork
In most cases, the licensing procedure starts with submitting the supporting information to your secretary of state:
- A statement of the prospective licensee’s experience and education.
- Evidence of professional liability insurance is required.
- Scorecard for clinical skills.
- Interview, background check, yearly assessment, as well as guidance regulations for nursing agencies.
- A duplicate of the business application for a nursing home.
- A list of the company’s officers and workers.
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Obtain the necessary licenses and permits
State law mandates you to acquire the necessary licensing regardless of the kind of nursing agency you intend to run. In certain states, extra permits or licenses might also be required.
If the whole processes of registration and licensing overwhelm you, you can work with experts who would offer complete support and professional knowledge. Have it in mind that a good number of them will assist you in preparing and filing licensing requests, as well as communicating with government entities on your behalf.
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Maintenance and renewal
Note that you must always keep your certification current. State rules differ, however, renewals are frequently mandated annually or biennially. You might well be expected to send a renewal request, pay a processing fee, or continue your education. Compliance with renewal criteria ensures that your firm will continue to function without interruption.
Conclusion
Satisfying the demands for a Nursing Agency Certification is rarely an easy task. Take your time to ask questions and understand the regulatory provisions and commitments of a nursing agency. Ensure to research the health and safety program in your state that relates to nursing agencies.
It is important to note that, obtaining the required certifications, licenses, and permits before starting your nursing agency is what is expected of you. Doing the right thing when it comes to starting a nursing agency is akin to laying a good foundation for your business.
With that in place, you will be able to build your nursing agency to outlive you and of course, receive support from the government if need be.