How to Start a Home Health Agency: A Step-by-Step Guide for Success

Starting a home health agency can be a rewarding venture. You get to provide essential care to seniors and individuals with disabilities while building a profitable business. However, launching an agency requires careful planning to stay compliant, hire qualified staff, and meet state regulations. This guide walks you through the key steps to start a home health agency the right way.

1. Understand the Type of Services You Will Offer

Before you start, define your agency’s service offerings. Home health agencies typically provide:

• Personal care services such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility assistance

• Advanced personal care under RN supervision for tasks like catheter care or medication administration

Clearly outlining your services helps you determine staffing needs and licensing requirements.

2. Meet Licensing Requirements

Licensing is the first step to operate legally. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) oversees in-home service licensing. To apply, you need:

• A completed application form from the DHSS website

• Proof of office location and accessibility

• Policies and procedures aligned with 13 CSR 70-91.010

• Background checks for owners and key staff

• A staffing and RN oversight plan

Following all requirements carefully reduces delays and speeds up approval.

3. Develop Policies and Procedures

Your policies and procedures demonstrate how your agency will operate safely and legally. Required policies include:

• Participant rights and grievance handling

• Staff training and supervision

• Emergency procedures

• Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) compliance

• Reporting protocols for incidents and accidents

Clear, detailed policies protect your agency and ensure compliance with state regulations.

4. Recruit and Train Your Team

Qualified staff are the backbone of your agency. Hiring the right personnel includes:

• Conducting thorough background checks

• Verifying credentials and experience

• Providing required training for personal care and advanced personal care

• Ensuring ongoing RN supervision and competency checks

A well-trained team delivers high-quality care and strengthens your agency’s reputation.

5. Implement Documentation and Record-Keeping

Accurate documentation is crucial for compliance and billing. Keep organized records of:

• Staff training and competency certifications

• Client care plans and service logs

• Timesheets and EVV records

• Incident reports and communications with participants

A structured documentation system helps during audits and supports efficient daily operations.

6. Launch and Market Your Agency

With licensing, staffing, and policies in place, you can launch your agency. Promote your services by:

• Building a professional website with clear service descriptions

• Networking with hospitals, clinics, and community organizations

• Offering educational resources for clients and caregivers

• Highlighting compliance and quality care as your competitive advantage

Starting a home health agency requires careful planning, attention to compliance, and dedication to high-quality care. By following these steps, new entrepreneurs can build a legally compliant, profitable, and trusted agency that makes a difference in the lives of clients and families.

Need Help Starting Your Agency?

Contact us today to turn your home health agency idea into a reality.