Home Care Agency
A North Carolina Home Care Agency may provide one or more authorized services in a client's residence. Depending on the approved scope, services may range from companion, sitter, respite, and in-home aide support to nursing, therapy, medical social work, or other home care services.
The application, policies, and personnel must match the services selected.
Certified Home Health Agency
A Certified Home Health Agency provides part-time or intermittent skilled services and is certified for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
State licensure, Certificate of Need requirements, and federal certification are separate parts of the planning process and may apply before the agency can operate as intended.
Hospice Agency
Hospice is a separate path for coordinated care focused on comfort and quality of life for people with terminal illness.
Its clinical model, interdisciplinary staffing, policies, survey process, and certification planning must be developed specifically for hospice care.
Nursing Pool
A Nursing Pool supplies or arranges temporary nursing personnel for healthcare facilities. It is not the same as a Home Care Agency serving clients in their residences.
The business model, client setting, worker relationships, and contracts should support the nursing-pool structure from the beginning.