HB 2088

Present law generally describes a "home care organization"" as an organization that provides home health services, home medical equipment services, professional support services, or hospice services to one or more patients on an outpatient basis in either the patient's regular or temporary place of residence. A provider is generally operating a home care organization if the provider does any of the following:  Holds itself out to the public as providing home health services, home medical equipment services, or hospice services .  Contracts or agrees to deliver home health services, home medical equipment services, or hospice services .  Accepts physician orders for home health services, home medical equipment services, or hospice services .  Accepts responsibility for the delivery of home health services, home medical equipment services, or hospice services .  Contracts to provide professional support services with the state agency financially responsible for services to individuals with mental, intellectual, or developmental disabilities . EXEMPTION TO HIRE STAFF OR MAINTAIN OFFICE BY NURSES This bill clarifies that a nurse is not required to hire staff or maintain an office in order to qualify for licensure as a home care organization licensed by the health facilities commission if the nurse submit s a request to the department of health for space at a location deemed appropriate by the department to securely store patient records. The department must provide such space upon request by a nurse. As used in this bill, a ""nurse"" means a person who is a licensed registered nurse, licensed practi cal nurse, or certified nursing assistant who provides home health services under a licensed home care organization to four or less patients. RULEMAKING This bill authorizes the department to promulgate rules to effectuate this bill."