Nurse Registry Independent Contractor VS Home Health Employee
“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.
Nurse Registry
Home Health Agency
Background Screening
YES
YES
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
YES
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
Nurse Registry
Home Health Agency
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