Nurse Registry

“Should I hire a Nurse Registry or a Home Health Agency to help with providing my loved one with the care that they need?” “What is the difference between and Employee or an Independent Contractor?”

I have been asked these questions often. First, I must provide you with some of my background in this industry. I have worked with both, a highly successful Nurse Registry and a handful of Home Health Agencies. You will find that home health agencies tout many positives to using an employee over an independent contractor. The following will show some differences in both:

As a human resource director of not one, but two home health agencies along with being involved with scheduling, I can tell you that this is not always true. I would like to address a few of these points made by Home Health Agencies. Like Family or No Stranger? I have oriented and sent out caregivers to clients on the same day with no introduction. Fully Screened? According to AHCA all caregivers, independent contractors or employees, must be fully screened and have all documents collected prior to working. Supervisory visits? True, a Nurse Registry does not supervise. However, a Home Health Agency will send out a supervisor during one shift within a 3-6-month span. (According to AHCA guidelines) As a client, whether you work with a Nurse Registry or a Home Health Agency you can voice a concern. Both Agencies then have the obligation to replace the caregiver. So, at the end of the day the client informs the company.

Background Screening

Taxes withheld

Caregiver Responsible (Does not affect the client)

Company Responsible ( Does not affect the client)

Bonded and Insured

Caregiver Pays for their own Liability Insurance (must have this to work)

Company reviews allegations where insurance is needed.

Verifying Credentials

YES, per AHCA Guidelines

YES, per AHCA Guidelines

References

YES, 2 per AHCA Guidelines

YES, 2 per AHCA Guidelines

24/7 Nurse Support

YES, per AHCA must have RN for visits and a 24/7 Nurse on Call

Accidents in home with access to a RN

YES, however instructed to call 911, CNA/HHA’s are not to diagnose and treat and certainly not over the phone

YES, you may be triaged by a RN

REGISTRATIONS- 2 hours or less

ORIENTATION- 2 hours + (depends)

Paperwork Filled out

Paperwork Filled out

License copied/ Certifications Copied

License copied/ Certifications Copied

Background screens pulled

Background screens pulled

Copy Skill Certificates

Copy Skill Certificates

Care provider asked when they can work

Caregiver asked when they can work

Independent contractor sets schedule

Employee sets schedule