New State Law Mandates Licensing of Home Care Agencies

New rules governing the licensing and regulation of home care agencies and registries were finally approved in December. That means for the first time ever, homecare agencies now have the same status within the health care system as hospitals, nursing homes, home health and hospice agencies.

An estimated 750,000 Pennsylvanians receive in-home care each year, which includes assistance with self-administered medications, personal care, homemaking, companionship, respite care and other services. Under the Department of Health’s new licensure program, home care agencies and home care registries are required to conduct criminal background checks and child abuse clearances on applicable staff, conduct tuberculosis screening for all staff with direct consumer contact, ensure the competency of individuals that provide care, and provide information to consumers.

The Department of Health estimates that there are currently 600 homecare agencies and registries operating in Pennsylvania. Existing home care agencies or home care registries may continue to operate provided they submit applications for licensure by February 10, 2010. 

If you currently work with a home health agency or registry, or if you’re considering hiring one in the future, make sure they are licensed by the Department of Health.