Home Services Agencies Frequently Asked Questions

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 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 it 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.

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.

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

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

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

Or via email to DPH.COOS@illinois.gov

First, refer to Sections 245.20 and 245.80 of the code to determine whether a branch office or drop-site is needed.

A branch office is an office location or site other than the parent agency from which an agency provides services within a portion of the total geographic area served by the parent agency. The branch office is part of the agency and is located sufficiently close to share administration, supervision, and services on a daily and emergency basis in a manner that renders it unnecessary for the branch to be independently licensed.

A drop-site is an office or site of the parent agency that does not render services but is used by the parent agency as a location for administrative tasks, which may include hiring or training staff and a location for staff to obtain supplies.

To apply for a branch or drop-site office, complete the Branch and Drop-site Questionnaire and submit it to the program supervisor via U.S. mail or email to the following address:

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

Or via email to DPH.COOS@illinois.gov

Private pay (out of pocket) or private insurance (HMO, PPO). Medicaid clients are through the Illinois Department on Aging (Community Care Program) or the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services. Contact them directly for approval for this client population.

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

To ensure your agency is prepared for its upcoming survey, refer to the Surveillance Nurse Visit Checklist.

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., 4^th 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 (obtain full police report).
   6. If the case is an abuse, neglect, or financial Exploitation allegation, contact the Illinois 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, patient, or client.
   8. Facility’s conclusion/investigation (was the employee terminated, disciplined, etc.).
   9. Service plan and all supervisory visits for client.
3. Witnesses names, address, phone numbers, and dated and signed witness statements if willing to testify.
4. Facility policy on the following:
   1. Health Care Worker Background Check
   2. Abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation
   3. Complaints