Start Your Nurse Registry: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

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Launching a nurse registry is a promising opportunity in the healthcare space. But before you dive in, it’s essential to understand the full scope of requirements to stay compliant, efficient, and ready to serve. Here's a complete, web-optimized guide for future nurse registry owners.

🏥 Services You Can Offer Through a Nurse Registry

Nurse registries are authorized to refer or contract the following:

  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
  • Home Health Aides (HHAs)
  • Homemakers and Companions

⚠️ Note: Nurse registries are not permitted to provide therapy services.

🏦 Facilities You Can Serve

Registries can provide staffing to a wide range of healthcare and residential facilities, including:

  • Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)
  • Hospices
  • Nursing Homes
  • Adult Day Care Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Home Health Agencies
  • Private Residences

💼 Administrator Requirements

Your registry must appoint an Administrator who meets the following criteria:

  • A licensed physician, APRN, RN, or an individual with relevant health administration training and at least 1 year of supervisory experience
  • Familiarity with ACHA rules and compliance regulations
  • A designated alternate administrator who also meets qualifications
  • Level 2 background screening completed before appointment
  • An administrator may oversee up to five registries under specific geographic and ownership conditions

🚀 Staff & Service Requirements

RNs:

  • May be an employee or independent contractor
  • Responsible for care plans, medication reviews, and clinical notes
  • Must comply with drug administration orders dated and signed by a licensed provider within 30 days

CNAs & HHAs:

  • Limited to allowable services under Florida Statute 400.506(6)(b)
  • Required to observe patient changes and report to designated parties
  • Cannot perform delegated nursing tasks under new delegation rules (those apply to Home Health Agencies only)

Homemakers/Companions:

  • Permitted to perform only duties outlined in 59A-18.009
  • Must report unusual changes in client behavior

✍️ Application Process Timeline

Step 1

Submit your application and ensure all documentation is included using ACHA's checklist.

Step 2

ACHA will notify you within 30 days of any errors or omissions.

Step 3

You must respond to any ACHA notification within 21 days.

Step 4

A survey will be scheduled, and if successful, your license can be approved within 60 days.

📄 Required Application Forms

  • Application Checklist for Nurse Registries
  • Recommended Application & Addendum
  • ACHA Forms: 3110-7004, 7004CL, 1024, 3100-0008
  • Proof of Financial Ability to Operate
  • Emergency Plan: ACHA Form 3110-1017

📅 Essential Company Data

  • NPI Number (apply online via CMS)
  • EIN (apply online via IRS)
  • Physical Office Address
  • Management Personnel List: Administrator, Alternate Admin, RN, CFO
  • Proof of Right to Occupy (lease, deed)
  • Zoning Approval
  • Background Screening for Key Staff
  • Authorized Representative Letter
  • CEMP Documentation and County Coordination Proof

💳 Fees & Survey

  • Application Fee: $2,000
  • Initial surveys are announced; follow-up surveys are unannounced.
  • No accreditation is required, making startup more affordable compared to a Licensed Home Health Agency.

✉️ Required Policies & Office Setup

  • Availability of RN for skilled care
  • Patient rights and abuse reporting
  • Grievance resolution and service termination
  • Emergency policies and special needs registry procedures
  • Credential verification and contractor files
  • Office must be staffed for 8 hours/day between 7 AM - 6 PM
  • Administrator or alternate must be available daily (in person or via phone)

⚠️ Quality Assurance Program not required, but documentation and compliance are crucial.

Ready to start your nurse registry? We can help guide you through every step of the process. Book a consultation today and get expert help with your application, policies, and compliance setup.