Yes, a Registered Nurse (RN) can start an IV hydration business; however, it is essential to reiterate that there are specific requirements and regulations that will have to be satisfied prior to starting this business.
These requirements and regulations will most often depend on the location of the business as well as the state regulations. As an RN, you will be expected to possess a valid nursing license. Depending on your state, you might as well be mandated to get additional certifications, like IV therapy certification, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
IV Hydration basically refers to the use of intravenous injections to deliver health-boosting fluids directly into the bloodstream. For many years, hospitals have served as the main place where patients can get an IV drip. Howbeit, within the past few years, non-hospital use of IV hydration has grown as people now understand its numerous benefits.
It is very possible to start an Independent IV hydration therapy business in a brick-and-mortar storefront – most often referred to as an IV lounge or spa. Have in mind that the mobile version makes it possible for you to utilize your home as your office, and limit the expenses that come with a brick-and-mortar store.
It is necessary to note that the startup cost will also depend on the exact model you choose. A mobile IV business requires a minimum start-up budget of $5,000 as you will only have to cater to essential costs.
However, this entails using your home office and your personal vehicle to deliver the IV therapy to clients. The high-end startup cost will be around $75,000 or more because you will be offering a full-service IV lounge that also provides mobile services.
Requirements to Start an IV Hydration Business as an RN
Just as was noted above, a Registered Nurse (RN) can start an IV hydration business in the United States but will be expected to meet specific requirements and regulations. These requirements and regulations will most definitely vary, but here are the basic ones to take note of.
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Nursing License
As an RN, you will be expected to possess a valid nursing license. Most often, this license will have to be in the state where you intend to conduct your business. To obtain a nursing license, you will either have to complete an approved nursing program, an associate degree in nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Have in mind that these requirements vary from one state to another. Aside from completing the necessary education, you will also be expected to scale through the comprehensive national test (NCLEX) as well as meet state-specific requirements.
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Training and Certification
This is another requirement to take seriously when looking to start an IV Hydration Business as an RN in the United States. A good number of States in the United States require specialized certification beyond the basic RN license to perform IV therapy independently.
Depending on your state, you might be mandated to get additional certifications, like IV therapy certification, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
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Business Structure and Licensing
Every business in the United States is expected to be duly registered and also obtain all necessary licenses and authorizations.
It simply entails that you will have to register your IV Hydration business with the appropriate state agencies. You will also want to obtain a business license, also known as a business registration. All these will have to be done by visiting your state government office.
Aside from that, you might have to obtain special permits or licenses to operate your clinic. Some of the most common permits or licenses required for IV hydration clinics include:
- A health department permit
- A business license
- A zoning permit
- A lab permit
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Facility and Equipment
Depending on the IV Hydration Business you intend to start, you will want to find a suitable location for your business. Take your time to verify that the facility satisfies all the necessary health and safety requirements. Aside from that, you will also want to obtain the proper equipment and supplies.
This encompasses everything from IV bags and needles to medical-grade refrigerators and oxygen tanks. Some of the equipment and supplies you will need for your IV hydration business include:
- IV bags and needles
- IV Catheters
- Medical-grade refrigerators
- Oxygen tanks
- Sterilization equipment
- Gauze and bandages
- Blood pressure monitors
- Gloves and gown
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Collaborative Agreements
In a good number of States in the US, RNs that own or operate independent IV hydration businesses are expected to put together collaborative agreements with physicians as well as other healthcare providers. The essence of the agreements is to note the scope of practice and protocols for the RN’s independent practice.
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Insurance
This is another requirement you will be expected to take seriously as it is considered vital for businesses that offer medical services. It is recommended you obtain liability insurance to safeguard yourself and your business from lawsuits.
You might as well want workers’ compensation insurance if you have workers. A good number of the policies you may need for your IV hydration clinic include;
- Professional liability insurance
- Malpractice insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Product liability insurance
- Business owner’s policy
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Marketing and Promotion
It is pertinent you understand the importance of marketing and promotion to your IV hydration clinic. If you are certain that you want to attain success, you have to let clients know that your business exists.
This can be easily carried out by leveraging various methods, such as online advertising, print advertisements, and word-of-mouth marketing. It is very pertinent to choose strategies that will make sure you reach out to your target market so that they know your clinic and what it has to offer.
Also, consider creating a website and social media handles for your clinic. This can be a unique and viable means to reach out to potential patients and ensure they understand the different services that you offer.
What Do State Laws Say?
In a good number of States in the United States, IV therapy is still classified legally as practicing medicine since it is carried out via injection.
As such, only trained and licensed medical professionals are permitted to perform the service. You will find that some states have supervision requirements and special IV training requirements; whereas others possess limitations on where IV therapy may be performed, like in a clinic, a dedicated “IV Bar,” or in a patient’s home.
Nevertheless, it is important to reiterate that IV hydration businesses still fall within the spectrum of a full medical practice.
You will also find out that some states mandate that a business that practices medicine will have to be owned by medical professionals. It simply entails that unless a business is owned by physicians, it is not permitted to recruit medical professionals to practice medicine.
For instance, New York is known for its strong stance on the Corporate Practice of Medicine. As such, an IV hydration business will have to be owned by a physician or Nurse Practitioner with full practice authority.
Also note that the states like Florida barely possess such stringent ownership restrictions, as you can recruit a medical director or physician to run a medical-related business. Howbeit, even in the most restrictive states, there are ways to surmount such stringent regulations.
For instance, it is possible to incorporate an IV therapy business as a professional medical company owned by medical professionals but still be permitted to recruit a Management Service Organization to handle the everyday business operation.
Conclusion
If you enjoy working with people, understand the importance of good health and wellness, and have a viable medical background, you should consider starting this business.
Just as was noted above, a Registered Nurse (RN) can start an IV hydration business; however, there are specific requirements and regulations that will have to be satisfied prior to starting this business. These requirements and regulations will most definitely vary and will most often depend on the location of the business as well as the state regulations.