• Home health agencies are required to obtain a license before promoting services to the public.Tennessee state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  Tennessee home health care licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) and every home health agency must obtain a license prior to publicly advertising or delivering services. Agencies are required to submit applications and fees for review and approval by the TDOH Board. Home health agencies must abide by strict rules and regulations mandated by state and federal agencies to obtain and retain licensing.
  
  

Application

• New Tennessee home health agencies must submit a completed application to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) prior to delivering any home services. Applications require inclusion of a non-refundable $1,080 annual licensing fee (as of August, 2010), which is subject to change annually. Home health agencies are not allowed to promote services to the public prior to application review and approval. A home health license is issued after the business fully complies with all state and federal rules and regulations.
  
  

Inspection

• All Tennessee home health agencies must submit to an inspection by a TDOH surveyor. If the surveyor identifies any violations or deficiencies, the applicant must submit an effective, corrective action plan to the TDOH board for approval. The board reconsiders applications after all deficiencies and violations are corrected.
  
  

License Posting

• Home health care agencies must prominently display their license for public viewing in the agency office. The license identifies the specific agency and premises included on the original application.
  
  

Change of Ownership

• Any proposed change in ownership must be reported to the TDOH at least 30 days prior to the actual change. The agency must submit a new application and annual fee to obtain a license under the new owners.
  
  

Renewal

• Home health agencies must renew business licenses annually and the owners must allow periodic audits and inspections by TDOH surveyors. Surveyors note any violations or deficiencies and the owners must submit a corrective action plan to the board and correct any issues. Agencies are required to submit renewal forms and annual fees to the TDOH at least 60 days prior to license expiration. Substantial penalties are levied for late renewal.
  
  

Displinary Action

• The board can revoke a home health care agency license for violating federal or state regulations, involvement of illegal acts in a patient's home or any behavior considered unsafe in the care of patients. The board also has the responsibility to revoke a license if renewal applications and fees are not submitted according to prescribed timelines. Agencies that transfer ownership without notifying the TDOH at least 30 days prior to the change are subject to license revocation.