Nursing Agency License

Learn how to meet nursing agency license requirements in all 50 states.

Nursing Agencies: An Overview

Nurse staffing agencies provide temporary or permanent nurse placements for various types of healthcare facilities. Types of placements include:

• Per Diem. Per diem nursing is similar to being on-call. Nurses are not guaranteed hours and receive a contract for one day or multiple weeks. This is the most flexible type of placement.
• Travel Nursing. Traveling nurses generally work on short-term contracts. Agencies are responsible for filling employment gaps and ensuring the traveling nurses have the necessary skills for the required care areas.
• Temp-to-Perm or Permanent. In some instances, temporary nurses go through agencies to streamline their transition to a permanent position for a predetermined fee, with no guarantee of retention.
• International Staffing. International nurses are recruited through nursing agencies. Contract types last two to three years.

To successfully operate your business without interruption, you need to understand the applicable state and local laws surrounding business registration and licensure.

Registering as a Nursing Agency

You will need to meet the personal and educational requirements before moving forward with registering as a nursing agency. Depending on the state in which you plan to operate, you may need to have a formal medical-based education to run the facility. In many cases, former nurses with bachelor’s degrees start nursing agencies. It may also be beneficial to have a background in business.

Next, you will need to choose a business name, an entity structure, and register with the IRS to obtain an employer identification number (EIN). An EIN is similar to a social security number and it is used for filing your business’s taxes. Once you take care of your federal registrations, you can register with state and local agencies.

Nursing Agency License Requirements

As you start the process of opening or expanding your nursing agency, you will need to apply for the proper licenses. Note that licensure varies by state. Some states have more stringent policies than others, so it is essential to understand your obligations to make the process as easy as possible. In most instances, the licensure process will begin with providing your secretary of state with the following:

• A statement of qualifications and experience of the prospective licensee
• Proof of professional liability insurance
• Clinical competence checklist
• Nursing agency policies for interviews, reference checks, annual evaluations, and orientation
• A copy of the nursing home business application
• A list of corporate officers and employees

No matter what type of nursing agency or registry you plan to run, you are required by state law to obtain the proper licensing. Some states require additional permits or certifications. You may also need other types of business licenses depending on your state’s laws.

You must be aware of state requirements regarding business registration and licensing when establishing and expanding your business. If the idea of business licensing is overwhelming, Harbor Compliance can help. With our professional licensing services, we explain all stages of business compliance and provide full-service support and expert software insights. We make preparing and filing licensing applications easy and handle communication with government agencies on your behalf. With our software, you can track your registration status, license numbers, filing history, fees, and renewals 24/7.

Maintenance and Renewal

No matter what stage you are in with your business, you need to maintain your license’s status. State requirements vary, but renewals are often required on an annual or biennial basis. You may need to submit a renewal application, pay a renewal fee, or pursue continuing education. Complying with renewal requirements will ensure you can continue to operate your business without disruption.

Keeping on track with your business’s license renewals can be complicated, especially as a growing company. At Harbor Compliance, our managed annual reporting and registered agent services ensure accurate due date tracking and on-time filing. This way, your business will continue to be compliant with state and local requirements, and you will have the time you need to continue working and expanding your clientele.

If you are currently operating a nursing agency and are looking to outsource your maintenance and renewal duties, Harbor Compliance can help. We are available to review your business status, ensure you are in good standing in the state where you operate, and explain what steps you need to take to ensure you remain compliant with state and federal regulations.

Explore Licensing by State

Click on a link below to view licensing information in your state.

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