Starting a home health care business in Maryland depends on the type of services you want to provide. If you want to offer personal care such as bathing, hands-on care or skilled nursing care, the state requires a license. A license will not be required if you will only plan to provide companion care services. You must contact and complete all required forms from state and federal departments that regulate state entity operations.
Licensing
"Personal Care" or hands-on care providers must be licensed by the state. The first step in obtaining a license is sending a request to the Office of Health Care Quality. Include a brief letter with the request that explains your services and general service area. A confirmation will be sent with information about attending a Mandatory Residential Services Agency information session class. At the class, you'll receive a license application.
Business Information
Register your business name with the state. Contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for information and the required forms. Do this yourself or hire a professional to search the availability of a business name and file the necessary forms. If you will have employees, you'll need a Federal Employee Identification Number. Obtain the FEIN by calling the Business Specialty Tax Line or applying online at the IRS website.
Unemployment Compensation
You'll be required to register for unemployment insurance with the state. File a Combined Registration Form with the state within the first 20 days after the first day your business begins operations.Complete the form online at the state comptroller's website. The Combined Registration Form will also allow you to register for state income tax withholdingl.
Workers' Compensation
Purchase a worker' compensation policy from a private insurance company or the Injured Workers' Insurance Fund. You also may self-insure to cover workers' compensation needs.
