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About IDPH

Home Services/Home Nursing Placement Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to obtain a license?

  1. The applicant shall review the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 245, the Healthcare Worker Background Check code 77 Ill. Adm. Code 955, and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Code 77 Ill Adm. Code 973, to determine which license(s) reflects the services the agency plans to provide and to identify all the requirements for an agency licensed for Home Services.
  2. The applicant shall complete the initial licensing application for the license(s).
  3. IDPH will conduct an initial review of the application within 30 days of submission and will contact the applicant for any necessary revisions via the email address listed on the application.
  4. The application must be completed and approved within 90 days of submission, or the application may be denied as per section 245.130(b).
  5. If the agency’s application is approved, IDPH will issue a provisional license, which is valid for 240 days, and inform the operational requirements necessary for the licensure survey within the first six months of the provisional licensure.
  6. IDPH must conduct an on-site survey to determine compliance within 30 days of the expiration of the provisional license.

How long does it take to obtain a license?

The time from application submission to the approval or denial of provisional licensure should take no more than 90 days. IDPH will only communicate with the agency representative via email, fax, or phone.

Can an agency apply for multiple licenses (i.e., Home Health, Home Services, Home Nursing, and placement agencies)?

Yes. To apply for multiple licenses, the applicant must submit a completed application and fee for each license. The fees are non-refundable.

How does an agency request an expansion in a geographical service area to service clients/patients?

The agency must seek IDPH approval before caring for clients in a new county. The agency shall complete the Geographic Service Area Request Form and submit it to IDPH at:

IDPH, Division of Health Care Facilities and Programs
Home Services Program
525 W. Jefferson St., 4th Floor
Springfield, IL. 62761

Or via email to DPH.COOS@illinois.gov

What is required for a change in the agency's demographics (e.g., physical address, mailing address, phone number, email, name)?

Ill. Adm. Code 245.80(h) requires a licensee to notify IDPH within 10 days of any change. A Facility Information Change Form must be completed and submitted to IDPH for processing.

What information must I have ready/available for my agency's licensure renewal survey?

To ensure your agency is prepared for its upcoming survey, refer to the Surveillance Nurse Visit Checklist for Home Services Placement or Home Nursing Placement.

How do I file a self-report of potential abuse or neglect, per section 245.250 of the code or for a review pursuant to the Health Care Worker Registry?

Send the written report referenced in Section 245.250(d) of the code on agency letterhead to one of the following:

IDPH, Division of Health Care Facilities and Programs
Home Nursing Program
525 W. Jefferson St., 4th Floor
Springfield, IL. 62761

Email: DPH.COOS@illinois.gov

The agency shall submit the following documents for IDPH review of a potential abuse, neglect, or theft finding (ANT) per the Health Care Work Background Check Act 225 ILCS 46/27:

  1. The alleged perpetrator’s information, including:
    1. Name
    2. Address
    3. Phone number
    4. Date of birth
    5. Social Security number (not just the last four numbers)
    6. Position title
    7. Date of hire, suspension, and/or termination
    8. Copies of any/all previous disciplinary actions
    9. Proof of initial and annual health care worker employment verifications and the initial fingerprint based background check
  2. A detailed account of the occurrence, including:
    1. Date, time, and location of the alleged incident
    2. Circumstances surrounding the occurrence
    3. Client/patient mental status, diagnoses, injuries, and willingness to testify (if the case goes to hearing or trial)
    4. If the agency is willing to testify if the case goes to a hearing or trial
    5. If the police were notified (if so, obtain full police report)
    6. If the case is an abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation allegation, be sure to contact the lllinois Department on Aging Abuse, Neglect, or Financial Exploitation hotline at 1-866-800-1409 or 1-888-206-1327.
    7. Interview results and written statements from employees/patients or clients.
    8. Facility’s conclusion/investigation (was the employee terminated, disciplined, etc.)
    9. Service plan and all supervisory visits for client
  3. Witnesses name, address, phone number, and dated and signed witness statement if willing to testify
  4. Facility policy on the following:
    1. Health Care Worker Background Check
    2. Abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation
    3. Complaints