This week's episode features an interview with Steve Turner, the Chief Operating Officer of Griswold Home Care. Steve and Amanda discuss the steps to get a license for a Home Care business, a crucial step in many states, and how the franchisor is there to help every step of the way.
Franchising with Purpose
How to get a Home Care License (feat. Steve Turner)
26:13
The number one question that comes up with people who are looking into starting a home care business is “What does the licensing process involve and how difficult is it to obtain the license?”
The good news is, you do not need a medical background to get a license, and the home office support team is ready to help you through the process.
How does the franchisor support the franchisee during the licensing process?
- Licensing a home care business is different from state to state. There are currently 30 states that require a license and 20 states that do not.
- Griswold Home Care has done the leg work for our franchise prospects. We have done the research and we know what is required for licensure in each state.
- We have a Compliance Department that keeps up to date with the requirements for each state. We have policy and procedure manuals and forms from each state which we provide for our new franchisees.
“We do all the initial work for prospective franchisees-gather the information they need and check all the boxes.”
When does the licensing conversation start as part of the process?
- Our Franchise Development team is ready to discuss licensing at a high level as part of the initial discovery process. You will have a chance to ask questions regarding licensing requirements and guidelines.
- We want all our prospective franchisees to know what is involved with every step of the process and our discussion is as detailed as you need it to be.
“Once you sign a franchise agreement, one of the first things we do is to start getting the license documents prepared to be submitted to the state.”
How does the home office support franchisees when there are issues with obtaining the license?
- Since we have worked with different entities in 30 states, sometimes reviewers differ in the way they see things, or in what the expectations are. Although problems are rare, we have had a few stumbling blocks that were easy to overcome regarding licensing.
- In that case, we work with the owner to make the necessary corrections, we make sure all the I’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and we submit the corrected documents or licensing application back to the state for approval.
- It is usually a very simple modification and boils down to how the different reviewers see things.
“I’ve been doing this for 15 years in franchising, and I’ve never seen a license not issued.”
How does Griswold Home Care stay in touch with new state rules and regulations?
- Communication is the key to compliance. We communicate regularly with our compliance team to be sure our owners have up-to-date information regarding the regulations in their state.
- We subscribe to a service that reviews all the state regulations and looks for any changes being made in-home care. This information is available in a database that is always current.
- If changes are made, or if critical information is shared, we communicate these changes to the franchises affected.
- Although you are responsible for your business and for keeping yourself informed of changes that occur in your state, the Home Office is always available to be a support system and to help you as a Griswold Franchise Owner.
“Our policies and procedures are written in a really clear and concise way to meet or exceed the state guidelines.”
BECOME AN OWNER
What are some of the biggest licensing differences from state to state?
- Some states require a nurse to be named on the application. You may need a nurse as a consultant on a part-time basis.
- Some states may want to check out your office before you open to be sure it meets the requirements.
- Some states may want to survey you shortly after you open and begin to accept patients as the final step of the licensing process.
- Each state is different, but overall, the requirements are usually reasonable and very similar to other states.
- We all work together to help our owners get their licenses and flourish in the business. It’s our job to help you through the process, and we’re happy to do it.
