Minnesota's Home Health Care Requirements

Home healthcare agencies provide in-home nursing and rehabilitative services to people who are home-bound, or unable to receive community based services due to their current medical condition. Home health agencies must meet state-specific requirements for licensure. The Department of Health (DOH) dictates the standards that home health agencies must comply with in the state of Minnesota.

Licensure

• Home healthcare agencies are licensed by the DOH in Minnesota after meeting specific criteria including criminal background checks and screening for particular disease exposure. Annual inspections monitor for ongoing compliance with DOH regulations. The five different licensure classifications for home health in Minnesota include basic Home Management Registration, Classes F Home Care Provider, Class C Individual Para-Professional, Class B Para-Professional Agency, and Class A Professional Home Care Agency.

Services

• Home health agencies in Minnesota provide skilled nursing services, assistance with activities of daily living, and rehabilitation services. Patients may receive physical, occupational, speech or respiratory therapies, social work and nutritional services. Home management registration classification allows a provider to give supervisory assistance, but no hands-on care. Class "F" applies to independent senior housing where meals are prepared, light housekeeping tasks are performed and assistance is provided with medication administration. Classes "C" and "B" provide additional assistance with bathing and personal care. Class "A" home care agencies provide advanced medical home health care such as tube feedings, catheter care, and medication administration. The department of health requires Class A agencies to meet requirements similar to nursing home standards of care.

Patient Rights

• Clients receiving home healthcare services are protected by the home care bill of rights. Clients must be informed about the care that will be administered, who is providing it, and the cost of the services. Clients have the right to refuse services at any time. Each home health agency must have procedures in place for patients to file a complaint if a violation of the bill of rights takes place.